Can Your Landlord Evict You for Having a Pet in Ontario?
Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act voids no-pet clauses in leases. But landlords can still act against pets that cause damage, noise, or allergies. This gui...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a no-pet clause in my lease enforceable in Ontario?
No. Section 14 of the Residential Tenancies Act makes any provision prohibiting animals in a tenancy agreement void. Even if you signed a lease with a no-pet clause, it is legally unenforceable.
Can my landlord evict me for getting a pet after I moved in?
Not for simply having the pet. A landlord cannot evict you based on a no-pet clause. However, if the pet causes substantial interference with other tenants, documented serious allergies, or is an inherently dangerous breed, the landlord may have grounds for an N5 notice.
What if I rent a condo that has a no-pet rule?
It depends on whether the restriction is in the condo corporation's declaration or its rules. Declaration-level pet bans are enforceable even if unreasonable. Rules-level restrictions must be reasonable under section 58(2) of the Condominium Act and may not survive a challenge.
Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have a pet?
Yes. Section 14 protects tenants, not applicants. Before a tenancy agreement exists, the landlord can refuse to rent to someone with a pet. Pet ownership is not a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
What should I do if I get an N5 notice about my pet?
Read it carefully. If the notice is for having a pet (not its behaviour), it will not succeed at the LTB. If it cites specific problems like noise or damage, you have 7 days to fix the issue and void the notice. Do not move out voluntarily — the landlord needs a Board order to evict you.
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