Small Pets Welcome
We all love pets, and it can be hard to find a home if you have a pet. There are rules in place for pet owners seeking a home, especially if there are multiple suites.
Six tips for renting with pets
1. Don’t wait until the last minute to start your search. Begin looking for a pet-friendly rental property at least six to eight weeks before you need to move.
2. Be flexible. Look at a lot of different locations/neighbourhoods and property types (ex: apartment blocks, houses). This will improve your chances of finding a suitable place for you to live with your pet. The fewer limitations you put on your housing choices, the easier it will be for you to find a place.
3. Introduce your pet to your new landlord. Your new landlord may be more comfortable with your pet if they meet it before you move in. Invite your landlord to your current home to show the animal has caused no problems there, or ask if you can bring your pet to show the landlord. This is especially important for dogs to show that your dog is calm and well behaved.
4. Don’t sneak your pet in without permission. Never keep a pet in a rental unit without the landlord’s permission. This will only lead to future problems and the landlord can give you notice to move out.
5. Get written permission from the landlord. If the landlord allows you to keep a pet in your rental unit, make sure you get their permission in writing. Ask them to add a clause to your tenancy agreement that says your pet is allowed to live there and any conditions set by the landlord. As well, make sure that any “no pets” clauses are removed from the agreement. If you already have one pet and would like to get another, talk to your landlord to make sure it’s okay.
6. Be prepared to pay a pet damage deposit. If your landlord allows you to have a pet, they can ask you to pay a pet damage deposit. A pet damage deposit collected can be half of your monthly rent. This is in addition to your security deposit and tenant services deposit (if applicable).
Be A Responsible Pet Owner
Choose an appropriate pet If you live in a pet-friendly rental unit and decide to get a pet, choose one that will fit your lifestyle and the type of place you live in.
Consider:
Do you go out a lot?
Will the animal spend a good part of the day alone?
How big is your rental unit? How big is your pet?
Clean up after your pet!
One of the main problems with pets is their waste. Make sure your pet is housebroken and that you always clean up after it. If your dog is not housebroken, you will need to train it.
When you take your dog for a walk outside the rental property, or within the grounds or common areas, make sure you always clean up after it.
Dog owners are responsible by law for cleaning up after their dogs in public and can be fined for not doing so.
Keep your rental unit free from pet odours.
Clean cages, fish tanks and litter boxes regularly.
Follow any instructions your landlord gives you about getting rid of litter box contents.
Control your pet’s noise If your pet is making noise, find the cause of the problem.
Dogs bark for many different reasons: because they are excited, scared, bored, frustrated, lonely, or guarding the home.
If you can’t control your pet’s noise, the landlord can give you a warning or a notice to move out.
Prevent property damage One of the biggest reasons landlords don’t allow pets is because they can damage property. Small animals, like hamsters, gerbils and rabbits have sharp teeth and chew on things.
If you let these pets out of their cages for exercise, always make sure you watch them.
Be aware of wires and cables, as the animals can chew through them.
Cats naturally use their claws to scratch. Give them scratching posts and toys to stop them from clawing at the carpets and drapes.
Dogs are more likely to cause damage when they are bored or left at home for long periods. It’s best not to leave a dog alone for more than four hours at a time.
If your dog will be alone for longer than that, make sure you leave plenty of toys to keep them busy. If your pet damages property, tell your landlord immediately and let them know how you will fix the problem.
If necessary, show the landlord the damage and discuss ways to repair it.
If you don’t report the damage and the landlord discovers it later, you may be asked to move out and pay the cost to repair the damage. Take good care of your pet Pet owners are responsible for their pet’s health and well-being.
By law, they must provide them with enough food and water, exercise, comfortable living conditions and veterinary treatment. If you abandon your pet or do not properly care for it, you can face criminal charges from an animal welfare agency.
If you are going away for a while and leaving your pet behind, you must find someone to take care of it until you return. Leave your pet with friends or family or arrange for a kennel. In some situations, you can arrange for someone to come into your home to look after your pet.
Download PDF from The MB Government Site Regarding Pets. Click here
Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch office nearest you if you have questions or concerns regarding pets in tenancies. You can also go online to www.manitoba.ca/rtb for more information. Brandon Office: Telephone: 204-726-6230 Toll free: 1-800-656-8481 Fax: 204-726-6589 Email: rtbbrandon@gov.mb.ca Winnipeg Office: Information unit: 204-945-2476 Toll free: 1-800-782-8403 Fax: 204-945-6273 Email: rtb@gov.mb.ca