Can I keep more than one pet in my rented accommodation?
Keeping multiple pets in rented accommodation in Calgary is one of the most challenging aspects of finding housing for pet owners. The complexity arises from a combination of municipal regulations, provincial legislation, landlord rules, and condominium restrictions, each of which sets its own limits and requirements.
Calgary municipal restrictions on the number of animals
Effective January 2022, the City of Calgary has introduced a new bylaw, the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw, which sets clear limits on the number of pets allowed in a household. Under this bylaw, a single household may keep a maximum of six cats and six dogs over three months of age. This rule applies regardless of whether you live in your own home or in rented accommodation.
The main purpose of this restriction is to combat complaints about odors and noise in households with large numbers of animals. The city council recognized that problems usually arise not because of the number of animals as such, but because of a lack of responsible ownership. However, setting a numerical limit allows for more effective regulation of problematic situations.
For those who need to keep more than six cats or dogs, Excess Animal Permits are available. These permits are issued to breeders, individuals who temporarily care for animals under the supervision of non-profit animal rescue organizations, or other individuals who, in the opinion of the director, have a legitimate need for such a permit.
Alberta provincial rules regarding animals in rented accommodation
Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act does not directly regulate pets in rented accommodation. This means that landlords have complete freedom to set their own rules regarding the type, size, and number of animals allowed on their property.
Landlords can impose any restrictions on the number of animals, even if these restrictions are more stringent than municipal rules. For example, a landlord may allow only one animal per apartment, even if municipal rules allow up to six cats and six dogs. Violating the landlord's rules regarding animals may be grounds for eviction.
It is important to understand that even if you have a municipal permit for an excess number of animals, your landlord is not required to allow all of those animals on their property. Municipal permits only regulate how many animals you can legally keep in the city of Calgary, but do not guarantee the right to keep them in your rental property.
Typical landlord restrictions on the number of animals
Most landlords in Calgary have much stricter restrictions on the number of animals than the municipal rules. The Calgary Housing Company, one of the city's largest housing organizations, allows only one cat or one dog per dwelling unit. This rule is typical for many large landlords in the city.
Private landlords may have different policies, but most also limit the number of pets to one or two per apartment. QuadReal Residential, for example, allows a maximum of two animals per apartment, including domestic cats, dogs (with approval), birds (one cage with four birds), and fish (maximum 30-gallon aquarium). Rodents and reptiles are prohibited entirely.
The financial implications of keeping multiple pets can be significant. Many landlords charge separate fees for each animal. Typical costs include:
- Non-refundable fees: $100 to $500 per animal
- Monthly fees: $25 to $50 per animal
This means that keeping two animals can cost an additional $200 to $1,000 when you move in and $50 to $100 per month.
Condominium rules regarding multiple pets
Condominiums in Calgary have the most complex and varied rules regarding multiple pets. Condominium boards have discretionary authority to establish detailed policies regarding pets, which can vary significantly from one building to another.
Many condominiums set a limit on the total number of pets per unit, usually one or two. The Wedgewoods of Discovery Ridge allows a maximum of two pets, but only one can be a dog, and the dog must pass a behavior assessment. The Gateway Garrison Green allows only one cat or one dog with a weight limit of 23 pounds.
Some condos may even impose “capacity” limits on the total number of pets in the entire building. This means that even if your unit allows two pets, the board may reject your application if they believe there are already enough pets in the building.
The approval process for multiple pets in condos usually requires separate applications for each pet with detailed information about the breed, size, behavioral characteristics, and medical records. Application review fees may apply for each pet.
Insurance and liability when keeping multiple pets
Keeping multiple pets significantly complicates the issue of tenant insurance. Most insurance companies consider multiple pets to be a higher risk factor due to the increased potential for property damage and liability-related incidents.
Standard tenant insurance typically covers liability for pets up to $100,000, but this coverage may not be sufficient when keeping multiple animals. Some insurance companies may require higher coverage limits or additional premiums for each additional animal.
Desjardins Insurance offers discounts for multiple pet owners: a 10% discount when insuring three or more pets and a 15% discount when insuring six or more pets. This can partially offset the increased insurance costs of owning multiple pets.
Landlords often require proof of liability insurance before allowing even one animal to be kept. When keeping multiple animals, this requirement becomes even more critical, as the potential damages can be significantly greater.
Special cases: foster animals and service animals
There are specific circumstances that may allow for more animals than are normally permitted by landlords. Individuals who temporarily care for animals (foster homes) under the supervision of non-profit animal rescue organizations may be eligible for Excess Animal Permits.
Fur-ever Homes Rescue, for example, sets a limit of six animals maximum, including foster dogs, for households within Calgary. For foster homes outside Calgary, the limit is three animals per home, including foster dogs. These organizations usually require written permission from the landlord or condominium board before placing a foster animal.
Service animals and guide animals have special status under the Alberta Human Rights Act, Service Dogs Act, and Blind Persons' Rights Act. Landlords and condominium boards are required to provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with qualified service animals, regardless of animal limits.
