One of the biggest challenges faced by people who have pets and are planning to move to Edmonton is finding pet-friendly housing. Stories about dogs and cats being banned from rental properties are everywhere, and many people despair, thinking they will have to either leave their pets behind or live on the streets. Fortunately, the situation in Edmonton is not as hopeless as it seems. While it is true that some landlords do not allow pets, there are hundreds of pet-friendly properties in Alberta, and especially in Edmonton. They understand that people love their pets and that pets can be wonderful companions. The problem is often not that pet-friendly housing doesn't exist, but that people don't know how to look for it, what to say to landlords, and how to protect their right to keep pets. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to find pet-friendly housing in Edmonton and how to successfully negotiate with your landlord.
Is it legal to keep pets in rental housing in Alberta?
Before you start your search, it is important to understand your rights in Alberta regarding pet ownership.
Under the Alberta Residential Tenancy Act (RTA), a landlord can include a clause in the lease that restricts or prohibits pets. However, this does not mean that they can always do so. There are several important exceptions and rules that you should be aware of.
First, service animals and emotional support animals are protected by law. If you have an animal that serves as a service animal for people with disabilities (e.g., a guide dog for blind people), your landlord cannot prohibit that animal, even if the lease states that animals are prohibited. The same applies to emotional support animals if you have official documentation from a psychiatrist or psychologist confirming that you need the animal to manage your mental health.
Second, some animal prohibition policies may be considered unfair. For example, if a landlord prohibits ALL pets but allows fish or birds (which are often considered “not really animals” by some people), this could be analyzed as discriminatory.
Third, if you already live in the place and have a pet that's been there since you moved in, your landlord usually can't suddenly make you get rid of the pet when you renew your lease. However, they can include a no-new-pets clause when you renew.
The most important thing is that many landlords in Edmonton are quite willing to allow pets, especially if they are confident that the pet will behave well and not cause damage to the property.
Where to look for pet-friendly housing
Now that you understand your rights, let's figure out where to look for pet-friendly housing.
Apartments.com and other rental portals: On Apartments.com and similar sites, you can filter your search results by “Pets Allowed” or “Pet-Friendly.” The site often specifies which types of animals are allowed (e.g., cats only, dogs only, or both) and whether there are any restrictions on size or number.
Rentfaster (local rental platform in Edmonton): Rentfaster is a Canadian website specializing in rental housing. Many Edmontonians use this site, and many listings allow pets. You can filter using the “Pets” option.
Kijiji (local classifieds website): Kijiji indicates whether pets are allowed or not. Private landlords often advertise here, and some of them are more flexible about pets than large property management companies.
Facebook Groups and Local Communities: There are several Facebook groups in Edmonton dedicated to rental housing, such as “Edmonton Housing,” “Edmonton Rentals,” and others. You can post that you are looking for pet-friendly housing and often receive recommendations from local people.
Specific property management websites: Many property management companies in Edmonton have their own websites where they list available properties and indicate their pet policies. If you know of a management company (e.g., Boardwalk, Mainstreet), you can go to their website and look at available properties and their pet policies.
Websites for finding pet-friendly homes: Some websites are specifically dedicated to finding housing for people with pets. For example, GoodRx Houses and other platforms may have listings for pet-friendly apartments.
Hire a real estate agent: If you are ready to rent a place for a longer period (6+ months) or buy a property, a real estate agent often has access to databases of pet-friendly properties and can help you find something suitable.
Contact the management directly: If you see a place you like but the description doesn't mention a pet policy, call or email the management directly and ask if they allow pets. Often the answer is yes, especially if it wasn't explicitly stated in the listing.
Understanding pet restrictions
When looking for pet-friendly accommodations, it's important to understand that there are often certain restrictions. Not all pet-friendly accommodations allow ANY pets. Here are some common restrictions you may encounter:
Restrictions by pet type: Many properties only allow cats or only dogs. This is because dogs can cause more damage through scratching and chewing, and also take up more space. Cats are often easier to live with in smaller spaces.
Restrictions by dog size: Some properties only allow small dogs (e.g., under 20 pounds). This is also related to space and potential for damage.
Restrictions by number of animals: Many properties allow a maximum of one or two animals. If you have three cats, you may encounter restrictions.
Pet deposit: Many landlords require an additional deposit for pets, typically ranging from $100 to $500, depending on the type and size of the animal. This deposit is intended to cover potential damage caused by the animal.
Monthly pet fee: Some landlords charge a monthly pet fee, typically ranging from $25 to $100 per month per pet. This is due to the potential cleaning and maintenance costs associated with the pet.
Insured or vaccinated requirement: Some landlords require that your dog or cat be insured (e.g., licensed with the city) and vaccinated against rabies and other diseases.
