- A pet damage deposit is capped at half of one month's rent, no matter how many pets you have.
- A landlord can allow or refuse pets and can set limits on size, type and number, but cannot charge a monthly pet fee.
- Certified guide and service dogs are not pets, so no pet damage deposit can be charged for them.
Renting with a cat, a dog or another animal raises practical questions before you sign. How much can the landlord ask for up front, can they say no, and what else can they charge?
In British Columbia, the Residential Tenancy Act and the Province's guidance answer most of these. This article explains the pet deposit limit, the rules on no-pet clauses, and the charges that are not allowed.
This article covers the law of British Columbia.
How much can a landlord charge for a pet damage deposit?
The pet damage deposit is capped at half of one month's rent, regardless of the number of pets. Only one pet deposit may be required.
A security deposit is also capped at half of one month's rent under RTA s. 19, so the two deposits together can total a full month's rent. Under RTA s. 20, only one security deposit and one pet deposit may be taken.
The pet deposit is due at the start of the tenancy, or when you get a pet during the tenancy. It covers damage caused by the pet, unless the parties agree in writing or an arbitrator orders otherwise.
Can a landlord refuse pets?
Yes, in most cases. Landlords decide whether pets are allowed, and they may set limits on size, type and number. A no-pets clause is allowed, and the landlord does not have to remove it if you ask.
Certified guide and service dogs are an exception. They are not pets, and a landlord cannot charge a pet damage deposit for them. Certification is voluntary in B.C..
Fees and extra charges that are not allowed
A landlord cannot charge a pet fee beyond the pet damage deposit, such as a monthly pet fee. Landlords also cannot charge a fee for accepting, reviewing or processing a rental application, or a fee for returning the deposit.
- Monthly pet fees are not allowed.
- Application or processing fees are not allowed.
- A fee for returning the deposit is not allowed.
- Guest fees are barred by Regulation s. 5(1).
Whether a particular charge is really extra rent or a disguised fee can depend on the facts. A lawyer can confirm how the rules apply to your agreement.
Overpaid, damage and getting the deposit back
If you overpaid a deposit, you can withhold the difference from your next month's rent, but you must tell the landlord in writing. Otherwise you can seek dispute resolution to recover the overpaid amount.
If the deposit does not cover the damage, the landlord can request an order for you to pay additional costs. After the tenancy ends, the landlord must repay the deposit with interest or apply for dispute resolution within 15 days after the later of the tenancy's end date or the date they receive your forwarding address in writing. If they fail to do so, they may not claim against the deposit and must pay you double the deposit.
What to do next
- Read the pet clause in your tenancy agreement before signing.
- Check that the pet deposit is no more than half of one month's rent.
- Get a written receipt for every deposit you pay.
- Give your forwarding address to the landlord in writing when you move out.
Frequently asked questions
Can my landlord charge a pet deposit for each pet?
No. The pet damage deposit is capped at half of one month's rent regardless of the number of pets, and only one pet deposit may be required.
Can I ask my landlord to remove a no-pets clause?
You can ask, but the landlord does not have to agree. A no-pets clause is allowed, and the landlord need not remove it on request.
Can a landlord charge a monthly pet fee?
No. Landlords cannot charge a fee for pets beyond a pet damage deposit, such as a monthly pet fee.
Do I pay a pet deposit for a service dog?
No. Certified guide and service dogs are not pets, and landlords cannot charge a pet damage deposit for them.
Sources
- gov.bc.ca – Tenancy deposits and fees — www2.gov.bc.ca
- gov.bc.ca – Pets and tenancy — www2.gov.bc.ca
- Residential Tenancy Act, s. 38 — bclaws.gov.bc.ca
Links go to official government, court and regulator pages. The law changes — confirm you are reading the current version.
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