Pets, Condos & Cleaning Deposits in Ontario
Ontario's Residential Tenancy Act has specific rules around pets and cleaning deposits that every Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, and GTA renter with pets should understand — particularly if they're renting a condo or apartment.
Pet Deposits Are Illegal in Ontario
Ontario landlords cannot charge a separate pet deposit or pet damage deposit. The RTA explicitly prohibits it. The only security deposit allowed in Ontario is a last month's rent deposit — and that must be returned or applied to the last month's rent. A landlord who charges a separate "pet deposit" is in violation of the RTA.
What Landlords CAN Do
What Ontario landlords can do is charge for the cost of cleaning or repairing actual pet damage — from the last month's rent deposit or through an LTB (Landlord and Tenant Board) application for unpaid rent or damages — if the damage exceeds normal wear and tear. Pet urine stains on carpeting, pet scratches on hardwood, and odour remediation costs can all be legitimately charged if they represent genuine damage beyond ordinary use.
How to Protect Your Deposit
- Document the condition of the unit at move-in with timestamped photos
- Regular professional cleaning throughout the tenancy keeps surfaces in good condition
- A professional move-out clean, including odour treatment if pets have been present, is the most direct way to prevent deposit disputes