Montreal, March 24, 2026 – The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) has struck down a lease clause allowing the ban on pets in rental housing in Quebec. This decision, rendered on Thursday, March 12, 2026, could mark a turning point for tenants and landlords across the province.
In its decision, the TAL ruled that the clause banning pets in a lease is unreasonable, abusive and contrary to Quebec’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. The Montreal SPCA had intervened in the dispute between the tenant and the landlord to present its position on the ban of pets in rental housing and homes.
In striking down the clause, the TAL noted that the tenant’s pets, several having succeeded one another in the unit since 2011, had never caused damage or generated any neighbour complaints.
Administrative judge Suzanne Guévremont stated that “the general prohibition on keeping a pet in a dwelling constitutes an oppressive and unacceptable intrusion into a person’s family life, within their own home.”
She also emphasized that “the evolution of animal protection laws in Quebec law reflects today’s society and now recognizes the deep bond that forms between humans and their companion animals.”
It was by relying on a “liberal interpretation” of the articles of the Quebec Charter, combined with the preamble of the Animal Welfare and Safety Act, that the tribunal concluded that the lease clause banning pets infringed on the tenant’s rights to freedom and privacy.
The Montreal SPCA welcomes this important victory before the Tribunal administratif du logement. “We are relieved to know that the tenant in this case will not have to make the heartbreaking choice between keeping a family member and being able to have a home […] The TAL’s ruling is significant: it cannot be ignored and will undeniably have repercussions on other disputes regarding the validity of clauses banning pets,” declares Me Marie-Claude St-Amant, lawyer representing the SPCA.
According to her, this is a turning point in TAL case law, which has generally upheld these clauses without examining tenants’ fundamental rights.
On the landlords’ side, the reaction is different.
The spokesperson for the Corporation des propriétaires immobiliers du Québec (CORPIQ), Éric Sansoucy, says the organization is currently analyzing the TAL’s decision. In his view, this ruling essentially overturns a contractual agreement between a landlord and a tenant.
He points out that leases include a section dedicated to accepting or refusing pets, including their type. Landlords therefore have the right, at their discretion, to allow or ban pets in their properties. For Mr. Sansoucy, it remains essential that a landlord be able to refuse an animal in certain situations.
“We need to analyze what this ruling is really saying because ultimately, the TAL is going somewhat against its own regulations here. That’s what we’re observing as well,” he says.
Although the current law remains unchanged for now, the ruling could set in motion a process toward a permanent change in regulations.
According to Mr. Sansoucy, the numbers speak for themselves, and landlords are already very accommodating when it comes to pets.
A Léger survey conducted in January 2026 for Vivre en ville reveals that 69% of tenants say they have the right to keep a pet in their rental unit. In practice, 45% of Quebec tenants have a pet at home.
The CORPIQ spokesperson believes that cohabitation with pets generally goes well in Quebec, which explains why roughly one in two tenants owns one. Landlords support maintaining the current regulations, which protect both tenants and landlords and their properties, he concludes.
Landlords’ rights regarding pet bans in rental units remain unchanged for now. This ruling did not amend the law, but it establishes a legal precedent that could influence other TAL decisions in similar situations.
Tenants and landlords who want to understand their rights regarding pets in rental housing would benefit from following this file closely.
The circumstances of this case are quite unique. The tenant had been living in the unit since 2011 and always had pets, despite a written ban in the lease and the building’s regulations.
Three landlords succeeded one another during this period, each with a different level of tolerance regarding the presence of pets in the unit. The situation does not reflect that of the majority of Quebec tenants with pets, but it triggered a legal process that could have lasting repercussions.
On Thursday, September 28, 2023, the Montreal SPCA appeared before the TAL to present its position on the lease clause banning companion animals in rental housing, in the context of the dispute between the tenant and his landlord.
The landlord was attempting to evict the tenant for non-compliance with the pet ban clause. During the hearing, administrative judge Me Camille Champeval was informed that the landlord was dropping his eviction request and selling the building, allowing the tenant to remain in his apartment. The case nevertheless continued through to the March 2026 ruling.
The ruling acknowledges that a blanket ban on pets in a residence may infringe on tenants' fundamental rights. A tenant whose pet causes no damage or nuisance could now rely on this decision to challenge a no-pet clause.
The ruling was issued in a specific case involving particular circumstances. It does not automatically apply to all housing units. Each situation may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the TAL.
A landlord may take legal action if a tenant fails to comply with the terms of the lease. However, this ruling shows that the TAL may consider the tenant’s fundamental rights and the animal’s behavior in its assessment. If your pet causes neither damage nor nuisance, your position could be strengthened.
Commencez par documenter les raisons qui justifient votre position : dommages antérieurs, plaintes de voisinage, contraintes liées à l'immeuble. Le jugement du TAL a mis l'accent sur le fait que l'animal du locataire n'avait causé aucun problème. En cas de litige, des preuves concrètes de nuisance ou de dommages renforceront votre dossier devant le tribunal. Il est aussi recommandé de consulter un conseiller juridique pour évaluer vos options.
A residential, commercial and mortgage real estate broker specializing in luxury properties, Rola Hamdan brings over 25 years of combined experience in finance and real estate across Greater Montreal.
A member of Profusion Immobilier, the exclusive affiliate of Forbes Global Properties, she advises homeowners, buyers, sellers and investors at every stage of their transactions. Whether you’re looking to acquire a rental property, sell a home or optimize your investment strategy, Rola turns every project into tangible results.
A residential, commercial and mortgage real estate broker specializing in luxury properties, Rola Hamdan brings over 25 years of combined experience in finance and real estate across Greater Montreal.
A member of Profusion Immobilier, the exclusive Quebec affiliate of Forbes Global Properties, Rola assists homeowners, sellers, buyers and investors in building their wealth through real estate.
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