The issue of keeping pets in rental housing is extremely relevant for many Edmonton residents, especially for Ukrainian newcomers who are moving with their pets or planning to get a pet after moving. There are over 2,100 apartments in Edmonton that officially accept pets, reflecting a growing trend toward recognizing animals as full-fledged members of the family. However, the rules regarding pets in rental housing in Alberta have their own specifics, which are important to understand before signing a lease.
Legislative framework for pets in Alberta
Unlike some other Canadian provinces, Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act does not directly regulate the keeping of pets by tenants. This means that the law leaves this issue to the discretion of landlords, who have the full right to decide for themselves whether to allow pets in their rental properties.
Landlords in Alberta can completely ban pets, set restrictions on the types, sizes, breeds, or number of animals allowed. It is important to understand that landlords are not required to explain the reasons for their decisions regarding animals, and violation of the established rules may be grounds for termination of the lease and eviction.
Thus, in Alberta, there is no legal protection for tenants' rights to keep pets, unlike, for example, in Ontario, where lease provisions prohibiting animals are invalid and cannot be enforced. In Alberta, anything a tenant signs in a lease agreement regarding pets is legally binding and enforceable.
Landlords' rights to impose restrictions
Landlords in Edmonton have broad authority to set whatever rules regarding pets they deem necessary. These rules may include a complete ban on any animals in the premises, restrictions on certain types of animals (e.g., allowing only cats but not dogs), restrictions on the size or weight of the animal (e.g., only dogs under 20 kg), restrictions on certain breeds of dogs that are considered dangerous, and restrictions on the number of animals in a single apartment.
Landlords may allow small dogs but prohibit large dogs, or allow cats but prohibit dogs. They may also require that pets be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, or have certain documentation. All of these restrictions are legal in Alberta as long as they are clearly stated in the lease.
Before getting a pet, tenants should always obtain the landlord's written consent. Without a written agreement, the tenant may not be protected from eviction if the landlord objects to the pet.
Breed restrictions for dogs
Many landlords and management companies in Edmonton have lists of prohibited dog breeds that they do not accept on their premises. These restrictions are usually based on the perception of certain breeds as more aggressive, as well as the requirements of insurance companies, which may refuse to cover properties with certain dog breeds.
Among the most commonly banned breeds in rental housing are pit bulls (including American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers), Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Cane Corsos, Mastiffs, Akitas, Great Danes, and wolf hybrids. It is important to note that mixed breeds that exhibit characteristics of these breeds are also often subject to bans.
These breed restrictions are entirely legal in Alberta, as the province has no legislation prohibiting breed-specific restrictions (BSL). Even if your dog only has a partially banned breed in its ancestry, it may be rejected simply because of its appearance.
Pet deposits and fees
In Alberta, landlords may require additional deposits or fees for allowing pets. However, there are certain limits on the amount of these payments. If a landlord charges a refundable pet deposit, the total amount of all refundable deposits (including the security deposit and pet deposit) cannot exceed one month's rent.
For example, if your monthly rent is $1,500 and you have already paid $1,500 as a security deposit, the landlord cannot require an additional refundable deposit for a pet, as this would exceed the legal limit. However, landlords can get around this restriction by charging a non-refundable one-time pet fee or a monthly “pet rent” that is not subject to the deposit restrictions.
A monthly pet fee is a fairly common practice in Edmonton and can range from $25 to $100 per month depending on the type of animal and the landlord's policy. This fee is usually non-refundable and is considered compensation for the additional wear and tear and cleaning associated with having a pet.
It is important to understand the difference between these fees. Landlords may charge either a pet deposit or a monthly pet fee, but not both at the same time. If you have already paid a pet deposit, you are not required to pay an additional monthly fee.
Exception for service and guide dogs
An important exception to the rules regarding pets is service and guide dogs for people with disabilities. In Alberta, the right of persons with disabilities or blind persons to use a qualified service or guide dog is protected by several laws, including the Service Dogs Act, the Blind Persons' Rights Act, and the Alberta Human Rights Act.
Landlords cannot discriminate against persons with disabilities or blind persons who have a qualified service or guide dog, provided that the person can control the dog's behavior. Landlords who discriminate against or refuse to provide housing to a person with a service or guide dog are guilty of an offence and may be fined up to $3,000.
Service and guide dogs are not considered pets under the law; they are important aids for people with disabilities. This means that landlords cannot charge deposits or fees for service dogs, cannot restrict them by breed, weight, or size, and cannot apply “no pets” rules to them.
Qualified service and assistance dogs must have an Alberta government identification card that identifies the person and their dog. Landlords may ask to see this card as proof of the dog's qualification.
Emotional Support Animals
The situation with emotional support animals (ESAs) is more complex. Unlike service dogs, emotional support animals do not have automatic protection under the Service Dogs Act. However, tenants who require an emotional support animal due to a disability may still be entitled to accommodations under Alberta's Human Rights Act.
In such cases, landlords must consider the accommodation request carefully and may request appropriate documentation from a regulated health professional confirming the tenant's disability and need for the animal. Each request must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and landlords are advised to seek advice before refusing.
Landlords have a duty to accommodate persons with disabilities to the point of undue hardship. This means that they must provide a reasonable level of accommodation if it does not cause undue financial burden, health and safety concerns, or significant interference with the rights of others.
