B.C. organizations call on province to end pet bans in rental housing

(Shutterstock)

Two B.C. organizations are calling on the province to end the widespread use of no-pet clauses in rental agreements, which have been illegal in Ontario for close to three decades.

Since 2014, the B.C. SPCA has taken in more than 12,400 pets whose owners were having housing challenges, the charity said in a joint statement with Downtown Eastside non-profit First United.

“People should not have to choose between surrendering their pet and having a home,” said First United’s Sarah Marsden, in a statement.

First United conducted a review of available decisions on pet-related residential tenancy disputes to get a better sense of whether landlords were being saddled with hefty bills for repairing damage. The organization said it found deposits were enough to cover the landlord’s costs in 82 per cent of the cases reviewed. The average share of a renter’s deposit the landlord was allowed to retain for repairs worked out to just over 71 per cent.

“In terms of landlord compensation for potential pet damage, the existing mechanisms are more than adequate, and pet bans are not necessary. Research also shows that tenants with pets provide stability and economic benefits to landlords,” the statement said.

The groups are calling for amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act that would prohibit pet bans in rental buildings with five or more units.

“This change recognizes the difference between small and large landlords and the important role that single-unit owners play in the rental housing market in B.C.,” the statement said.

“For a landlord that owns a large building, or even a few units, it’s illogical to forego hundreds of thousands of dollars in rental revenue based on speculations about pet damage.”

The organizations also said the call to drastically increase the availability of pet-friendly housing is a call for Premier David Eby and his NDP government to make good on a campaign promise.

According to the party’s 2024 platform, one of its housing-related pledges was “ending the bias against pet owners by getting rid of no pet clauses in purpose-built rental apartment buildings.”

Asked about the campaign from the B.C. SPCA and First United, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs told CTV News the province is “exploring options for pet policies in purpose-built rental buildings, which impact young people, seniors and people living with disabilities the most.”

“We recognize that pets play an important part in the lives of many British Columbians, contributing to emotional well-being, companionship and overall quality of life,” the spokesperson said, in a statement.

“At the same time, we acknowledge the concerns raised related to property damage, noise, health and safety. These are also important considerations, especially as we continue to focus on increasing the supply of rental housing and supporting a healthy rental market.”

Currently, landlords and tenants are “allowed to discuss and negotiate” the question of pets in rentals, the spokesperson added.