Financial aspects of keeping multiple animals
The financial costs of keeping multiple pets in rented accommodation can be significant. The Renter's Choice Pet Program offers insurance coverage of up to $3,000 for landlords, covering damage caused by animals after the application of a standard security deposit. This program may make landlords more willing to accept tenants with multiple pets.
Typical financial requirements for multiple pets include non-refundable fees, which can range from $100 to $500 per pet. One tenant in Calgary reported paying a $450 non-refundable fee ($225 for each of two dogs) plus an additional $200 per month ($100 for each dog). Over a two-year lease period, this amounted to an additional $5,250 for the animals alone.
Some landlords offer flexibility in payment structures. One landlord in Calgary set a refundable deposit of $400 per animal, which is returned in full if there is no clear damage related to the animals that exceeds normal wear and tear. This system may be more fair to responsible pet owners.
Strategies for successfully finding a home with multiple pets
Finding a rental property that allows multiple pets requires a strategic approach and careful planning. The most important thing is to be honest from the very beginning of the housing search process. Hiding the number or type of pets can lead to termination of the lease and eviction.
Creating a detailed “resume” for each animal becomes critical when keeping multiple animals. This should include veterinary records, vaccination and spay/neuter certificates, proof of training, and references from previous landlords or neighbors for each animal individually.
Proactively offering additional guarantees can greatly improve your chances. This may include a higher deposit, an additional monthly fee, professional cleaning at the end of the lease, or even offering regular inspections of the property by the landlord.
Considering the possibility of a meeting between the landlord and all of your animals can be particularly effective. Many landlords agree to such a meeting, which allows you to demonstrate the animals' good behavior and your responsible attitude as an owner.
Alternative housing options for multiple pet owners
For multiple pet owners facing challenges in downtown Calgary, there are alternative options. Suburbs and surrounding municipalities often have more liberal pet policies due to the availability of larger housing units and yards.
Private landlords are often more flexible than large management companies. Many multi-pet owners in Calgary have found housing through Facebook groups for pet-friendly rentals, where they can communicate directly with landlords and explain their situation.
Considering renting a house instead of an apartment can greatly expand your options. Houses typically have fewer restrictions on pets than apartment buildings and condos.
Legal protections and appeal procedures
In cases of discrimination or unfair treatment, multi-pet owners have certain legal protections. The Alberta Human Rights Commission reviews complaints of discrimination based on disability, which may include the need for service or support animals.
For aggressive animals, Calgary has an extensive appeal system through the License and Community Standards Appeal Board. This board includes a veterinarian and a certified professional dog trainer, who provide expert assessment of cases involving animal behavior.
Animal owners may appeal decisions denying permits for excess animals. The application process for an Excess Animal Permit includes detailed information about the lifestyle and care of the animals, but is not used to screen applicants.
Mediation and Conflict Resolution
The Community Mediation Calgary Society offers free mediation services to resolve conflicts between tenants and landlords, including those involving pets. This resource may be especially valuable for multi-pet owners who are facing complaints from neighbors or demands from landlords.
Mediation can help find creative solutions that meet the needs of all parties. For example, a mediator may help develop a behavior management plan for multiple pets or establish a schedule to reduce noise at certain times of the day.
The Calgary Humane Society also provides animal behavior counseling and support programs for owners who are facing challenges with multiple pets. These resources can be critical in demonstrating responsibility and addressing behavioral issues.
Practical tips for multi-pet owners
Successfully keeping multiple pets in a rental property requires a proactive approach to managing their behavior and interactions with neighbors. Establishing a clear schedule for feeding, walking, and playtime can minimize noise and disturbances.
Investing in quality training for all animals is critical. The Calgary Humane Society offers training and behavior counseling programs that may be especially helpful for multi-pet households.
Maintaining detailed records for each animal, including medical records, training records, and any incidents, can be important for protection against complaints. These records can demonstrate responsible ownership and help resolve any disputes.
Future trends and changes in legislation
In 2024, Calgary resident Pierre Noiseux launched a petition calling for a ban on rental properties in Calgary prohibiting pets. While this initiative did not result in any changes to the law, it highlighted the growing problem of finding pet-friendly housing in the city.
The growing demand for pet-friendly housing may lead to greater flexibility on the part of landlords, especially in a competitive rental market. Support programs such as the Renter's Choice Pet Program may make landlords more inclined to accept tenants with multiple pets.
The development of new residential areas in Calgary may also create more opportunities for multi-pet owners, especially in single-family homes and townhouses with larger living spaces and private yards.
Keeping multiple pets in a rental property in Calgary is a challenging endeavor that requires careful planning, an understanding of all applicable rules, and a flexible approach to negotiations. Although municipal regulations allow up to six cats and six dogs per household, practical restrictions imposed by landlords and condominiums are usually much stricter.
Success depends on demonstrating responsibility, transparency in communication, and a willingness to make reasonable compromises. With the right strategy, proper preparation, and use of available support resources, it is possible to find suitable housing for yourself and your beloved companions in this pet-friendly city.