How to successfully negotiate with your landlord about pets
If you find a place you like but it doesn't explicitly allow pets, you can try to negotiate.
Be honest and responsible: When approaching your landlord, be honest about the fact that you have a pet. Don't try to hide it, hoping they won't notice later. Landlords often find out about pets during inspections or from neighbors, and if they discover that you have been hiding a pet, it could lead to termination of the lease. Instead, be honest from the start and say something like, “I have a cat/dog that is very well-behaved. I understand you may have concerns, but I want to work with you to resolve them.”
Provide documentation: If your pet has a good temperament, try to provide documentation that proves it. This could be a certificate of consistency, letters of recommendation from previous landlords saying that your pet was well-behaved, or even photos of your pet looking friendly.
Offer a higher deposit: If the landlord is concerned about potential damage from the animal, offer a higher deposit or agree to a monthly pet fee. This shows that you are willing to take financial responsibility for any potential damage.
Show that you are a responsible person: Present a good image of yourself as a tenant. If you have a good rental history from previous landlords, show it. If you take good care of your pet (e.g., flea-free, vaccinated, well-trained), share this information.
Offer a compromise: If the landlord is really concerned, offer a compromise. For example, you could suggest that your pet not be left unattended at home, if possible, or that it be kept in one part of the premises.
Talk to the property manager, not the owner: Sometimes the property manager has more flexibility than the owner. Try talking to the manager first, as they may be more receptive to compromises.
Popular types of pet-friendly accommodations in Edmonton
When looking for accommodations in Edmonton, it is helpful to know which types of accommodations are more likely to allow pets.
Private houses and semi-detached houses: Private landlords are often more flexible about pets. They understand that people love their pets and are often willing to allow them if they can clearly see that you are a responsible person.
Smaller building management companies: Smaller, local management companies often have more flexible policies than large, corporate management companies. They can make decisions more quickly and in a more personalized manner.
Condominiums: Some condo owners are less concerned about noise and damage from pets because they often have their own management to deal with issues.
Pet-friendly apartment complexes: In Edmonton, some apartment complexes specifically target people with pets. They often have dog parks and other pet-friendly amenities.
Preparing documentation for the landlord
Once you have found a place and are ready to apply, prepare documentation in advance that shows that you and your pet are a good choice for the landlord.
Letters of recommendation from previous landlords: If you have rented before, ask your previous landlords for letters of recommendation stating that your pet was well-behaved and did not cause any damage.
Veterinary records: A small package of veterinary records showing that your pet is vaccinated and has been examined by a veterinarian can give the landlord confidence.
Pet obedience certificate (for dogs): If your dog has completed obedience training or has a certificate of good behavior, it is very helpful to show this to the landlord.
Photos of your pet: Photos can often help “humanize” your pet for the landlord. By showing a photo of a cute, healthy animal, you create a positive first impression.
Contact lists of previous landlords: Even if the landlord has not specifically asked you for letters of recommendation, providing a list of contact details for people who can confirm your good behavior as a tenant (and your pet's behavior) shows transparency.
Rights and responsibilities regarding pets in rental housing
When you sign a lease with pets, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities.
Your responsibilities: You are responsible for ensuring that your pet does not damage the property, pose a danger to other people, disturb neighbors with its barking or behavior, and that it is clean and well-behaved. You must also ensure that your pet is licensed in the city (if required) and vaccinated.
Your rights: You have the right to keep your pet in the property as long as you comply with the terms of the agreement. The landlord cannot forcibly remove your pet or require you to get rid of it without good reason (for example, if the pet poses a danger to others).
Landlord's responsibilities: The landlord must ensure that the premises are suitable for living with animals and cannot unreasonably demand that you get rid of your animal if you comply with the terms of the lease.
Edmonton neighborhoods that are most pet-friendly
Some areas in Edmonton are more “pet-friendly” than others. If you are flexible about location, consider these areas:
Old Strathcona and Whyte Avenue: These artsy and student-friendly areas are often more flexible about pets. Many young people in these areas have pets, and landlords are used to it.
Jasper Place and western areas: These general areas often have more private homes where owners are more likely to allow pets.
Mill Woods and Southgate: These family-friendly areas often have more space and a more positive attitude toward pets.
Mactaggart and other southern areas: Southern areas often have more private homes for rent, where landlords may be more flexible about pets.
Conclusion: Finding a home for you and your pet
While finding pet-friendly housing in Edmonton may seem challenging, it is entirely possible if you know where to look and how to negotiate. Keep in mind that many landlords in Edmonton understand that people love their pets and are willing to allow them. You just need to show the landlord that you are a responsible person and that your pet will be well-behaved in the space. With consistency, patience, and the right approach, you can find a great place for yourself and your pet in Edmonton.