What landlords should weigh before saying yes (or no) to pets
More and more renters in Winnipeg are searching for homes that welcome pets—and for landlords, that creates both opportunity and risk. Allowing pets can help you fill vacancies faster and encourage longer tenancies, but it also raises concerns about property damage, noise, and lease enforcement.
At Canopy Mgmt, we work with landlords every day who are asking the same question: Can Landlords Say No Pets? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but there are smart ways to protect your property while keeping great tenants happy.
We’re going to be breaking down what landlords should consider before saying yes (or no) to pets, including the pros and cons, pet deposit tips, and what the law says about your rights as a property owner in Manitoba.
The upside of saying yes to pets
Pet-friendly rentals are in high demand—and in cities like Winnipeg, where many renters are families, couples, or remote workers settling in for the long haul, allowing pets can give your property a step up from the rest.
Here’s what landlords often gain by saying yes to pets:
- A larger tenant pool. Pet ownership in Canada continues to rise, and with limited rental options that allow animals, pet-friendly units tend to stand out. Listings that welcome pets often generate more inquiries, more showing requests, and fewer days on market.
- Longer-term tenants. It’s not easy for pet owners to find housing, especially in competitive markets. When tenants find a rental that suits both them and their pet, they’re far more likely to renew year after year. Fewer turnovers mean less stress, lower costs, and a more stable income.
- Additional income potential. Manitoba allows landlords to collect a pet deposit—equal to up to half a month’s rent (on top of the regular damage deposit). Some landlords also charge pet rent, usually a modest monthly fee, to help offset wear and tear. These added fees can go directly toward upkeep or future repairs.
- A sense of home for tenants. Tenants with pets often treat their rental like a long-term home. They may be more responsible, more appreciative, and more inclined to take care of the space—especially when they feel trusted and welcome.
Of course, going pet-friendly doesn’t mean opening the door to every animal. The most successful landlords set clear boundaries from the start—using pet agreements, reasonable breed or size restrictions, and screening questions to make sure the pet is a good fit for the property.
The risks and downsides of allowing pets
While the benefits are real, allowing pets into your rental isn’t without its challenges. For some landlords, the potential risks may outweigh the rewards—especially without clear policies in place.
Here’s what to consider before going pet-friendly:
- Property damage is the biggest concern. Scratched flooring, chewed doors, stained carpets, and lingering odours are all possible outcomes of an unsupervised or poorly trained pet. Even a well-behaved animal can have accidents, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.
- Noise and nuisance complaints. Barking dogs, howling cats, or even pet-related messes in shared areas (like hallways or yards) can cause tension between neighbours or other tenants—especially in multi-unit properties.
- Allergies and health concerns. Residual pet dander can be an issue for future tenants with allergies. Even after deep cleaning, some units may require extra work to fully remove allergens, especially from carpets or vents.
- Insurance implications. Some insurance policies have specific clauses or restrictions when it comes to pets—especially certain dog breeds. You may need to review your coverage, or even pay higher premiums depending on the risk level.
- Enforcement can be tricky. Once you allow pets, it’s your responsibility to set limits and enforce them. Without a solid pet agreement in place, it can be difficult to deal with damage, nuisance issues, or tenants bringing in unapproved animals.
That said, most of these risks can be mitigated with the right approach. Clear documentation, proactive communication, and a strong lease addendum can go a long way in keeping things manageable.
How to create a clear and fair pet policy
If you decide to allow pets, the next step is making sure your policy does the heavy lifting. A well-structured pet policy protects your property, sets expectations early, and helps avoid misunderstandings down the road.
Here’s what to include:
- Pet deposit terms. In Manitoba, landlords can charge a pet deposit (up to 50% of one month’s rent) for non-service animals. Be sure to collect it before move-in and outline what it will cover—typically damages beyond normal wear and tear.
- Limits on type, size, or breed. Some landlords restrict large dogs, certain breeds, or exotic animals. You can tailor your policy to the space—what works in a detached home might not work in a condo or upstairs unit.
- Maximum number of pets. It’s reasonable to limit how many animals are allowed in a unit. Two pets is a common maximum, though this can vary based on property size.
- Pet behaviour rules. Outline expectations around noise, cleaning up after pets, leash requirements, and supervision. It’s also smart to include consequences for repeated issues or policy breaches.
- Permission requirements. Make it clear that any new pet must be approved before being brought into the unit. This helps you track who’s living in your property and ensures pets aren’t being added without notice.
- Pet agreement addendum. Include all of the above in a dedicated pet agreement or addendum to the lease. Both you and the tenant should sign it so there’s a written, enforceable record.
The goal here isn’t to be restrictive—it’s to be clear. Tenants with pets are often happy to follow rules, especially when they’re laid out up front. A transparent policy shows you’re open to pets, but not to surprises.
What the law says about pets in rentals
Can landlords refuse pets
Wondering “can a landlord refuse pets?” In most cases, the answer is yes—but there are important exceptions to keep in mind.
- Landlords can typically say no to pets and include a no-pet clause in the lease. If that’s your preference, make sure it’s clearly stated and agreed to in writing.
- Service animals are not considered pets. Tenants with guide dogs or emotional support animals may be protected under provincial human rights laws. Denying them could be a legal issue—regardless of your pet policy.
- Clarity is key. Whether you allow pets or not, put your policy in writing. This helps avoid disputes later and ensures everyone’s on the same page from the start.
Before setting your rules, check provincial regulations or speak with a legal professional to make sure your lease aligns with current laws.
How a property manager can take the stress out of pet policies and pet friendly rentals
Allowing pets can be a great way to attract tenants—but it also adds another layer to your job as a landlord. From screening pets and collecting deposits to handling complaints or damages, enforcing a pet policy takes time and consistency.
That’s where a property management team can help.
A good property manager will:
- Draft and enforce clear pet agreements
- Handle tenant communications around pet-related issues
- Coordinate repairs for pet-related damage
- Ensure your lease and policies align with legal requirements
- Take care of regular inspections to catch issues early
At Canopy Mgmt, we help landlords strike the right balance—attracting responsible pet owners while protecting your property and peace of mind.
Want help building a pet policy that works? Let’s chat about how we can support your rental goals.
