Should You Allow Pets as a Landlord in Ontario?

It's one of the most common landlord questions: should you allow pets? In Ontario, the answer is shaped by the law more than your preference. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, a "no-pets" clause in a lease is generally void and unenforceable. So the smarter question is how to manage pets well — and where the limits actually are.

Key takeaways

• "No-pet" clauses in Ontario leases are void and unenforceable under the Residential Tenancies Act.
• You generally can't refuse a tenant just because they have a pet after move-in.
• Condo rules, safety, allergies, and serious damage are narrow exceptions.
• Allowing pets widens your applicant pool and can reduce vacancy.
• HOMEH helps landlords navigate the rules — and gives buyers the industry's highest Cashback Rebate.

The law: "no-pet" clauses don't hold up

Here's the part that surprises many landlords: under Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, a clause that prohibits pets in a residential lease is void. Even if a tenant signs a lease promising no pets, that promise generally can't be enforced — they can still keep one. This is different from most other Canadian provinces, so don't assume rules from elsewhere apply here.

Void from the start

Because a no-pet clause is void, including one in your lease doesn't give you grounds to evict a tenant simply for getting a pet. The clause has no legal effect even when both parties signed it.

When pets can still be a problem

The protection isn't unlimited. A landlord can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board to address a pet in specific situations, including:

• Serious damage — the animal is causing significant property damage.
• Allergies — the pet seriously affects another tenant's or the landlord's health.
• Safety or noise — the animal is dangerous or unreasonably disturbing others.
• Condo rules — a condominium's declaration may legitimately restrict certain pets, which can override the tenancy.

In these cases the issue isn't the pet itself — it's the harm it causes. The landlord must bring the matter to the LTB rather than simply removing the tenant. Disputes are resolved through the legal eviction process, not self-help.

Why allowing pets can be good business

Since you usually can't enforce a ban anyway, it's worth seeing pets as an advantage. A large share of renters have pets, and many struggle to find places that welcome them. A pet-friendly listing stands out, attracts more applicants, and often keeps good tenants longer because moving with a pet is hard.

Lower vacancy, longer stays

Pet owners who finally find a welcoming rental tend to stay put. Marketing your unit as pet-friendly can shrink vacancy and turnover — both of which cost far more than the occasional bit of extra cleaning.

Managing pets the right way

Even though you can't ban pets or charge a pet deposit (Ontario doesn't allow extra security deposits), you can manage responsibly. Screen tenants thoroughly, document the unit's condition at move-in, and set clear, reasonable expectations about cleanliness and noise. Strong screening up front is your best tool — see how to find good tenants.

Spell out responsibilities in the lease using the Ontario Standard Lease and any allowed additional terms. Our guide to rental lease agreement essentials shows what you can and can't include, and our walkthrough on how to become a landlord in Ontario puts the pet rules in the context of your wider duties.

Investing in a rental property?

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