Montreal, March 2, 2023 --- The Association des Propriétaires du Québec (APQ) is not surprised by Québec Solidaire’s recurring request to allow the presence of animals in Québec rental housing.
“This desire to allow animals is a demand that comes back year after year. But it is unfortunate to see that instead of taking the time to study the rental market and understand why this claim does not take into account the reality of real estate and the legislation in place, it continues being requested,” says Martin Messier, president of the APQ.
Indeed, it would be unfair and inappropriate to impose such a decision, which has significant financial consequences for tenants and rental property owners alike.
Do we need to silence people who are afraid to live in a building with animals? Or even people with allergies to animals? Tenants have requests as soon as they visit the dwelling before signing the lease to avoid pet-friendly buildings in many cases.
First of all, it should be noted that it is the owners of the animals who are the source of the problems in many situations.
Many animals are left alone in the dwelling, and they howl without their master taking the necessary measures to avoid this situation.
However, the owner must ensure the peaceful enjoyment of all, and how to deal with animals that bark, because they are left unattended by their owners? Cases of pet owners not taking care to pick up feces left in yards, sidewalks, dwellings or common areas of the building are also a major source of complaints.
In addition, in Québec, it is forbidden for the owner to require a security deposit.
“In France and Ontario, examples cited as support for this project, the security deposit is allowed, so the apprehension related to damage is reduced,” adds the APQ.
If landlords so often prohibit animals in a rental housing, it is largely related to a lack of legislative support in situations where animals are let go by their tenant owner. We can also think of dwellings whose floors have been destroyed by animals that have had no other alternatives, because they have been left alone for long periods.