Condominium rules
If you rent a condo in Edmonton, you need to follow not only your landlord's rules, but also the rules of the condominium corporation. Condominium corporations may have their own bylaws and rules that restrict pets in their complexes.
Typical restrictions in condominiums include restrictions on the type of animal (dog vs. cat), weight or breed restrictions (e.g., dogs under 20 kg), restrictions on the number of animals per unit, and requirements for prior approval by the board. Many pet-friendly condominiums still require written approval before move-in, and violations of the rules can result in fines or a requirement to remove the animal.
Condominium bylaws take legal precedence over the provisions of a lease agreement. This means that even if your lease allows pets, the condominium rules may prohibit or restrict them. Therefore, tenants renting apartments in condominiums are advised to check both the lease and the condominium bylaws before moving in with a pet.
Liability for damage caused by pets
Tenants are fully liable for any damage caused by their pets to the rented property. This includes damage to floors, walls, doors, carpets, and other elements of the premises. Landlords may withhold funds from the security deposit or charge additional fees to repair damage caused by animals.
It is important to understand the difference between normal wear and tear and damage. Normal wear and tear includes minor wear and tear on the carpet from the animal walking on it. However, large scratches from claws, damage from urine or feces, torn carpet, or damaged furniture are considered damage that exceeds normal wear and tear, and the tenant is responsible for compensating for it.
The monthly pet rent is typically used to cover accelerated wear and tear and additional cleaning (e.g., air duct and carpet cleaning), but does not apply to the repair of specific damage. Damage that exceeds normal wear and tear is typically covered by the security deposit or charged to the tenant as an additional fee.
If the damage caused by your pet requires replacement, for example, a carpet, you are only responsible for the residual value of that item. For example, if a carpet costs $2,000 and has an expected life of 20 years, but after 15 years of your tenancy it needs to be replaced due to damage caused by your pet, the maximum amount your landlord can claim is $500 for the remaining useful life.
Consequences of violating pet rules
If a tenant keeps a pet in violation of the lease or without the landlord's proper permission, it is considered a material breach of the lease and may result in eviction. The landlord may issue a 14-day eviction notice, giving the tenant two weeks to remedy the violation (remove the animal) or vacate the premises.
Common violations related to animals include keeping unauthorized animals in a “no animal” property, exceeding the allowed number of animals, keeping a prohibited breed or animal that exceeds the allowed size, and failing to comply with rules regarding walking or cleaning up after the animal.
If the tenant does not voluntarily remedy the violation after receiving the notice, the landlord can file a claim with the RTDRS or the court to obtain an eviction order. However, landlords cannot forcibly evict the tenant, change the locks, or disconnect utilities on their own—this would be considered an illegal eviction.
How to find pet-friendly housing in Edmonton
Finding pet-friendly rental housing in Edmonton can be challenging, especially if you have a large dog or a breed that is often restricted. However, there are a number of resources and strategies that can help.
Online platforms such as RentFaster, Kijiji, RentCafe, Apartments.com, and Rentals.ca have filters for finding pet-friendly housing. Use these filters to narrow your search to relevant listings. Look for keywords such as “pet-friendly” or “pets allowed” in the listing descriptions.
Facebook also has local groups that specialize in rentals for pet owners, such as “Pet Friendly Edmonton & Area Rentals” and “Large Dog Edmonton and Area Rentals.” Alberta's government tool Find Housing also shows affordable housing options, including those that allow pets.
When searching for pet-friendly housing, look for pet amenities such as dog parks, grooming areas, and proximity to walking trails. Also, pay attention to the type of flooring—scratch-resistant tile or laminate is better for pet owners than carpet.
Tips for renters with pets
If you are planning to rent a home with a pet in Edmonton, there are a few tips that can increase your chances of success. Always check the lease agreement for pet policies before signing. If the agreement prohibits pets or does not mention them, do not assume that you will be allowed to have a pet — always obtain written consent from the landlord.
Prepare a “resume” for your pet that includes information about its breed, age, weight, temperament, and vaccination history. Letters of recommendation from previous landlords who can confirm that your pet has not caused any problems may also be helpful.
Suggest signing a Pet Agreement that clearly defines the terms of pet ownership, including the type of animal, rules of conduct, and liability for damage. The Centre for Legal Education of Alberta (CPLEA) provides a free template for such an agreement.
Be prepared for additional costs in the form of deposits or monthly pet fees. Also, keep in mind that in Edmonton, all dogs and cats over 6 months of age must have a valid pet license and tags. Spayed or neutered animals have a significantly lower license fee.
Edmonton City Rules for Pets
In addition to rental rules, pet owners in Edmonton must comply with city rules regarding pet ownership. The City of Edmonton sets limits on the maximum number of cats and dogs—up to 6 cats and 3 dogs per household.
All dogs and cats over 6 months of age must have a valid pet license, which can be obtained online or at city offices. This rule applies even to pets that live exclusively indoors, as they can easily slip out through open windows or doors.
Pet owners are required to clean up after their pets when they are outside, always carrying a bag for cleaning. On your own property, you need to clean up regularly to prevent the accumulation of waste that can negatively affect your neighbors.
The new Bylaw on Animal Licensing and Control was approved by the Edmonton City Council on August 19, 2025, and the changes will take effect on May 19, 2026. Pet owners are advised to familiarize themselves with the new rules to be aware of their obligations.