Is it allowed to keep animals in rented apartments?

In Alberta, where Calgary is located, the issue of pets in rental housing is governed by a unique legal system that differs significantly from many other Canadian provinces. **The Alberta Residential Tenancies Act does not contain any direct provisions regarding pet ownership by tenants, which means that landlords have complete control over this issue. This creates a situation where landlords have complete discretion to decide whether to allow pets in their rental properties, to impose restrictions on the type, size, and number of pets allowed, and to determine any associated fees and conditions.

This legal reality means that, unlike in Ontario, where “no pets” provisions in lease agreements are invalid after the agreement is signed, Alberta allows landlords to completely ban pets and evict tenants for violating such provisions. Calgary UA Connect explains to new Ukrainian arrivals that violating established pet rules can be grounds for eviction, and landlords are not required to explain their decisions regarding pets.

However, there are important exceptions to this general rule that apply to persons with disabilities and their service or support animals. The Alberta Service Dogs Act, Blind Persons' Rights Act, and Human Rights Act provide protection for qualified service or guide dogs, provided that the animal is well-behaved. In such cases, landlords and condo corporations must provide reasonable accommodation for qualified service or assistance dogs.

Cost structure and financial obligations

Types of permitted pet fees

The financial structure for keeping pets in rented accommodation in Calgary is governed by specific Alberta rules, which allow landlords to charge certain types of fees but prohibit others. Landlords may charge non-refundable pet fees or monthly pet rent, but cannot charge refundable pet deposits that exceed the security deposit limit of one month's rent.

Reddit discussions among Alberta tenants confirm that monthly pet fees ranging from $20 to $75 per month are legal and common.

One-time non-refundable fees typically range from $200 to $600 per animal, while monthly fees can range from $25 to $75 per month per animal.

Service Alberta documentation confirms that if a landlord charges $100 per animal as a non-refundable fee for the privilege of keeping a pet on the premises, this fee is not retained by the landlord as security and is not refundable to the tenant, therefore it is not considered a security deposit under the RTA.

Prohibited practices and legal restrictions

Alberta law clearly prohibits certain practices regarding pet deposits. Refundable pet deposits are prohibited if they would result in exceeding the maximum security deposit limit of one month's rent.

Reddit users report that landlords cannot charge both a pet deposit and monthly pet fees — it must be one or the other. Tenants who have already paid a deposit are not obligated to pay a monthly fee.

Alberta landlords may require proof of tenant liability insurance before allowing a pet. Calgary Housing Company states in its pet regulations that proof of tenant insurance is also required before permission is granted to keep a cat or dog.

Types of rental properties and their pet policies

Apartment buildings and professional property management

UPTEN Apartments, located in downtown Calgary, is an example of a pet-friendly rental community with a progressive policy. Unlike many other landlords, UPTEN Apartments has no breed restrictions, allowing dogs of all sizes — from playful Pomeranians to gentle Great Danes. The company accepts a variety of pets, including dogs, cats, fish, rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds, with a maximum of two authorized pets per unit.

Special features include an on-site dog wash station and reduced pet fees for qualified tenants.

QuadReal Residential at Calgary Place Apartments allows a maximum of two pets:

  • domestic (indoor) cats,

  • dogs (based on landlord approval),

  • birds (limit of one cage with four birds),

  • fish (tank volume must not exceed 30 gallons).

The company does not allow rodents or reptiles and requires a $350 non-refundable pet fee per animal, with bird cages and fish tanks counted as one animal each.

Condominium units and condo corporation bylaws

Condominiums in Calgary present a unique situation where tenants must adhere to both the rules of the individual owner and the bylaws of the condo corporation. Best Calgary Homes explains that most condos allow certain types of pets, but almost all buildings have restrictions on the number and size. The most common bylaws are restrictions on dogs weighing over 20 pounds, as well as breed restrictions.

Avenue Home Realty notes that bylaws are established by the condo board to govern their units accordingly. These bylaws cover a wide range of rules and regulations, and pet ownership is always a major issue for board members. Condo management companies have the authority to create and enforce bylaws regarding pets, which may be enforced through fines, orders, or legal action.

Subsidized housing and Calgary Housing Company

The Calgary Housing Company (CHC) has the most restrictive pet policy among the various types of rental properties in Calgary. The company does not allow:

  • pet spiders,

  • pigeons,

  • poultry,

  • livestock,

  • reptiles (snakes of any kind or size, other reptiles over 6 inches in length when fully grown),

  • Pot Belly Pigs,

  • large rabbits,

  • wild or exotic animals.

Also not allowed are aggressive or dangerous pets of any kind.

CHC has strict rules for permitted animals:

  • Tenants may have only one cat or dog per unit with prior written permission.

  • The unit must be free of pet odors, insect infestations, litter, and pet waste.

  • it must be ensured that pets do not damage doors, walls, windows, and floor coverings.

Pet sitting is prohibited on CHC property, and guests may not bring pets onto the property at any time.

