Edmonton and Calgary pet-friendly rentals: What to know

Whether you have found a pet-friendly place to rent or are looking for one, here is some information and questions to ask yourself. Be in the know and avoid the pitfalls that can happen with furry family members.
 

What are pet-friendly rentals?

A pet-friendly rental is simply a rental home where the landlord (and, if applicable in some short-term rentals, the building/condo corporation) allows tenants to keep one or more pets, usually with written conditions.
 

Can rentals deny pets in Alberta?

Yes. In Alberta, landlords can generally decide whether to allow pets, and many leases include a “no pets” clause or allow pets only with written permission. Because pets aren’t specifically regulated in the Residential Tenancies Act, the lease language is the key.
 

How landlords can restrict pets

Even in a pet-friendly rental, landlords in Alberta can set reasonable conditions in the lease or a written pet agreement, because the pet arrangement is, in most cases, a permission-based lease term.

Common restrictions landlords use include:

• Limiting the number of pets
   
• Limiting types of pets (for example, cats/dogs only)
   
• Size/weight limits
   
• Requiring vaccination/licensing compliance
   
• Requiring tenants to manage noise, odours, and waste
   
• Requiring repair responsibility for pet-caused damage

For service/assistance animals requested as accommodations, restrictions need to be handled carefully and on a case-by-case basis through the accommodation process.
 

Frequently asked questions about pet-friendly rentals

Can my landlord charge me a pet fee?

Yes, Alberta landlords can charge a pet fee. There is no specific amount that can be charged, except it should be reasonable. However, if the pet fee is refundable, Alberta treats it as part of your security deposit. Because security deposits are capped at one month’s rent, the total of all refundable deposits and refundable fees (including a refundable pet fee) can’t total more than one month’s rent.
 

Can my landlord charge me pet rent?

Yes. In addition to a pet fee, your pet can be charged rent in many pet-friendly rentals in Edmonton and Calgary. Always ask before renting your 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom apartment or condo.
 

When I viewed a prospective rental, I saw people with pets even though the property is not pet-friendly. I may get a pet. Would this be allowed? 

It could be the property was pet-friendly but the policy has changed. In this case what often happens is, current renters with pets can keep their furry friends, but new renters cannot bring a pet with them. Some properties may not have a pet policy and look at each renter’s situation differently. Exercise caution here and try to get permission in writing so you don’t encounter problems later on.
 

The place I’m renting was sold, and now my landlord wants me to give up my pet? Can they do this?

No. Your new landlord must honour your lease agreement. However, if your new landlord is transitioning from a pet-friendly rental to no pets, then you will not be able to get a new pet.
 

My lease prohibits dogs and cats, so I want to get a guinea pig. Can I do that?

You should check with your landlord first. It may be only dogs and cats are prohibited, and other small pets would be fine. However, this is a grey area and you should confirm that your new pet is allowed.
 

How can I help my pet make a good impression on my prospective landlord?

Landlords are looking for well-behaved pets that won’t cause concerns, especially with your neighbours. If you have a pet-friendly rental in mind, here are some of the ways your pet can make a good impression on your landlord.

• Proof they are spayed or neutered
   
• Licensed with your local municipality
   
• If your dog or cat breed is considered to be hypoallergenic, let your prospective landlord know as they might be worried about handling tenant disputes with other tenants who may have allergies
   
• Proof they have completed obedience training, or other special training
   
• Introduce your pet to the landlord either while viewing your 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom apartment or soon after
   
• Listen carefully to concerns from the landlord and confirm that you understand the rules and regulations

I have moved into my pet-friendly rental and want my pet to be a good neighbour. What should I keep in mind?

Your pets may take a little time to adjust to their new home. Pets are neighbours too and need a little help to be good ones. While people with pets flock together, some pets may not take kindly to their furry neighbours, therefore keeping them leashed amounts to safety for everyone.

On the property and common areas:

• Do not let your pet trample, poop, or urinate on bushes, greenery, sidewalks or in any common areas.
   
• Pick up your pet’s waste.
   
• Always keep them on a leash.

​In your suite:

• Do not let your pet scratch, bite or chew any apartment fixtures like flooring, doors, countertops, door handles, etc.
   
• Please confirm that your pet is secure in a room with the door closed when maintenance or community staff must enter your suite.
   
• Do not let your pet wander in common areas like your hallway.

Many pet-friendly rentals in Calgary and Edmonton are near recreation and off-leash areas your pet will love.
 

Service dogs and assistance animals in Alberta rentals

Qualified service dogs and guide dogs are not treated like ordinary pets, and other assistance animals may still be protected through human rights accommodation rules.

Here’s the practical breakdown:

• Qualified service dogs: Alberta’s Service Dogs Act makes it illegal to deny someone occupancy of a self-contained dwelling unit or discriminate in the terms or conditions of occupancy because the person is a disabled person who keeps or is customarily accompanied by a service dog. The Alberta Human Rights Act also supports this, because it prohibits disability discrimination in tenancy terms and can require accommodation.
   
• Qualified guide dogs: Alberta’s Blind Persons’ Rights Act also makes it illegal to deny occupancy of a self-contained dwelling unit or discriminate in occupancy terms because a blind person is accompanied by a guide dog. The Alberta Human Rights Act also applies for the same reason: it prohibits disability discrimination in tenancy terms and supports accommodation where needed.
   
• ESAs and other support animals: Emotional support animals are not automatically covered by the Service Dogs Act or Blind Persons’ Rights Act, but they may be covered by the Alberta Human Rights Act as an accommodation request if the animal is needed due to a disability, up to undue hardship.

Learn more in our guide to Alberta tenant rights.

Are you looking for 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom rental properties in Calgary or Edmonton? Visit www.fsresidentialrentals.com for a list of pet-friendly rentals in Alberta.

Learn more about our rental property management services here or contact a member of our team today.

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, regulatory, financial, or operational advice, or as a representation or guarantee of any specific services, capabilities, or outcomes. Property management needs, regulatory requirements, market conditions, and available services vary by jurisdiction, property type, and community. FirstService Residential provides services through locally based affiliates and associates, and services and results may vary by community, region, contractual terms, and applicable law.