Quebec bans no-pets rules in leases

Summary#

This bill changes Quebec’s Civil Code so “no pets” clauses in residential leases have no effect. In simple terms, a landlord cannot enforce a rule in a lease that bans pets. It applies to current leases, not just new ones. The government must also update the standard lease forms soon after the law takes effect.

• Makes any lease clause that bans pets invalid.
• Applies to all current and future residential leases in Quebec.
• “Pet” follows the definition in Quebec’s Animal Welfare and Safety Act.
• Tells the government to remove “no pets” wording from the official lease forms within 30 days of the law taking effect.
• Does not change other tenant or landlord duties; it only cancels pet-ban clauses.

What it means for you#

• Renters

  • If your lease says “no pets,” that clause would no longer count. Your landlord could not use it to stop you from having a pet.
  • This applies even if you signed your lease before the law took effect.
  • You must still follow all other rules in your lease and general laws (for example, about noise, cleanliness, and safety).

• Landlords and property managers

  • You could not add or enforce a “no pets” clause in a residential lease.
  • You would still be able to enforce other lease rules and general laws (for example, about damage, nuisances, or safety), but the bill does not change those rules.
  • You will see updated official lease forms with “no pets” wording removed within 30 days of the law taking effect.

• Neighbors and buildings

  • You may see more tenants with pets in your building.
  • General rules about noise, cleanliness, and safety still apply.

• Timing

  • The law would take effect on the date it is officially approved.
  • The government must update the mandatory lease forms within 30 days.
  • The change applies to leases already in force on that date.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Protects renters who have or want pets, so they do not have to choose between housing and a pet.
• May reduce pet abandonment by making it easier to keep pets when moving.
• Supports mental health and well‑being, since many people rely on pets for companionship.
• Creates a simple, province‑wide rule that is easy to understand and enforce.

Opponents' View#

• Limits landlords’ ability to set rules for their own properties.
• Could increase risks of noise, allergies, or property damage in some buildings.
• May lead to more disputes between tenants and landlords over pet behavior and responsibility.
• Some buildings (for example, small or shared units) may find it harder to manage common spaces with more pets.