Can your landlord change the rules for pets in anapartment building immediately?

Question

I live in Saskatoon, SK. We were given a notice last week that there were new rules that were effective immediately concerning pets in our apartment building. We have signed a lease till June and with this lease there is a pet form that was signed too. We paid our pet deposit and we pay extra per month to have a pet. Are they allowed to change the rules concerning pets without getting the tenents agreement? They have actually had people who have had to move out or got kicked out because of this.

Basically they put in new rules concerning exercising of dogs, cleaning up any litter boxes, cages, etc., size of dogs, age of dogs, noise and a few others due to problems with some pets in the building. Mainly large dogs, owners who let their dogs pee and poop in the halls, and noisy little dogs. I must carry him now in the building and cannot walk him on the property now. I hate how because of other people not taking care of their pets I am getting punnished. My dog is housetrained and if he has an accident I know to clean it up. Why couldn't they just have evicted the people not cleaning up after their dogs without imposing the new rules immediately.

These new rules just make it harder for me. It seems like they just want to try and force pet owners out.

Actually they did change the existing rules. Now pets must be less than 12 inches tall at the shoulder. I think that yes its good to get rid of those bad pet owners, but they could have done it without the rule change. They had rules in place before, like pets mush be leashed or carried in a kennel or by you. This rule went out the window due to these problems because people did not train their pets right and did not properly clean up after their pets (part of being a responsible owner) and thats what makes me angry. I don't let my dog pee or poop in the halls. He had one accident once, but I immediately cleaned it up with cleaning spray. Everybody loved my dog. Also 12 inches tall at the shoulder is not a very big pet. Heck even a house cat might be too small for that requirement.

Answer 1

I can't give you legal advice but the bottom line is that you have a lease that protects you. If the rules are so unworkable as to force you to move that would be constructive eviction on their part. In which case you may be able to move if they in effect break the lease. Before things get worse maybe talk to the superintendent or property management company to try and have them work with you regarding your concerns.

Answer 2

There should always be rules in regards to pets. I wouldnt want to live in an apartment where the dogs are allowed to poop and pee in the halls. How unsanitary.
If your dog is as trained as you say, I dont understand how you feel you are being singled out. So you have to carry your dog outside to do his business. Big deal.
Actually I see the changes as for the better. As soon as some of these leases are up, there willl probably be more evictions for the problem people and pets. If you are both following the rules, dont worry about it. This makes for a more sanatary and safer building. Or would you rather live in the poop and pee? It causes diseases ya know. to both you and your pet. He actually isnt changing rules, he's probably ENFORCING the existing rules. There is a landlord that actually cares about his tenants, not just the money. Be grateful.

Answer 3

No they are not allowed to change the rules immediately as far as I know. There is a grandfather clause which means that anyone in there before the rules changes is allowed to keep pets. Especially if you are paying extra and have a pet deposit. New tenants would not be allowed pets, but those with pets before the rule change can keep them. Check with Rental Tenancy Association website.