Pets Are in High Demand, Should Your Rental Be Pet Friendly?
One of the first questions prospective tenants ask when searching for a rental home is simple:
"Are pets allowed?"
In fact, pet-friendly rentals have become one of the most searched categories across Metro Vancouver. Yet many landlords continue to maintain blanket "no pets" policies without fully understanding what BC tenancy law allows or the opportunities they may be missing. While allowing pets isn't the right choice for every property, many landlords are surprised to learn that a carefully structured pet policy can actually reduce vacancy, attract long-term tenants, and improve overall rental performance. Understanding your legal obligations, knowing how pet damage deposits work, and creating a clear written pet policy can help protect your investment while giving you access to a much larger pool of qualified applicants. Whether you own a condo in Port Moody, a townhouse in Coquitlam, or an investment property in Burnaby, understanding today's rental market allows you to make informed decisions instead of relying on outdated assumptions.
If you're new to becoming a landlord, our Beginner's Guide to Renting Out a House for the First Time in BC provides an excellent overview of everything you should prepare before listing your property.
What BC Law Says About Pets in Rental Properties
Many landlords assume BC law requires them to accept pets. It doesn't. Under the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA), landlords generally have the right to decide whether pets are permitted in their rental property.
You may choose to:
- prohibit all pets
- allow only cats
- allow only dogs below a certain size
- limit the number of pets
- approve pets on a case-by-case basis
Whatever policy you choose, it should be clearly documented in your written tenancy agreement before the tenancy begins. One important exception exists.
Service Animals and Assistance Animals
A landlord cannot refuse a tenant who requires a legitimate service animal or assistance animal related to a disability. These situations fall under the BC Human Rights Code, which overrides a general no-pet policy.
For example:
- guide dogs
- mobility assistance dogs
- psychiatric service animals
- other medically required assistance animals
Attempting to deny housing solely because of a qualified assistance animal could expose a landlord to a Human Rights complaint.
Can Tenants Get a Pet After Moving In?
This is one of the most common questions landlords ask. The answer depends on the tenancy agreement. If your lease clearly prohibits pets, tenants cannot simply decide to acquire one during the tenancy without your permission. However, landlords must still follow the proper legal process if the agreement is breached. Simply demanding that a tenant remove the animal or attempting to remove it yourself is not the correct approach under the Residential Tenancy Act.
Instead, landlords should:
- communicate in writing
- reference the specific lease clause
- allow the tenant an opportunity to comply
- follow the Residential Tenancy Branch process if necessary
Many disputes occur because landlords react emotionally instead of following the legal process. Having a professionally prepared tenancy agreement greatly reduces this risk. If you'd like to better understand your legal responsibilities as a landlord, read our BC Residential Tenancy Agreement: Rights and Obligations of Landlords.
Understanding the Pet Damage Deposit in BC
Allowing pets does not mean accepting unlimited financial risk. British Columbia allows landlords to collect a separate pet damage deposit in addition to the standard security deposit.
Under the Residential Tenancy Act:
- The security deposit may be up to ½ month's rent
- The pet damage deposit may also be up to ½ month's rent
These are two completely separate deposits.
For example:
Monthly Rent: $2,800
Maximum Security Deposit: $1,400
Maximum Pet Damage Deposit: $1,400
Total Permitted Deposits: $2,800
Unlike some jurisdictions, BC landlords cannot charge non-refundable pet fees or monthly pet rent. Only the deposits permitted under the Residential Tenancy Act may be collected.
What Can the Pet Damage Deposit Be Used For?
A pet damage deposit can only be used for damage directly caused by the tenant's pet.
Examples include:
- scratched doors
- damaged trim
- urine-damaged flooring
- carpet staining caused by pets
- damaged window screens
- chewed cabinetry
- pet-related odors requiring remediation
It cannot be used for:
- unpaid rent
- general cleaning between tenants
- ordinary wear and tear
- damage unrelated to the pet
To successfully retain part of a pet damage deposit, landlords must properly document the property's condition before and after the tenancy.
That includes:
- Move-in Condition Inspection Report
- Move-out Inspection Report
- timestamped photographs
- repair invoices
- written documentation
Without proper documentation, deductions can be difficult to defend during an RTB dispute.
For a detailed explanation of allowable deductions, read our guide: What Can a Landlord Deduct from a Security Deposit in BC?
Why More Metro Vancouver Landlords Are Becoming Pet Friendly
Many landlords automatically choose a no-pet policy because they worry about damage. While those concerns are understandable, today's rental market tells a different story. A thoughtfully written pet policy often creates more advantages than disadvantages.
Larger Applicant Pool
Industry estimates suggest that more than half of Canadian households own at least one pet. A strict no-pet policy immediately eliminates a significant percentage of otherwise qualified tenants.
In today's more competitive rental market, expanding your applicant pool often leads to:
- shorter vacancy periods
- stronger tenant selection
- higher occupancy rates
This is especially true in markets like Coquitlam, Port Moody, Burnaby, and Surrey, where renters often compare multiple listings before making a decision.
If you're unsure whether your rental pricing remains competitive in today's market, our Rental Valuation: Maximize Your Property's Worth guide explains how professional rental valuations help maximize both occupancy and rental income.
Longer Tenancies
Finding pet-friendly housing isn't always easy. As a result, tenants who successfully secure a pet-friendly rental often remain in place longer than average.
Lower turnover means:
- fewer vacancies
- lower advertising costs
- fewer tenant placement fees
- less wear caused by frequent move-ins and move-outs
Long-term tenancy is one of the largest contributors to overall rental profitability.