Service animals vs regular pets

Legal status of service dogs in Alberta

Alberta has clear legal distinctions between service animals and regular pets, which has a significant impact on tenants' rights. Under the Alberta Service Dogs Act, service dogs are defined as specially trained guides for disabled persons, so by definition only dogs can be considered service animals in Alberta.

Service dogs must have a Government of Alberta identification card, and as long as the tenant has a qualified service or guide dog and can control the dog's behavior, landlords cannot prohibit the dog from the rented premises.

Davies Property Management emphasizes that all other animals, such as companion animals (pets), therapy animals, and/or emotional support animals, are not covered by Alberta legislation. The Autism Society Alberta explains the difference between types of support animals:

  • service dogs have public access privileges and are allowed wherever their handler goes,
  • emotional support animals do not have public access privileges, but often have housing and travel protections.

Emotional support animals and their status

CPLEA documentation clarifies that, unlike service and guide dogs, companion, therapy, and emotional support animals are not covered by provincial legislation in Alberta. Landlords must accommodate service/guide dogs and may be required to accommodate other animals if there is reliable medical evidence of disability and need for the animal. However, emotional support animals are often treated as ordinary pets for the purposes of rental housing.

Calgary has a Livestock Emotional Support Animal (LESA) permit system, but this applies to livestock animals, not regular pets.

The LESA permit process balances the needs and emotional well-being of Calgarians with the welfare and appropriate care of animals, while also taking into account the realities of living in an urban environment.

Practical tips for renters with pets

Finding pet-friendly rental properties

unitiiPM Property Management recommends six key tips for tenants with pets in Calgary:

  1. Honesty is the best policy — landlords value transparency, and hiding a pet can lead to complications later on.
  2. Tenants should inform property managers about the type, size, and breed of their pet upfront.

Second, it is recommended to have a pet resume ready. A pet resume provides landlords with details about your pet's behavior, training, and health, including:

  • vaccination records,
  • spay or neuter certificates,
  • references from previous landlords or neighbors.

This simple step demonstrates responsibility and reassures landlords that your pet will not be a problem.

Prepare for additional costs and requirements

FSR Property Management warns that even pet-friendly properties may have size restrictions on dogs, such as no dogs over 15 pounds. Some landlords restrict tenants from keeping certain breeds.

Prospective landlords may also limit the number and type of pets allowed.

Other obligations that pet-friendly apartments may impose include proof that the pet is licensed with the local municipality.

Power Properties recommends establishing clear guidelines and a pet policy in the rental agreement, specifying:

  • the type and number of pets allowed,
  • pet size restrictions.

Tenants should be prepared for a pet deposit or additional monthly pet rent. Budgeting for this when planning your move and demonstrating to landlords your willingness to take financial responsibility for the impact of a pet on the property is critically important.

Condo bylaws and additional restrictions

Common condo restrictions in Calgary

Tristone Property Management explains that many condos have specific bylaws that restrict the weight of dogs, with 20 pounds being a common limit. Breed restrictions are also common, and certain breeds may be prohibited by the condo board.

Condo communities often have rules about where pets can roam:

  • Cats, for example, must be confined inside the unit or enclosed areas such as balconies or patios;
  • Not allowed to roam freely in common areas.

Some condo communities may require pets to be spayed or neutered by a certain age.

This policy is often implemented to control the pet population within the community and reduce the likelihood of unwanted offspring. It also promotes peaceful coexistence among pets by mitigating territorial behaviors associated with intact animals.

Municipal bylaws and their impact

Pivotal Property Management emphasizes the importance of understanding that every municipality has bylaws that apply to all public and private properties, including condominiums. Some of these bylaws are consistent regardless of location and may include:

  • regulations on pet ownership,
  • leash laws,
  • noise ordinances.

While condo communities may establish pet policies, they must align with these municipal bylaws for property management in Calgary.

Calgary's Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw establishes requirements for pet licensing and behavior control within the city. Tenants must comply with all City of Calgary animal/pet bylaws regarding the ownership and keeping of pets in residential premises.

Complexity of legal regulation in Calgary

The issue of allowing pets in rented apartments in Calgary is regulated by a complex system of provincial and local laws that give landlords significant discretion in establishing pet policies.

Unlike some other Canadian provinces, Alberta does not guarantee tenants the right to keep pets, making finding pet-friendly housing a challenge that requires a strategic approach and careful preparation.

Tenants should understand the difference between:

  • service animals, which are protected by law,
  • and regular pets, which are subject to the landlord's complete discretion.

Financial considerations

Financial commitments may include:

  • non-refundable fees,
  • monthly pet rent,
  • insurance requirements,
  • municipal licensing,

which can add $200-800 annually to the cost of living.

Conclusion

A successful search for a pet-friendly rental in Calgary requires:

  • honesty,
  • preparation of comprehensive pet documentation,
  • understanding of different types of properties and their policies,
  • willingness to take on additional financial obligations.

With the right approach and understanding of the legal landscape, renters with pets can find suitable accommodation in Calgary, but it requires more time, resources, and patience compared to provinces with more tenant-friendly pet legislation.