B.C. group wants government to prohibit landlords from banning pets in rental units

People looking for looser restrictions on pets in rental apartments brought their fight to the lawn of the B.C. Legislature on Sunday.

They are trying to convince the B.C. government to bring in legislation that prohibits landlords from banning pets in rental units.

Landlord B.C. is arguing that damage caused by dogs and cats often costs owners more than the deposit paid by renters, but some pet owners say that is discrimination.

“Anybody who’s ever had a pet and been a tenant knows how difficult it is to find affordable, safe housing,” said Jordan Reichert with Pets OK BC.

READ MORE: B.C. animal advocacy group teams up to help pets of low-income owners

Ontario does not allow landlords to ban pets and the group wants B.C. to adopt similar legislation.

Vancouver’s rental vacancy rate sits at just under one per cent and so many of the spaces available do not allow any pets.

Pets OK BC is set to meet with the housing minister next month.

~With files from Kristen Robinson