What are the rules for pet damage deposits in BC?

Deposit limit: For a tenancy covered by BC’s Residential Tenancy Act, a pet damage deposit can be no more than half of one month’s rent. A landlord cannot take more than one pet damage deposit for the tenancy, even if there are several pets. This is separate from the security deposit.

When it can be charged: The landlord can ask when entering the tenancy agreement if the tenant already has a permitted pet, or when the landlord agrees to a pet the tenant acquires during the tenancy. The landlord does not normally have to return the deposit early just because the pet leaves or dies.

Return deadline: In general, the landlord has 15 days after the tenancy ends or the landlord receives the tenant’s forwarding address in writing, whichever is later, to return the deposit with any applicable interest or apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch to keep it. Exceptions include certain inspection-related losses of rights, a deduction the tenant agrees to in writing at the end of the tenancy, and existing orders.

If the deposit is disputed: A landlord cannot simply deduct an amount because they believe there was damage. Unless the tenant agrees otherwise, a pet damage deposit is for pet damage. Keep the condition reports and evidence of when and how the forwarding address was served, and check the Residential Tenancy Branch process.

Guide and service dogs: A landlord cannot charge a pet damage deposit for a certified guide or service dog. Other disability-related requests may raise separate human rights accommodation questions; seek advice if the situation is unclear.

General legal information, not legal advice.

Official BC resources

Already agreed to allow a pet?

If a landlord and tenant already agree to allow an ordinary pet going forward under an existing written pet restriction, check whether the BC Pet Addendum fits. It is optional and does not resolve a deposit dispute or replace the Residential Tenancy Branch process.

Check the BC Pet Addendum’s scope