Pet-friendly apartments in Winnipeg can have very different rules, so “pet-friendly” should be treated as the start of your research rather than the final answer. Before applying, confirm whether your type and number of pets are allowed, whether a pet damage deposit applies, what municipal licensing is required, and whether the building has any size or other restrictions.
Doing that work before you submit an application can save you from finding a great apartment that does not actually fit your pet or your budget.
What Does Pet-Friendly Mean for Winnipeg Apartments?
A pet-friendly apartment is a rental where the landlord allows certain household pets under the building’s rules. It does not mean every animal is automatically accepted.
In Manitoba, landlords may refuse household pets or set guidelines around the kinds of pets they allow. Service animals are treated differently under Manitoba law.
Towers Realty Group’s apartment search includes filters for pet-friendly and cat-friendly properties, as well as features such as pet wash facilities and greenspace. Once you find a property that looks suitable, check the individual building page and the current pet policy before applying.
How Do Pet Damage Deposits Work in Manitoba?
A landlord who permits pets can require a pet damage deposit, but Manitoba limits the amount.
The Residential Tenancies Branch states that a pet damage deposit collected on or after August 1, 2014 can be up to one month’s rent. The deposit is held until the tenancy ends and may be claimed for qualifying pet-related damage or cleaning costs.
That amount is separate from the regular security deposit. Because move-in costs can add up quickly, ask about the pet deposit before you apply and include it in your moving budget.
Towers’ current Resident Animal Pawlicy states that approved household pets require a pet deposit equal to one month’s rent. Renters should review the latest policy before applying in case any building-specific conditions apply.
Check the Building’s Pet Rules Before You Apply
The most important question is not simply “Are pets allowed?” It is “Is my pet allowed at this property?”
Towers’ current Resident Animal Pawlicy states that household pets are permitted only at designated pet-friendly properties unless otherwise approved in writing. The policy currently permits domesticated cats and dogs, limits households to no more than two animals per unit, and includes size and other restrictions for dogs. Specific buildings may have more restrictive rules.
Because policies can change, treat the current policy page and the property’s own listing as the source of truth when you are ready to apply.
Have the basic details about your pet ready when you speak with the leasing team:
- type of animal
- number of animals
- approximate size
- current licence information
- any documentation required by the property
Confirming these details before a viewing helps avoid applying to a building whose rules do not fit your animal.
Do Dogs and Cats Need a Licence in Winnipeg?
Yes. The City of Winnipeg states that dogs and cats over six months of age living in Winnipeg need a pet licence.
Towers’ current animal policy also requires residents to provide current licence information for household pets where municipal licensing applies. If you are moving from another city or your pet’s licence is close to expiring, take care of that step before your move so your records are current.
Licensing is separate from a landlord’s permission to keep the animal. A city licence does not guarantee that a specific building will accept your pet, and approval from a landlord does not replace municipal licensing requirements.
Which Apartment Features Make Life Easier With a Pet?
A building can allow pets and still be a poor match for your daily routine. Look at the apartment and neighbourhood through the lens of how you actually care for your animal.
For a dog owner, convenient access to outdoor space may matter more than an extra amenity you rarely use. A nearby park or a simple route outside can make everyday walks easier. An elevator may also be useful in a taller building, particularly for an older dog or an owner who wants to avoid several flights of stairs.
A pet wash can be practical after muddy spring walks or snowy winter outings. Towers’ Don Togo Apartments currently lists an on-site pet wash, direct access to Don Togo Park and pet-friendly status.
Cat owners may care more about suite layout, natural light, window security and whether the building is specifically cat-friendly. Towers’ apartment-search filters can help narrow those options.
A suitable pet-friendly building should work with the pet’s actual routine, not merely allow the animal on paper.
What Is the Difference Between a Household Pet and a Service Animal?
Under Manitoba rental rules, a service animal is not treated the same way as a household pet.
The Residential Tenancies Branch states that landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone because they rely on a service animal and cannot charge a pet damage deposit for that service animal.
Towers’ current Residential Tenant FAQs also explain that service animals may be allowed at properties that are otherwise not pet-friendly, subject to applicable legal requirements and documentation.
Renters who rely on a service animal should discuss accommodation requirements directly with the landlord or property manager rather than assuming the household pet rules apply.
What Should You Ask Before Applying for a Pet-Friendly Apartment?
Confirm the policy before you spend time completing an application.
Ask whether your pet’s type, size and number are permitted. Confirm the amount of the pet damage deposit and when it is due. Ask whether the building has any rules for common areas, elevators, balconies or outdoor spaces. Check whether your licence documentation is current and whether any additional forms are required.
Then look at the apartment itself. Is there enough room for your pet’s normal routine? Is there a practical path outside? Are nearby walking routes suitable throughout the year? Does the property have greenspace or a pet wash that would make everyday care easier?
A property such as Water’s Edge Estates currently lists pet-friendly townhomes, courtyard or greenspace and a park-like setting.
A renter with a dog that needs frequent outdoor access may value greenspace differently from a cat owner who prioritizes suite layout and window security. That is why the policy and the property need to be compared together.
Once you find a suitable building, review Towers’ current pet policy, view the exact suite and confirm the requirements with the leasing team before applying. Towers’ rental process currently requires applicants to view the exact suite before submitting an application, subject to its provisions for applicants who cannot attend locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a landlord charge for a pet damage deposit in Manitoba?
For pet damage deposits collected on or after August 1, 2014, Manitoba allows a landlord to collect up to one month’s rent. The exact amount should be confirmed before you enter the tenancy agreement or receive permission to bring a pet into the unit.
Can a landlord in Manitoba refuse pets?
Yes, a Manitoba landlord can refuse household pets or establish rules about which pets are allowed. Service animals are treated differently under human rights and residential tenancy rules.
Do dogs and cats need a pet licence in Winnipeg?
Dogs and cats over six months old living in Winnipeg need a pet licence. Renters should keep the licence current and provide the information required by their landlord’s pet policy.
Does pet-friendly mean every dog is allowed?
No, a pet-friendly building may still have rules about the type, size, number or other characteristics of animals allowed. Always check the current policy for the specific building before applying. Towers’ own policy is an example of a pet-friendly policy with defined conditions.
Can a landlord charge a pet damage deposit for a service animal in Manitoba?
No. Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch states that a landlord cannot charge a pet damage deposit for a tenant who relies on a service animal.
