Pet Restriction Bylaws (Strata)

Under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, a strata corporation may enact bylaws that prohibit or restrict pets in strata lots, subject to proper bylaw amendment procedures and voting thresholds set out in the Act. However, such bylaws must not conflict with applicable human rights protections, including for assistance animals or service animals required for a disability under the BC Human Rights Code, RSBC 1996, c. 210. Verify current bylaw content and any exemptions with a BC lawyer or notary before purchasing.

Under s. 128 of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, a bylaw amendment (including creation of a pet restriction) generally requires a resolution passed by a three-quarter vote at an annual or special general meeting (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). The strata must follow notice requirements and filing procedures set out in the Act and Strata Property Regulation, BC Reg 43/2000. Verify the specific procedural steps and any recent legislative amendments with a BC lawyer or notary before acting.

Yes. Under the BC Human Rights Code, RSBC 1996, c. 210, strata corporations have a duty to accommodate persons with disabilities, which includes permitting assistance animals or service animals even if a pet restriction bylaw is in place. The strata must accommodate to the point of undue hardship, and blanket pet bans cannot override this legal duty. Verify the accommodation process and documentation requirements with a BC lawyer or notary if you require an assistance animal.

Yes. Under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, strata bylaws may impose restrictions on the number, size, weight, or species of pets, provided the bylaw is validly enacted and does not conflict with human rights protections. Common restrictions include weight limits (e.g., maximum weight per animal) or breed/species restrictions. Review the strata's filed bylaws and any pending amendments with a BC lawyer or notary before purchasing a strata lot if you own or plan to acquire a pet.

Under s. 123(2) of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, if a strata bylaw is amended to prohibit or restrict pets, the amended bylaw does not apply to prohibit a pet already kept in a strata lot on the date the bylaw is passed, unless the pet is replaced (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). This is commonly known as 'grandfathering.' Verify the specific wording of the bylaw amendment and your rights with a BC lawyer or notary before acting.

Standard BC real estate practice includes reviewing the strata's current bylaws (filed at the Land Title Office or obtained from the strata corporation) and any Form B Information Certificate, which discloses bylaws and pending bylaw amendments. Under the Real Estate Services Act, SBC 2004, c. 42, and RESA Rules, a licensee assisting a buyer should help obtain and review strata documents. Verify current pet bylaws, minutes, and any pending amendments with a BC lawyer or notary before completing your purchase.

Under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, strata bylaws may authorize user fees for certain purposes, but the Act does not specifically provide for a 'pet deposit' analogous to a residential tenancy damage deposit. Some strata corporations attempt to levy 'pet fees' via bylaw; the enforceability and scope of such fees depend on the bylaw wording and the Act's limits on user fees and special levies. Verify the strata's bylaw authority and fee structure with a BC lawyer or notary before agreeing to any pet-related charges.

If you believe a pet restriction bylaw is improperly enacted, conflicts with the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, or violates your human rights (e.g., you require an assistance animal), you may apply to the BC Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) for an order under s. 164 and following of the Act (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current jurisdiction). For human rights complaints, the BC Human Rights Tribunal has concurrent jurisdiction under the BC Human Rights Code, RSBC 1996, c. 210. Verify your options and deadlines with a BC lawyer or notary before acting.

Yes. Under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, a strata corporation may enact bylaws that restrict or permit specific species or types of pets (for example, allowing cats but prohibiting dogs, or vice versa), provided the bylaw is validly passed and does not conflict with human rights protections. The bylaw must be clearly worded and filed at the Land Title Office. Verify the specific terms and any exceptions with a BC lawyer or notary before purchasing or acquiring a pet.

Yes. Under s. 121 of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, strata bylaws are binding on tenants, occupants, and visitors to the same extent as on owners. A rental tenant must comply with the strata's validly enacted pet restriction bylaw even if the landlord permits pets under the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78 (which prohibits 'no-pet' clauses in tenancy agreements but does not override strata bylaws). Verify current strata bylaws and tenancy agreement terms with a BC lawyer or notary before entering a lease.