Renting with a pet in Winnipeg
The local picture
In Winnipeg, a pet needs the landlord’s permission. The province’s Residential Tenancies Branch advises getting it in writing, tells tenants never to keep a pet without it, warns that a landlord can give notice to a tenant who does, and suggests having any no-pets clause taken out of the agreement once a pet is allowed.
The branch also publishes a guide encouraging landlords to accept pets, with a checklist of what they may ask for: references from previous landlords or a veterinarian, vaccination and flea treatment records, and proof of a licence where one is required. Having those ready makes the conversation shorter.
The law, which is the same everywhere in Manitoba
In Manitoba, a pet needs the landlord’s permission
Under Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act the landlord decides whether pets are allowed. The Residential Tenancies Branch tells tenants never to keep a pet without permission, to get permission in writing, and to have any no-pets clause removed from the agreement once a pet is allowed.
When a landlord allows a pet, section 29.1 lets them require a pet damage deposit of up to one month’s rent, in addition to a security deposit of up to half a month’s rent (section 29). Only one pet damage deposit is allowed per tenancy, however many pets there are, and none can be charged for a service animal as defined in The Human Rights Code. Written pet rules from the landlord are treated as house rules (section 29.2). Pets and tenancy law, province by province.
Disputes go to the Residential Tenancies Branch.
A pet deposit of up to a month’s rent
Manitoba allows more in refundable deposits than any of the other provinces we cover: a pet damage deposit of up to one month’s rent, on top of a security deposit of up to half a month’s rent. A tenant who already paid a pet damage deposit cannot be asked to top it up, and deposits taken between June 30, 2010 and July 31, 2014 were capped at half a month’s rent.
Only one pet damage deposit is allowed per tenancy, however many pets you have, and the landlord must tell you it is required before the agreement is signed or when agreeing to a pet. It comes back with interest at the end, less any claim for pet damage, and disagreements over it go to the Residential Tenancies Branch.
Practical notes for Winnipeg
- The City of Winnipeg requires dogs and cats over six months old to be licensed.
- The Residential Tenancies Branch gives information to landlords and tenants, and mediates and decides disputes, including over deposits.
- The Community Legal Education Association runs a free Law Phone-In and Lawyer Referral Program.
- No pet damage deposit can be charged for a service animal as defined in The Human Rights Code.
What there is to buy
A letter, if you would like help with one. We write the pet request letter from your answers, for Manitoba, with a one-page pet resume to go with it: $35 on its own, or $55 with the certificate. Or copy the free letter template and write it yourself: it is the same kind of letter. Neither obliges a landlord to agree. We would rather you sent a good letter than no letter.
One payment, delivered by email. With the certificate and card, $55 for both. Prices are in US dollars. Any sales tax is calculated by Creem and shown at checkout before you pay.
Not a legal document. Canada ESA Register is a private service, not a government body, and no official register of emotional support animals exists in Canada. It does not give you a legal right to keep a pet, to housing, or to access with your animal.
Other cities
Not a legal document. Canada ESA Register is a private service, not a government body, and no official register of emotional support animals exists in Canada. This page is general information about renting in Manitoba, not legal advice.