Finding Pet-Friendly Accommodation

The top 2 reasons why cats and dogs are surrendered to shelters are cited as “moving” and “landlord not allowing pets” (US National Council on Pet Population Policy). The BC SPCA estimates that 12 percent of animals are in shelters because their guardians were unable to find pet-friendly accommodation.

In British Columbia, under the Residential Tenancy Act, landlords may prohibit a tenant from having a pet. As of January 1, 2004 changes to the BC Residential Tenancy Act allowed landlords to require a tenant to pay a pet damage deposit, in addition to a normal security deposit. This pet damage deposit may be up to one half of a month’s rent. If a tenancy agreement does not contain a no-pet clause, the landlord may issue a notice to end the tenancy on the grounds of unreasonable disturbance to others, safety impairment, extraordinary damage or the tenant’s refusal to repair damage. If you have a clause in your tenancy agreement that prohibits pets and you then receive verbal permission from your landlord to have a pet, the Residential Tenancy Office recommends that you note such a change to your agreement in writing on the lease and have each party initial the change.

Similarly, under the Strata Property Act, strata corporations can prohibit or restrict owners and tenants from keeping pets.

Before you adopt a pet, it is important to check with your landlord and strata corporation to ensure that you are allowed to have pets.

Finding pet-friendly accommodation is very challenging. Put yourself in the place of a landlord or property manager. They may have had a bad experience with previous tenants who didn't repair damage, didn't pick up feces, allowed their pets to roam, or whose barking dog initiated complaints from the neighbours.

You must do some work to sell yourself as a responsible pet owner.

Here are some tips:

1.  Make sure you don’t wait until the last minute to search for accommodation

2.  Demonstrate to the landlord that you are a responsible pet owner: bring references from past landlords, neighbours, your veterinarian, dog trainer etc. Also provide a pet resume which contains your pet license, vaccination records, proof of spay/neuter, and obedience training.

3.  Ask the landlord about what their concerns are and discuss this with them (show them that you care about the property). If you encounter a no pets policy, ask if this is the result of a negative experience with a previous tenant.

4.  Suggest that the landlord meet your pet and ensure that they understand how much your pet means to you. You can even invite the landlord to visit your current home to show them that you take care of your residence and your pet is well-behaved.

5. Point out to the landlord that you intent to stay for the long term. Landlords are always searching for responsible, stable, long term tenants. You can explain that because you have a pet, you are more likely to stay for a long time.

6.  Show that you are willing to have the landlord visit the place after you move in to ensure that your pet is well-adjusted and well-behaved.

7.  Consider purchasing a pet insurance policy that includes coverage for property damage.