Finding a home that welcomes your pet can be more complicated than seeing “pet-friendly” in a listing. In B.C., the rules depend on whether you are renting, buying into a strata or renting a privately owned strata unit.
Here is what currently applies—and what may change.
Landlords Can Still Restrict Pets
As of September 2026, B.C. landlords may include a no-pet clause in a tenancy agreement or restrict the number, size and type of pets allowed.If a landlord permits a pet, they may request one pet-damage deposit of up to half of one month’s rent. This is the maximum regardless of how many pets are approved, and it is separate from the regular security deposit.
Tenants should always get permission in writing. A verbal assurance may be difficult to prove later, particularly if the property is sold or management changes.
These restrictions are subject to protections under the Guide Dog and Service Dog Act.
Strata Buildings Have Their Own Rules
A strata corporation can prohibit pets or establish restrictions through its bylaws. Common restrictions include:- The number of pets permitted
- Limits on size or weight
- Permitted types of animals
- Leash or common-area requirements
- Registration of pets with the strata
For buyers, do not rely solely on the listing description. Review the current registered bylaws and recent meeting minutes, and confirm that your specific pet complies. A building described as pet-friendly may still have restrictions that exclude your pet.
If a strata later passes a bylaw prohibiting pets, a pet that was already living there legally is generally allowed to remain. However, that protection applies to the existing pet and does not necessarily give the resident the right to bring in another pet later.
Certified guide and service dogs are not subject to strata bylaws that ban pets or restrict their access.
Vancouver Is Pushing for Change
In April 2025, Vancouver City Council unanimously approved a motion asking the provincial government to prohibit blanket no-pet clauses in tenancy agreements.The motion also directed the City to consider stronger protections for tenants with pets who are displaced by redevelopment and to encourage more new purpose-built rental buildings to welcome pets.
This is an important policy direction, but it did not change B.C. tenancy law. Vancouver cannot independently invalidate a no-pet clause because residential tenancy legislation is provincial. Until the Province changes the Residential Tenancy Act, existing landlord rights remain in place.
Looking for a home that works for every member of your household, including the four-legged ones?
The Practical Takeaway
Before buying or renting, confirm:- Whether pets are permitted in writing
- Any size, number, breed or species restrictions
- Whether strata approval or registration is required
- Which rules apply to common areas
- Whether recent meeting minutes mention proposed bylaw changes
Looking for a home that works for every member of your household, including the four-legged ones?
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