Montreal, June 19, 2023 --- The Quebec Landlords Association (APQ) criticizes tenant representatives on the subject of animals and Quebec Solidaire for wanting to impose a new ban on housing without taking the time to discuss it with the owners, to understand their point of view and the impacts each face in order to finally perhaps find a solution together.
"We have been witnessing for several years repeated requests from the SPCA, tenant associations, Quebec Solidaire to abolish the free choice of the owners of housing to allow or not, the presence of an animal: petitions, bills... But has one of these organizations at some point tried to understand the landlords and to propose a solution? The approach needs to be reviewed: tenants who have animals must be made responsible and protective measures must be taken for landlords! " according to Martin Messier, President of the APQ.
"Removing a right without measuring the impact on the other stakeholders of the lease is in no way a cooperative approach and even less a winning one" added Martin Messier.
The Association des Propriétaires du Québec (APQ) explained and demonstrated that the problems related to the presence of animals in buildings could be mitigated by various solutions. It is still necessary that all the parties concerned demonstrate good faith, active listening and a real will to resolve this situation.
The Quebec Landlords Association (APQ) reminds us that the security deposit is not the only agreement to be found.
The APQ listens to the arguments of others, and we have developed various avenues that could be discussed:
- Mandatory training and proof of success to have an animal in a dwelling;
- Intervention of the SPCA (or other regional organization) when tenants do not behave properly when a complaint is filed against them;
- Make Bill 54, An Act to improve the legal situation of animals, firmer towards tenants
- Accelerated process at the Administrative Housing Tribunal (TAL) to terminate the lease on proof of animal neglect or animal-related complaints;
- Allow a security deposit;
- Recognize that current remedies for damages are an obstacle course and work together to modernize and bring the recalcitrant to justice.
To start a collaboration, it is also necessary that all the parties agree to preserve the free choice of the owner of the dwelling to authorize or not the animals in housing.
It is also necessary to be able to respect the tenants’ without animals’ choice and wish that their environment be free of animals; or those who are afraid or those who are allergic.
"The choice to accept animals in a building must be maintained, but if by understanding the realities of each party a solution was satisfactory, a large number of tenants could have an animal, as in the case where any good democracy of negotiations are held." concluded the APQ.