28,904 people have already taken action.
Goal to reach : 25000
During the crisis, let’s ask landlords to rent to families with animals
With the current vacancy rate of 1.8% in Quebec, tenants are facing a scarcity of rentals in addition to lost income and stress caused by the pandemic. Finding a rental unit in the present context is therefore extremely difficult, and even more so for families with companion animals. The housing shortage hits renters with animals even harder.
Where are they going to live?
A new disaster will soon be upon us if landlords do not heed this call.
Refusing to rent to families with an animal often imposes a heart-wrenching decision: abandoning their companion. Moreover, shelters are currently operating with reduced services and staff. “The situation this year is exceptional. Without landlords’ leniency, shelters will experience a catastrophe in terms of animal abandonment. This is why we are asking landlords to be understanding and compassionate in this time of crisis.”
— Élise Desaulniers, Executive Director at the Montreal SPCA
Sign the petition addressed to the Corporation des propriétaires immobiliers du Québec (CORPIQ)
This petition was submitted to the Corporation des propriétaires immobiliers du Québec (CORPIQ) on June 19, 2020. Thank you to the signatories!
Landlords are worried about damage to their property if they permit animals.
Yet, all tenants’ obligations remain the same.
It is time to show open-mindedness and solidarity to ensure families with animals find housing. Landlords have nothing to fear. With or without an animal, tenants have the same obligations, including:
- Keeping the unit clean and in good condition
- Complying with municipal by-laws on animals and cleanliness
- Not infringing on the peaceable enjoyment of other tenants or the landlord
- Returning the rental to the landlord at the end of the lease in the condition in which it was received
Tips for finding a rental that accepts animals
1- Plan your apartment search
Don’t wait until the last minute. Start looking as soon as you can for a rental that accepts animals, using sites like Appartmap, Kijiji, Timbercreek and Kangalou.
2- Provide references
A letter from your previous landlord is the best voucher for you and your animal. It proves that you are responsible, and that your animal behaves well and has not caused any problems. You can also ask your veterinarian to write you a letter of recommendation. If you have taken training classes with your dog, show the landlord the certificate.
3- Introduce your animal
Show the landlord photos of your animal and current home to prove that your companion has not caused any damage. You can also suggest they meet your animal by videoconference. This way, you could show them that your dog is calm and well-behaved.
Learn more
The Montreal SPCA provides the public with tools to assist in finding pet-friendly housing, as well as some tips on how to deal with a problematic landlord or syndicate of co-owners.
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Please note that the information on this page is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion of any kind, nor does its provision form the basis of a lawyer-client relationship. The Montreal SPCA recommends obtaining independent legal counsel regarding any specific legal issues. While the Montreal SPCA has made reasonable efforts to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, it does not guarantee the accuracy, currency, or completeness of the material.
