Can my landlord forbid me from having a cat or a dog?
Short answer
Yes. In Quebec, a clear clause of the lease or of the building's rules prohibiting animals is valid, apart from exceptions such as a service dog or a prohibition found to be excessive in the circumstances.
In detail
If there is no prohibition clause, the tenant may keep an animal, as long as it causes no disturbance and no damage.
If the clause does exist, it applies in principle. Two exceptions are recognized: an animal that compensates for a disability, such as a service dog, and the case where the prohibition is excessive given the circumstances, for example where medical evidence shows a therapeutic need.
A landlord who finds a prohibited animal on the premises may ask the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL, Quebec's rental board) to have the tenant part with it. If the animal causes serious prejudice to the landlord or to the other tenants, the landlord may apply to cancel the lease.
What to document
A photo of the exact clause in your lease or in the building's rules, the date the landlord was told about the animal, and, if you are relying on an exception, the medical documents or the certificate relating to the service dog.
Put your facts in writing, free. Writing your version down early, keeping your documents dated and preparing your questions for a lawyer: the tool is there to document, never to advise.
Open the application Up to 3 files, no card · see the plans
Official sources
- JuridiQC — Pets in a dwelling: what are your rights?
- Éducaloi — Animals and housing
- Tribunal administratif du logement — Frequently asked questions
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What this page is not
This is general legal information about the law of Quebec and Canada, dated and sourced. It is not legal advice, not a strategy, and not a prediction about the outcome of a case. In Quebec, only lawyers and notaries may give legal advice (Act respecting the Barreau du Québec, ss. 128 and 133). Laws and amounts change: the official source always prevails over us.