A Canadian Pet Lease Addendum is a legal document that modifies an existing residential lease agreement to formally permit a tenant to keep one or more pets on the rental premises. This addendum identifies the specific pet by type, breed, name, weight, age, and colour, and establishes the rules, responsibilities, and financial obligations associated with pet ownership on the property.

Pet regulations in Canadian residential tenancies vary significantly by province, making a properly drafted pet addendum essential. In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (S.O. 2006, c. 17) renders no-pet clauses in residential leases void and unenforceable (s. 14). This means a landlord cannot refuse to rent to a tenant because they have a pet, and a tenant cannot be evicted solely for having a pet. However, a landlord can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board under s. 76 if the pet causes damage to the premises, substantially interferes with the reasonable enjoyment of other tenants, or causes allergic reactions to other tenants. In Ontario, landlords are also prohibited from charging any deposit beyond a last month’s rent deposit (s. 105-106), meaning pet damage deposits are not permitted.

In British Columbia, the Residential Tenancy Act (R.S.B.C. 2002, c. 78) allows landlords to include pet restrictions in the lease and to charge a pet damage deposit of up to half a month’s rent in addition to the regular security deposit (s. 18-19). If no pet damage is found at the end of the tenancy, the full pet damage deposit must be returned within 15 days. BC landlords can refuse to rent to pet owners and can include specific breed, size, or number restrictions in the lease.

In Alberta, the Residential Tenancies Act (S.A. 2004, c. R-17.1) allows landlords to restrict or prohibit pets in the lease agreement. Alberta permits a maximum security deposit of one month’s rent, and a separate pet deposit beyond this amount is generally not allowed. Pet restrictions must be clearly stated in the lease. In Quebec, the Civil Code and Tribunal administratif du logement govern pet disputes, and landlords may include pet restrictions in the lease.

Even in Ontario, where no-pet clauses are void, a pet addendum serves an important purpose: it documents the specific pet being kept, establishes clear rules for pet ownership, and creates a written record of the tenant’s obligations. This protects both parties by preventing disputes over pet-related damage, noise, and liability.

A Canadian Pet Lease Addendum is needed whenever a tenant wishes to bring a pet into a rental property and the landlord agrees to specify the terms under which the pet is permitted. In provinces where pet restrictions are enforceable (BC, Alberta, and most other provinces except Ontario), this addendum is essential to document the landlord’s consent and establish the conditions of that consent.

In Ontario, even though no-pet clauses are void, a pet addendum is strongly recommended as a practical measure. It identifies the specific pet, establishes cleanup and leash rules for common areas, and creates a written record that both parties can reference if disputes arise. Ontario landlords who wish to document their expectations regarding pet behaviour, noise, and waste cleanup should use this addendum.

In British Columbia, this addendum is needed to document the pet damage deposit (up to half a month’s rent), specify any breed or size restrictions, and establish the conditions under which the pet permission may be revoked. Without a written addendum, disputes over whether the landlord consented to the pet, the amount of the deposit, and the conditions of pet ownership become difficult to resolve.

This document is essential when a tenant acquires a new pet during an existing tenancy. Rather than negotiating a new lease, the addendum supplements the original lease with pet-specific terms while keeping all other lease provisions intact.

Property managers managing multi-unit buildings should use this addendum to maintain consistent pet policies across all units. The addendum creates a standardized framework for pet approvals, deposits, and rules that can be applied uniformly.

Condominium tenants who wish to keep a pet must consider both the lease agreement and the condominium corporation’s declaration and bylaws, which may impose additional pet restrictions even in Ontario.

Pet Identification -- The addendum must identify each permitted pet by species, breed, name, approximate weight, age, and colour or markings. This specificity prevents disputes over whether a different or additional pet was authorized. If the tenant replaces the pet or acquires additional pets, a new addendum should be executed.

Original Lease Reference -- The addendum must clearly reference the original lease agreement by title, date, and the address of the rental premises. It must state that the addendum forms an integral part of the original lease and that all other terms remain in full force and effect.

Pet Damage Deposit -- Where permitted by provincial law, the addendum should specify the pet damage deposit amount, the due date, the conditions for deductions, and the refund timeline. In BC, the maximum is half a month's rent (RTA s. 18). In Ontario, pet damage deposits are prohibited (RTA s. 105-106). In Alberta, the total deposit (including any pet component) cannot exceed one month's rent.

Tenant Obligations -- The addendum should specify the tenant's obligations, including keeping vaccinations current, leashing the pet in common areas, cleaning up pet waste, preventing excessive noise, and complying with municipal pet licensing bylaws. The tenant should acknowledge responsibility for all pet-related damage to the premises, common areas, and other tenants' property.

Additional Restrictions -- Any specific restrictions on the pet's size, breed, outdoor access, or hours of use of common areas should be clearly documented. Restrictions must be reasonable and, in Ontario, cannot effectively operate as a no-pet clause.

Breach and Remedies -- The addendum should specify the consequences of violating the pet terms, including the cure period and the landlord's right to revoke pet permission. In Ontario, the landlord's remedies are limited to those available under the RTA; the landlord cannot unilaterally evict but must apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Governing Province -- The addendum must specify the governing province, which determines the applicable pet deposit rules, enforcement mechanisms, and dispute resolution procedures.