Vancouver council supports end to ‘no pets’ rental contracts

By mikehall

Posted October 15, 2020 11:20 am.

Last Updated October 15, 2020 11:24 am.

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Vancouver council voted Thursday to move forward to end “no pets” clauses in rental contracts.

“Proud that council supported the call from the Renters’ Advisory Committee to call for an end to ‘no pets’ clauses in rental contracts,” Mayor Kennedy Stewart tweeted.

“More than ever, pets are critical to so many renters’ mental health and well being.”

Council passed the motion unanimously at its morning policy meeting.

Under the motion, put forward by Coun. Jean Swanson, the mayor is asked to advocate for the province to end the prohibition of “no pets” clauses in rental contracts. It also asks staff to look into what the city can do to curb landlords’ right to refuse rental on the basis of pet ownership.

“Social distancing is particularly difficult for seniors, under-housed individuals, and those who live alone. It has become clear that pets can help ease this isolation,” says the motion.

“COVID-19 has exacerbated an already existing problem: the current legislation discriminates against renters [who] have pets and are trying to find affordable housing in B.C. The BC SPCA reports that ‘no pets’ policies are the leading cause for surrender and abandonment of pets.”

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According to the motion, Ontario prohibited “no pets” policies in rental units.

“As the two provinces face similar pressures in rental housing, this model could be studied and applied within B.C.”

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