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PETS:

THE LAW

Ÿ         A landlord can make a rule in the lease that does not allow pets.

Ÿ         The landlord can try to evict you or your pet, but only if the landlord proves that the ‘no pets’ rule is ‘reasonable’ during a hearing.

Ÿ         If your pet isn’t disturbing anyone (noise, allergies, fright, etc.) or damaging the landlord’s property, you probably won’t get evicted and you can keep your pet.

 

REALITY

It is sometimes hard to find suitable housing if you have a pet.

 

THINGS TO TRY

*       If your landlord wants to evict you or your pet, your landlord will have to take you to a Residential Tenancies hearing. In order to win this hearing, you must prove that the ‘no pets’ rule is not ‘reasonable.’ A rule is reasonable if it promotes safety, comfort, and well-being of all tenants or if it protects the landlord’s property from abuse. If your pet isn’t disturbing anyone or causing damages, the rule is probably not ‘reasonable.’  

*       You may try coming to an agreement with your landlord, like offering to clean the carpets before you move out to get the pet smell out of them. Usually, this is what landlords are worried about.

*       If you are getting evicted because of your pet, fight back! (see Tenant Organizing or Eviction for Other Reasons).  

The information on this site contains general legal information only and is not intended to serve as a replacement for professional or other legal advice.  Further, this guide only applies to Residential Tenancies in Nova Scotia. 
Last updated: November 19, 2006.