What to Know About Renting to Tenants with Service Animals
Key Takeaways
Service dogs are legally protected: In Alberta, landlords cannot deny tenancy or charge fees for certified service or guide dogs, as they are considered essential aids, not pets.
Emotional support animals differ: ESAs are not automatically covered under the Service Dogs Act, but tenants may still require accommodation under the Alberta Human Rights Act.
Professional management simplifies compliance: Sutton Group Property Management helps landlords handle documentation, accommodation requests, and legal obligations while protecting their investment and maintaining positive tenant relationships.
Did you know that in Alberta, landlords cannot refuse tenancy to someone who uses a certified service dog, even if the property has a strict “no pets” policy? Under provincial law, service and guide dogs are not classified as pets, they are essential aids that help people with disabilities live safely and independently.
With more Albertans relying on service animals for both physical and mental health support, it’s crucial for landlords to understand their legal obligations and how to handle these situations appropriately.
To help property owners navigate this important topic, Sutton Group Property Management has created this guide, outlining everything landlords need to know about renting to tenants with service animals.
Understanding Service Animals and the Law in Alberta
In Alberta, service and guide dogs are protected under several laws, including the Service Dogs Act, the Blind Persons’ Rights Act, and the Alberta Human Rights Act. These laws make it illegal for landlords to deny housing to a person who relies on a qualified service or guide dog.
The law views this as a disability accommodation, not a pet request. Refusing such a tenant or charging extra fees because of a service dog can lead to complaints or even fines of up to $3,000.
Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that assist with a disability, such as guiding individuals who are blind, alerting people with medical conditions, or providing mobility support.
They are different from emotional support animals, which offer comfort but are not trained for specific disability-related tasks.
In Alberta, a service dog must be certified by the provincial government or by an approved training organization. Handlers receive a Service Dog Identification Card that confirms the dog’s legal status.
Without certification, an animal may not automatically qualify as a service dog under provincial law, though the Alberta Human Rights Act may still provide protection if a disability-related need is proven.
What Landlords Can and Cannot Ask
When a tenant requests to live with a service dog, landlords have the right to ask for reasonable proof that the dog is certified. This typically includes viewing the provincial Service Dog Identification Card.
If the tenant’s animal is not certified, landlords can request documentation from a regulated health professional showing that the tenant requires the animal because of a disability. However, landlords cannot ask for specific medical information or personal details about the disability itself.
These requests should always be handled respectfully and confidentially. Asking for excessive information or refusing a tenant because of a service or guide dog can be viewed as discrimination under the Alberta Human Rights Act.
In most cases, landlords are expected to accommodate unless doing so would create undue hardship, which is a very high legal threshold.
Managing the Tenancy Responsibly
Once a tenant with a service dog moves in, landlords should treat them like any other tenant. Service and guide dogs are not exempt from normal tenancy rules regarding cleanliness, property maintenance, and noise.
However, landlords cannot impose “pet” restrictions or charge pet fees for these animals. They also cannot limit a service dog based on breed, weight, or size.
If a service dog causes damage to the property, the tenant is responsible for the cost of repairs just like any other renter. Landlords have the right to enforce reasonable rules to ensure the property remains safe and well-maintained.
If the animal’s behaviour poses a genuine safety risk or creates serious disturbances, the landlord can take action through standard tenancy channels.
Regular inspections are permitted with proper notice, as outlined in Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act.
During these visits, landlords should focus on the overall condition of the property, not on the service dog itself. Professionalism and clear communication are key to avoiding misunderstandings.
Emotional Support Animals in Alberta
Landlords should be aware that Alberta’s laws distinguish between certified service dogs and emotional support animals (ESAs).
Only certified service dogs have guaranteed protection under the Service Dogs Act and Blind Persons’ Rights Act. Emotional support animals, which provide comfort or companionship but lack specialized training, do not automatically have the same rights.
However, a tenant who relies on an emotional support animal because of a disability may still be protected under the Alberta Human Rights Act.
In such cases, landlords should consider the accommodation request carefully and ask for appropriate documentation from a regulated health professional. Each request should be evaluated individually, and landlords should seek advice before denying a request.
How Property Managers Can Help
Handling accommodation requests involving service or support animals can be complex. A professional property management company can make the process easier and ensure all communication and documentation comply with Alberta’s laws.
They can verify certification, communicate with tenants, and ensure that property rules and lease agreements align with current legislation.
A property management team can also help landlords stay current with changes in provincial and human rights regulations. This support reduces the risk of fines, disputes, and complaints.
For landlords managing multiple units or who prefer a hands-off approach, partnering with an experienced management company is the most effective way to protect both property and reputation.
Bottom Line
In Alberta, landlords must accommodate tenants with certified service or guide dogs, even in “no pets” properties, as these animals are not considered pets and cannot incur extra fees.
Emotional support animals may also require accommodation, depending on the situation. Understanding these distinctions ensures landlords stay compliant and maintain positive tenant relationships.
Sutton Group Property Management helps Alberta landlords navigate these rules with professionalism, from verifying documentation to handling accommodation requests, ensuring legal compliance while protecting your investment.