THE MYTH
“Landlords can never refuse pets / Landlords can refuse pets for any reason.”
WHAT'S TRUE
Landlords can restrict pets in the tenancy agreement. If pets are allowed, the landlord can require up to a half-month pet damage deposit (on top of the security deposit).
THE DETAIL
There is no legal right to keep a pet under the RTA. A tenancy agreement may prohibit or restrict pets. If pets are permitted, section 19(3) allows an additional pet damage deposit of up to one-half month's rent. Guide dogs and service animals are a separate category, protected by the BC Human Rights Code. A blanket no-pets policy cannot be applied to a certified guide dog or service animal.
Related myths
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Tenant myth
BC has no 'last month's rent.' Landlords can collect a security deposit (max half a month's rent) and a pet damage deposit (another half month). That's it.
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Common to both sides
Fixed-term leases automatically become month-to-month at the end of the term in almost every case. The landlord can only require move-out if a strictly-limited 'vacate clause' applies.