A Real Dog Fight: Renters & Landlords Square Off On Pet Policies


If you own a pet and live in the city, you know how hard it is to find rental accommodations that are affordable, well maintained, and allow pets. In a city like Vancouver, where the vacancy rate is a meager 0.5%, pet owners are finding it harder than ever to find a place where both they and their pets are welcome. In fact, one property on Vancouver's West End is the scene of an angry dispute between longtime residents and the building's new owner, Hollyburn Properties.

Several residents of Emerald Terrace have been served with papers ordering them to get rid of their pets, or face eviction. The deadline for these tenants has passed and eviction notices have been sent, but residents are fighting back by taking the management company to court.

Hollyburn Properties purchased Emerald Terrace more than a year ago, but are just now enforcing the existing tenancy agreement's “no pets policy.” Hollyburn is taking action, claiming that there are health concerns with housing pets in the building. Some residents believe however, that Hollyburn aren't interested in the pets at all, but want to get rid of the tenants so they can raise the rent.

Intentions aside, the tenants who've been served with eviction notices are very upset at being ousted from their homes. They claim that despite the fact that the agreements they signed included a “no pets” clause, the former owner gave them verbal permission to keep pets. In fact, some animals have been living in the building for more than fifteen years.

Understandably, the tenants don't want to give up their pets, so they're taking the company to court. While waiting for the hearing, tenants must face the possibility of having to move.

With so few apartment buildings allowing pets, these tenants have the difficult challenge of finding a suitable place to live. Many pet-friendly properties are more expensive than other properties, so in addition to the stress of moving, they must also prepare to pay higher rents.

In addition to higher rents, pet-owners may also be required to submit a pet deposit at their new place. This amount can reach a maximum of half a month's rent, and covers damage caused by pets such as stains and scratches.

While it's hard to imagine having to give up a pet after having it as a companion for so many years, some pet owners will have to give away their pet, simply so they themselves don't end up on the street.

There's been a growing movement among renters' groups to change BC's Residential Tenancy Act to improve the lot of pet owners. An online petition and a Facebook group have been created in the hopes of raising awareness, and getting the attention of the BC government.

Advocates feel that property owners are given more than their fair share of power when it comes to discriminating against pet owners. Until legislation is changed, pet-owning tenants will continue to face limited housing options and higher rents.

Those who side with the property owners sympathize with pet lovers, but feel that landlords should be free to choose who they will or will not rent to. Property management is after all a moneymaking venture, and there's a substantial risk for owners who allow pets in their buildings. They can charge a pet deposit, but there may be damages exceeding the maximum allowable amount they can charge. Any costs above and beyond this amount become the responsibility of the landlords, making it a costly move to allow pets inside.

If you get a pet while living in an apartment building or house, be sure to get written permission from your landlord. While some say that a verbal agreement is legally equivalent to a written contract, verbal agreements can be contested, as seen in the case of Emerald Terrace. Get everything in writing, and document any pre-existing damage so that you get your deposits returned in full.


 
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