You have found an apartment. It is bright, affordable and close to work. You also have a furry best friend. Will the landlord say yes? Renting with pets in Calgary can feel like a challenge.As a property management company in Calgary Green Casa has helped thousands of owners find welcoming homes. Today I want to share everything you need to know about renting with pets. You and I will cover your rights what landlords can ask for and how to be a responsible pet owner. By the end you will feel confident finding a home for both you and your four-legged family member.
What Does the Law Say About Renting With Pets in Alberta?
The truth is Alberta does not have a province law that gives you the automatic right to have a pet in a rental.Landlords can legally include a no-pets clause in your lease. If you sign that lease you cannot bring a pet without permission.However many landlords are becoming more pet-friendly because they know pet owners often stay longer and take care of the home.
Some cities, including Calgary have considered friendly bylaws but nothing forces a landlord to accept animals. So renting with pets requires you to be proactive, honest and responsible.The good news is that rental properties than ever welcome pets.
What Can a Landlord Ask For When You Have a Pet?
When you find a friendly rental your landlord may ask for a few things.
1. A pet deposit: In Alberta a landlord can ask for a pet deposit but the total of your security deposit plus pet deposit cannot exceed one months rent. For example if your rent is $1,500 the total deposits cannot exceed $1,500.
2. They may ask for a resume: This is a document with your pets age, breed, weight, vaccination records and references from past landlords.
3. They may ask for proof of spaying or neutering.
4. They may require you to carry renter insurance that includes liability. As a property management company in Calgary we recommend being fully transparent. A landlord who discovers a hidden pet can evict you.
Which Calgary Neighborhoods Are Most Pet Friendly?
Not all neighborhoods are equal when it comes to renting with pets.Communities with dog parks walking paths and green spaces are ideal. In Calgary some of the pet-friendly areas include Hillhurst, Sunnyside and Kensington near the Bow River pathways. In the southeast McKenzie Towne and Seton have off-leash areas. In the northwest Rocky Ridge and Tuscany offer access to the large off-leash park at 12 Mile Coulee.
In the southwest Killarney and Glamorgan have parks but a welcoming vibe. When you search for rentals look for listings that explicitly say pet-friendly.Even if a listing says no pets it never hurts to ask. Some landlords make exceptions for behaved older pets.
How to Be a Renter With a Pet
Renting with pets comes with extra duties. I want to help you succeed.
First, always clean up after your pet. This includes the yard and common areas.
Second, prevent noise. Barking dogs can disturb neighbors. Lead to complaints.
Third, protect the property from damage. Trim your dogs nails to avoid scratched floors.Use litter mats under your cats box. Wash pet bedding regularly to avoid odors.
Fourth, treat for fleas and ticks year-round. An infestation can spread to neighboring units. Cost you thousands.
Fifth, never leave your pet alone for than eight hours without a check-in. A bored pet may chew doors or carpets. Following these tips makes you a dream tenant and landlords will happily renew your lease.
What Is a Pet Resume and Why You Need One
A pet resume sounds funny. It works wonders. I have seen tenants get approved for no-pet buildings simply because they presented a pet resume. What should you include? A recent photo of your pet. Their name, age, breed, and weight. Proof of vaccinations and spay/neuter. A letter from your previous landlord confirming no pet-related damage.
A note from your veterinarian stating your pet is healthy and well-behaved. Also include any training certificates like Canine Good Neighbor. When you apply for a rental attach this resume to your application. It shows the landlord that you’re responsible and that renting with pets is not a risk for them.
Pet Fees: What Is Legal in Alberta
Let me clear up confusion about money. In Alberta a landlord can charge a deposit. This is separate from your security deposit but subject to the one-month rent cap. So if your rent is $1,200 your security deposit plus pet deposit together cannot exceed $1,200. Some landlords charge a refundable pet fee. This is generally not allowed under the Residential Tenancies Act.
All deposits must be refundable if there is no damage. A landlord can also charge a pet rent, usually $25 to $50 per pet. This is legal because it is considered rent, not a deposit. Always read your lease carefully. If you see a refundable pet fee ask for it to be changed to a refundable deposit.
What Happens If You Sneak a Pet Into a No-Pet Building
I strongly advise against this. If you sign a lease that says no pets and you bring one anyway your landlord can give you a notice to end the tenancy. In Alberta the notice period for a material breach like a pet is usually 14 days. You could be evicted. You would also lose your security deposit if the pet caused any damage. Worse, you would have an eviction on your record making it very hard to rent elsewhere.
Of sneaking, have an honest conversation. Offer to pay a pet deposit. Provide references from landlords. Many landlords will say yes if you ask nicely and show responsibility. Renting with pets is possible without deception.
How Green Casa Welcomes Pet Owners
At Green Casa we believe that pets are family. Many of our team members have dogs and cats themselves. We work with landlords to encourage friendly policies. For properties that allow pets we help set deposit amounts and clear rules.
We also mediate any related disputes before they escalate. When we list a property we clearly state the pet policy upfront. No surprises. We have also created a pet owner guide for our tenants with tips on cleaning, noise control and local dog parks. Our goal is to help you and your pet live happily in your Calgary rental.
Conclusion
Also ask directly; many landlords are flexible. You now know everything about renting with pets, in Calgary. The law gives landlords the right to say no. More are saying yes. Be honest create a resume offer a reasonable deposit and prove you are a responsible owner. At Green Casa we are proud to help pet owners find homes where both humans and animals thrive. Your furry friend deserves a place. Go find it with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If your lease is silent on pets you can generally have a pet. However the landlord can later add a no-pet clause when you renew. Check your lease carefully.
It can be. Some landlords charge a deposit or monthly pet rent. However many do not. Shop around for friendly listings.
Your security deposit plus pet deposit together cannot exceed one months rent. If your rent is $1,000 total deposits cannot exceed $1,000.
No. Service animals are not considered pets under Alberta human rights law. A landlord cannot refuse a service animal. Charge a pet deposit for one.
Use filters on rental sites. Work with a property management company like Green Casa that lists friendly options.
Co-Founder & Director
Hafil Perincheeri is an engineer-turned-realtor, investor, and builder based in Calgary, Canada. As Co-Founder and Director of Greencasa, he specializes in home flips, property development, and investment strategies. Since 2019, he has guided clients in home buying, multifamily investing, and financing options like CMHC and MLI Select, ensuring transparent, informed decisions.