My building doesn’t allow pets. Is this legal?

In a rental apartment, landlords can restrict tenants from having pets. They can also restrict the type, size, or number of pets allowed. If they do allow pets, make sure that’s included in your tenancy agreement, in writing. And yes, they can ask for a refundable pet deposit of up to one half month’s rent, which can be charged in addition to a security deposit. 

For property owners living in a condo, your strata bylaws may restrict keeping pets. But they might only restrict certain kinds or numbers of pets. And if they make any changes to the bylaws after you got your pet, then your pet would be grandfathered in (meaning, you can keep it even if it’s against the new rules).

There are a couple of exceptions to all this. If you have a certified guide dog or service dog, you are allowed to have it even in a building that restricts pets. As well, if you have a physical or mental disability and require an animal to assist you, a “no pets” clause could amount to discrimination. This is the case even if the animal isn’t certified as a guide or service dog. For example, learn how a landlord may have to accommodate a request for an emotional support animal.