Port Moody couple in battle with new landlord over their dog

Finding a place to rent that allows animals can be tricky.

One couple thought they had done all the right things when they moved into an apartment in Port Moody.

Dorothy van Diepen says they made it clear both in person and emails that they owned a 100 pound dog.

Their new landlord said pets were fine and they signed a one year lease.

When the couple was moving in, the strata told the couple their Lab-Jack Russell cross was too big and unless they were getting rid of it, they would have to move or face a weekly fine of $200.

Unfortunately for the couple, the bylaws for the building changed in 2009 and only small pets were allowed.

In addition, their landlord now says they’re responsible for the lease or finding a new renter.

However, van Diepen says the residential tenancy branch has informed here that there is a way she may be able to keep her dog and move into the apartment.

“Actually, we can keep him here now,” says van Diepen.

“The residential tenancy board has informed me that if the owner signed the lease, and didn’t do their due diligence and find out the bylaws, and if we want to move him in – all of the fines go to landlord, and we have no responsibility to pay them.”