National pet day: promoting harmonious cohabitation in rental housing

CORPIQ wishes to contribute in a constructive, responsible, and balanced way to discussions surrounding pets. In a context where a recent decision by the Tribunal administratif du logement (Desjardins v. Amilis inc. 2026 QC TAL 8220) has generated significant attention without changing the regulations in force, CORPIQ aims to remind stakeholders that tools and best practices are available to foster living environments adapted to the needs of all occupants.

Pets are part of the reality for many households, and landlords are sensitive to this situation. A recent Léger survey¹ reflects this: 69% of tenants surveyed indicated that they are allowed to have a pet.

At their level, property owners must ensure the peace, safety, and integrity of the building in order to provide all tenants with a harmonious living environment. They already demonstrate flexibility and judgment, depending on the specific context of their building and its occupants. It is therefore essential that they have appropriate tools to manage the presence of animals, including the ability to limit or refuse them. As is the case with condominiums or social housing, this flexibility allows rules to be adapted to the reality of each building and ensures proper management.

CORPIQ proposes practical tools and responsible, balanced best practices to adapt the presence of pets to each living environment:

1/ Addition of a pet annex. As already done by municipal housing offices and condominium associations, CORPIQ now suggests adding an annex to the lease clarifying the conditions related to pet ownership (type, size, number, etc.).

2/ Compliance with existing provincial and municipal regulations. CORPIQ encourages landlords and tenants to verify applicable regulations and include proof of compliance in the annex, such as the animal’s identification number or what is commonly referred to as a pet license. These municipal and provincial measures aim to ensure the safety and well-being of both animals and the public.

3/ Liability insurance coverage. It is recommended that tenants hold liability insurance to cover unforeseen events that may result in damage or injury to another person or their property.

4/ Establishment of a security fund. To promote access to housing, CORPIQ proposes that the amount paid at lease signing be held in a fund administered by a third party. This measure, widely used in several sectors and jurisdictions, would provide landlords with greater assurance regarding proper conduct within the dwelling.

“Overall, through these tools and best practices, we aim to promote harmonious cohabitation and fair rules so that everyone can have a home, while avoiding the judicialization of relationships between tenants and landlords,” says Éric Sansoucy, CORPIQ spokesperson.

 

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1.  Le marché locatif résidentiel : Québec, Édition 2025, Léger