Can a Landlord Say No Pets? Rules by Province
Can your landlord ban your pet? In most of Canada, yes — if it's in the lease. But Ontario is the one province where a signed "no-pet" clause is void. Here's every province, plus pet deposits and service-animal rules.
| Province | Can a landlord refuse pets? | Pet deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | No — 'no-pet' clauses are void | No pet deposit allowed |
| British Columbia | Yes — if stated in the lease | Pet damage deposit up to ½ month's rent |
| Alberta | Yes — if stated in the lease | No separate pet deposit (one deposit cap) |
| Quebec | Yes — no-pet clauses are generally enforceable | No deposits allowed at all |
| Manitoba | Yes — if stated in the lease | Pet deposit allowed (counts toward the ½-month cap) |
| Saskatchewan | Yes — if stated in the lease | Within the one-month deposit cap |
| Nova Scotia | Yes — if stated in the lease | No separate pet deposit |
| New Brunswick | Yes — if stated in the lease | Within the standard deposit |
| Prince Edward Island | Yes — if stated in the lease | Within the standard deposit |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Yes — if stated in the lease | Within the standard deposit |
Notes by province
- Ontario: Under RTA s.14 a no-pet clause is void once the lease is signed. A landlord can still refuse an applicant, and can seek eviction if a pet causes damage, allergic reactions, or is a dangerous breed.
- British Columbia: Landlords may ban pets or limit type/size/number if written into the tenancy agreement. The pet deposit is on top of the security deposit.
- Alberta: Landlords can enforce no-pet clauses and set rules on breed, size, and number. Any pet-related damage comes out of the single security deposit.
- Quebec: A signed no-pet clause is binding. (A 2026 TAL ruling questioned such clauses on Charter grounds, but the law is unchanged — treat a no-pet clause as enforceable for now.)
- Manitoba: Landlords may prohibit or restrict pets; a pet damage deposit is permitted within the overall deposit limit.
- Saskatchewan: No-pet clauses and pet restrictions are enforceable.
- Nova Scotia: Landlords may set a no-pet policy; damage is covered by the standard deposit.
- New Brunswick: No-pet clauses are enforceable.
- Prince Edward Island: Landlords may prohibit or restrict pets by lease term.
- Newfoundland & Labrador: No-pet clauses are enforceable.
The big picture
Ontario stands alone:once you've signed, a no-pet clause there is void. Everywhere else in Canada, a no-pet clause written into the lease is generally enforceable, and a landlord can decline a pet-owning applicant before signing. Two rules are nationwide: certified service animals are always protected under human-rights law, and a pet that causes real damage or disturbance can lead to eviction anywhere — Ontario included.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules change — confirm with your provincial tenancy authority before relying on it.