Responsible Pet Owners Are Often Responsible Tenants
One of the biggest misconceptions is that pets cause property damage. In reality, experienced property managers know that the tenant, not the pet, is usually the deciding factor. A responsible tenant with excellent references and a well-behaved dog often represents less risk than an irresponsible tenant without pets. That's why professional tenant screening services remain one of the best ways to protect your investment.
Instead of focusing solely on the animal, experienced property management companies evaluate:
- rental history
- employment stability
- credit history
- landlord references
- overall responsibility
Our Tenant Placement Services include comprehensive tenant screening designed to help landlords find reliable long-term tenants, whether they have pets or not.
How to Create a Pet Policy That Protects Your Rental Property
If you decide to allow pets, your policy should be specific, consistent, and documented as part of the tenancy agreement. A verbal agreement or a vague clause can create confusion and make disputes more difficult to resolve.
A well-written pet policy should clearly outline:
- The number of pets permitted (for example, one dog or one cat)
- The types of pets allowed
- Any size or weight restrictions
- The pet damage deposit collected
- The tenant's responsibility for pet-related damage, odors, and noise
- Requirements to clean up after pets and comply with local bylaws
- A requirement that tenants obtain written approval before bringing additional pets into the property
For strata properties, landlords should also review the building's bylaws before advertising the rental. Many strata corporations have their own restrictions on pet size, breed, or the number of animals permitted. If you're renting out a strata property for the first time, our Beginner's Guide to Renting Out a House for the First Time in BC explains the legal documents and preparation every landlord should complete before listing a rental.
What Happens If a Tenant Gets a Pet Without Permission?
If your tenancy agreement clearly states that pets are prohibited, and a tenant brings one into the property without your approval, you still need to follow the proper legal process under the Residential Tenancy Act.
Rather than reacting immediately, landlords should:
- Contact the tenant in writing.
- Reference the specific clause in the tenancy agreement.
- Request that the tenant remedy the breach.
- If the issue is not resolved, follow the Residential Tenancy Branch process, which may include serving the appropriate notice and applying for dispute resolution if necessary.
Attempting to remove the animal yourself, changing the locks, or entering the property without proper notice can create legal issues for the landlord. Understanding the correct process protects both your investment and your legal position.
Pet-Friendly Rentals Can Be a Competitive Advantage
Rental demand across Metro Vancouver has become more competitive than it was several years ago. Today's tenants often compare multiple listings before making a decision, which means seemingly small differences can significantly affect vacancy periods.
Allowing responsible pet owners can provide several business advantages:
- A larger pool of qualified applicants
- Reduced vacancy periods
- Longer average tenancy lengths
- More lease renewals
- Increased rental income over the long term
Of course, none of these benefits replace careful tenant screening. The quality of the tenant remains far more important than whether they own a pet.
Professional tenant screening services help verify:
- Employment and income
- Credit history
- Previous landlord references
- Rental payment history
- Overall suitability for your property
Tenant Placement Services are designed to help landlords throughout Metro Vancouver secure reliable long-term tenants while reducing unnecessary risk.
Professional Property Management Makes Pet Policies Easier
One reason many landlords choose professional property management services is because they no longer need to navigate difficult tenancy situations alone.
A licensed property manager can help with every stage of the tenancy, including:
- Developing an appropriate pet policy
- Marketing pet-friendly rental properties
- Conducting professional tenant screening
- Completing detailed move-in and move-out inspections
- Managing tenant communications
- Coordinating maintenance
- Handling Residential Tenancy Branch matters when disputes arise
Whether you own one rental home or a growing investment portfolio, working with an experienced property management company helps reduce risk while protecting your property's long-term value.
Axford provides residential property management services throughout Metro Vancouver, including:
Our local market knowledge allows us to tailor rental strategies based on each community's tenant demand and rental trends.
Make the Right Pet Policy for Your Investment Property
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to allowing pets in rental properties. For some landlords, a carefully structured pet policy opens the door to a larger tenant pool, longer tenancies, and fewer vacancies. For others, the property's layout, strata bylaws, or insurance requirements may make a no-pet policy the better choice. The important thing is making an informed decision based on BC tenancy laws, current rental market conditions, and your property's unique circumstances, not assumptions.
At Axford Property Management, we help landlords throughout Metro Vancouver create rental policies that protect their investments while attracting high-quality tenants. From tenant placement services and condition inspections to ongoing rental property management, our licensed team ensures every tenancy is handled professionally and in compliance with BC legislation.
Contact Axford Property Management today to learn how our experienced property managers can help you maximize your rental property's potential while minimizing risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refuse a tenant with a service animal in BC?
No. Under the BC Human Rights Code, landlords cannot refuse a tenant because they require a service animal or another assistance animal related to a disability. These protections apply even if the tenancy agreement includes a general no-pet policy.
Can I charge a non-refundable pet fee?
No. The Residential Tenancy Act does not allow landlords to charge non-refundable pet fees or monthly pet rent. You may collect a pet damage deposit of up to one-half of one month's rent, provided the tenancy agreement allows pets.
Can a strata corporation prohibit pets?
Yes. Many strata corporations have bylaws limiting the size, breed, or number of pets permitted within the building. Landlords should review the current strata bylaws before advertising a pet-friendly rental.
What damage can I deduct from a pet damage deposit?
A landlord may deduct the reasonable cost of repairing damage directly caused by a tenant's pet, provided it is supported by a properly completed move-in and move-out condition inspection report and appropriate documentation. To better understand what deductions are permitted under BC law, read What Can a Landlord Deduct from a Security Deposit in BC?
Is allowing pets a good idea for landlords?
It depends on the property, but many Metro Vancouver landlords find that allowing responsible pet owners increases the number of qualified applicants, reduces vacancy periods, and encourages longer tenancies. Combining a clear pet policy with professional tenant screening services and detailed condition inspections significantly reduces potential risks.