6 Tips For Tenants with Pets: Finding Pet-Friendly Rentals in BC

Discover some ways that will increase your chances of getting the place you want . . . with your furry companion.

Finding Pet-Friendly Rentals in British Columbia: A Guide for Tenants with Pets

Finding a home that welcomes both you and your furry companion can be challenging in British Columbia. According to the BC SPCA, there is a significant shortage of pet-friendly rental housing across the province. While many landlords may allow cats, finding rentals that permit dogs—especially larger breeds—can be difficult. This is often due to condo or townhouse strata bylaws that restrict the size or number of pets allowed, adding another layer of complexity for pet owners searching for suitable housing.

Why Are Pet-Friendly Rentals Hard to Find?

Many landlords have concerns about renting to tenants with pets because of the potential for property damage, noise disturbances, and possible risks to other tenants. Despite these concerns, it’s important to recognize that over half of Canadian households have pets. Most pet owners take their responsibilities seriously and would not risk financial loss by allowing their pets to cause damage.

What Can Landlords Legally Do Regarding Pets?

In British Columbia, landlords have the legal right to decide whether or not to allow pets in their rental properties. If pets are permitted, landlords can place reasonable restrictions on the type, size, or number of pets allowed. They can also establish specific pet-related rules that tenants must follow.

Landlords may request a pet damage deposit; however, under B.C. tenancy law, the pet deposit cannot exceed half of one month’s rent, regardless of how many pets the tenant has. This deposit is strictly for covering damages caused by pets—not for general wear and tear.

How to Be a Responsible Pet Owner and Secure a Rental

As a pet owner, it’s important to demonstrate to prospective landlords that you are both a responsible tenant and a considerate pet owner. Here are practical steps to help you increase your chances of securing a pet-friendly rental:

1. Be Honest and Positive About Your Pet

When applying for a rental, openly discuss your pet’s characteristics in a way that reassures the landlord. For example, you might say, “I have a 10-year-old, short-haired, spayed female cat named Billy. She’s an indoor cat who mostly sleeps and causes no disturbances,” or “My 5-year-old Pomeranian, Peaches, is neutered, professionally trained, and rarely barks. I am happy to sign a pet agreement.”

2. Provide References and Documentation

Bringing references from previous landlords can show your history as a reliable tenant who takes care of the property—even with pets. Additionally, sharing your pet’s veterinary records demonstrates responsible care and health maintenance, which can ease landlord concerns.

3. Offer to Sign a Pet Agreement

Show landlords that you are willing to agree to specific pet-related rules by offering to sign a pet agreement. Many property managers appreciate this proactive approach as it clarifies expectations. You can find sample pet agreements in rental form resources online.

Tips for Renting with Dogs

Renting with dogs can be especially challenging, but there are ways to make a positive impression on landlords:

Bring Your Dog to the Viewing: Letting the landlord meet your dog in person can help build trust and show your pet’s temperament.
Invite the Landlord to See Your Current Home: Offering the landlord the chance to visit your current residence lets them see how well you maintain your home, reinforcing your reliability as a tenant.
Create a Pet Resume: Compile a “resume” for your dog that includes obedience training certificates, vaccination records, and references from dog trainers, pet sitters, or neighbours. This helps demonstrate your commitment to responsible pet ownership.

Final Thoughts

While finding pet-friendly rental housing in British Columbia can be tough, being transparent, prepared, and proactive can significantly improve your chances. Respecting landlord concerns, providing thorough documentation, and showing your responsibility as a pet owner all contribute to creating a positive rental experience for both you and your landlord.

Arbitrated Decisions Regarding Pets

Case: Landlord tries to collect pet deposit
Decision: http://www.housing.gov.bc.ca/rtb/decisions/2011/02/Decision1816_022011.pdf

Case: Landlord gives a Notice to End Tenancy because the Tenant has 9 or more cats
Decision: http://www.housing.gov.bc.ca/rtb/decisions/2011/03/Decision1308_032011.pdf

For more information on an initiative to strike down laws in BC that allow property owners to impose unfair “no pets” policies on tenants in rental housing, and that allow Strata Corporations to impose pet restrictions on owners of Strata properties, visit www.petsok.ca

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6 Tips For Tenants with Pets: Finding Pet-Friendly Rentals in BC

Finding Pet-Friendly Rentals in British Columbia: A Guide for Tenants with Pets

Why Are Pet-Friendly Rentals Hard to Find?

What Can Landlords Legally Do Regarding Pets?

How to Be a Responsible Pet Owner and Secure a Rental

Tips for Renting with Dogs

Final Thoughts

Arbitrated Decisions Regarding Pets

Tenancy Topics