Quebec Condo Pet Rules: Regulations and Limits

In Montreal and throughout Quebec, the question of pets in a divided co-ownership frequently comes before the board of directors and the annual general meeting. Between the right to peace and quiet and the desire to live with a dog or cat, your by-laws of the immovable must clearly set out the use of private portions and common portions. Here is a practical guide, current as of 2026-05-05, for structuring pet rules that are enforceable, reasonable and compliant with the Civil Code of Quebec (see s. 1054 C.C.Q.).

Why have pet rules in a divided co-ownership?

Well-drafted rules reduce conflicts, protect peaceful enjoyment and clarify expectations. They form part of your DCV (declaration of co-ownership) under the “by-laws of the immovable” section. The Civil Code allows the syndicate to regulate the use of fractions and common portions to prevent nuisances, damage and risks (see divided co-ownership under the C.C.Q.).

• Prevent nuisances: repeated noise, odours, excrement and pet hair in the corridors.
• Manage safety: bites, movement in stairways and elevators, and muzzles where necessary.
• Protect the building: damage to finishes, balconies, urine stains and water infiltration.
• Clarify expectations: the number of permitted animals, accepted types and areas where leashes are mandatory.

In practice, several syndicates we assist adopt nuanced rules rather than a total ban. The courts assess reasonableness, respect for fundamental rights and the evidence supporting the alleged nuisances.

What the board of directors can prohibit or allow

The board of directors does not create the rule on its own, but proposes and applies it and may issue notices of violation under the by-laws adopted by the meeting of co-owners. The following parameters are frequently encountered and generally accepted when they are reasonable and justified by the interests of the divided co-ownership.

• Maximum number of animals per condo (e.g., one or two dogs/cats).
• Maximum weight or size where demonstrable safety or wear-related concerns exist.
• Species prohibited for safety reasons (e.g., venomous snakes), along with compliance with municipal by-laws.
• Presence in common portions: leashes and control are mandatory; certain areas may not be used (pool, gym, community room), except by assistance animals.
• Hygiene: no leaving excrement behind, with immediate clean-up required.
• Balconies and windows: animals may not be left alone on a balcony; non-perforating nets are prohibited if they affect the facade.
• Noise: acceptable thresholds and quiet hours, with corrective measures for persistent barking.

Important: a rule must target use and conduct, not the personal characteristics of a co-owner. It must apply to co-owners and occupants (tenants and guests), and provide that the co-owner is responsible for the actions of their occupants.

For validity, the meeting must adopt it in accordance with the majorities provided for in the C.C.Q. for the by-laws of the immovable (see s. 1054 and meeting majorities, ss. 1096 to 1098 C.C.Q.).

Sample clauses to consider for your by-laws of the immovable

Here are sample wordings used by several syndicates. Adapt them to your context and avoid unjustified, excessive prohibitions. These examples are not a legal template, but illustrate balanced approaches.

• Definition: “Animal” includes a dog, cat, domestic bird or small caged mammal. Dangerous exotic animals are prohibited.
• Registration: Every animal must be declared to the syndicate within 10 days following its acquisition (name, species and proof of vaccinations). An internal register is maintained by the condominium manager.
• Control and movement: Animals must be kept on a short leash in indoor and outdoor common portions. The co-owner must take the shortest route.
• Hygiene and damage: The co-owner must immediately clean any soiling and assume the cleaning and repair costs related to their animal.
• Nuisances: Abnormal noise and odours are prohibited. Following a substantiated complaint, corrective measures must be implemented (training, enrichment or daycare).
• Balconies and windows: Animals may not be left unsupervised on a balcony; no object or litter may be thrown outside.
• Progressive sanctions: Written notice, a fine according to the approved schedule, recovery of costs and, where necessary, legal recourse. Fines must be reasonable and provided for in the by-laws.
• Exception — assistance animals: Animals required to compensate for a disability are permitted, subject to safe control and hygiene requirements. Appropriate proof may be requested.

Tip: include a “grandfathering clause” specifying that any animal present before the new rules are adopted remains permitted subject to conditions (no nuisance; non-transferable upon sale), to reduce challenges.

Adoption and enforcement process: from draft to follow-up

Effective rules depend as much on how they are drafted as on their proper adoption and enforcement.

Steps for adoption

1. Assessment: Identify incidents, complaints and issues specific to your building. Document them with photographs, videos and emails.
2. Draft and validation: Prepare a draft consistent with the DCV and the building’s practices. Have it reviewed by a legal professional if necessary.
3. Notice of meeting: Add the item to the annual general meeting agenda, attach the draft at least within the time limits required by law and specify the required majority.
4. Vote and minutes: Hold the vote in accordance with the C.C.Q.; record the resolution and sanctions schedule in the minutes. Update the official version of the by-laws.
5. Notification: Send the adopted rules to all co-owners and occupants. Add them to the file for future sales and to leases.

For administrative tasks (agenda, notice of meeting, holding the annual general meeting, minutes and document updates), see our administrative management services: https://www.multirent.ca/services/#gestion-administrative

Enforcement and follow-up

• Handling complaints: Require written and signed complaints, with dates and details. Avoid anonymous reports.
• Notices and fines: Apply a clear progression: warning, fine and then additional measures if necessary. Respect the right to respond.
• Evidence: Keep all relevant evidence (photographs of damage, recordings of barking and reports from a concierge) in case of a challenge.
• Recourse: If necessary, send a demand letter to stop the nuisance and, ultimately, pursue proportionate legal recourse.

For on-site enforcement and follow-up (complaint management, notices, postings and inspection rounds), see our operations management services: https://www.multirent.ca/services/#gestion-des-operations

Special cases: assistance animals, persistent nuisances and sales

• Assistance animals: Syndicates must accommodate persons with disabilities. A rule cannot effectively eliminate this accommodation. The board of directors may request sufficient proof and impose reasonable control and hygiene measures.
• Persistent nuisances: If an animal causes serious nuisances despite corrective measures, the syndicate may impose the sanctions provided for and, as a last resort, ask the court to order compliance with the rules. Document every step.
• Sales and promises to purchase: Inform every buyer of the applicable restrictions. The syndicate’s statement of condition and the documents provided by the seller should include the pet rules and applicable fines. Brokers have a duty to inform their clients.
• Leases and guests: The rules apply to tenants and guests; include a mandatory clause in leases. The co-owner remains responsible for breaches by their occupants.

Practical management and communication: reducing friction

• Communicate simply: Summarize the rules on one page and post them in high-traffic areas (entrance, elevator and courtyard).
• Make good practices easy: Install bag dispensers and outdoor garbage bins near exits.
• Allow an implementation period: When new rules come into force, allow a reasonable period for compliance.
• Offer solutions: Refer people to training resources and establish a process for dealing with barking.
• Maintain an animal register: When a new occupant arrives, confirm whether there are animals and provide the rules summary.

For more practical content, visit our blog: https://www.multirent.ca/blogue/

Useful references

• LégisQuébec — Civil Code of Quebec, divided co-ownership (by-laws of the immovable, meetings and majorities)
• Regroupement des gestionnaires et copropriétaires du Québec (RGCQ) — Best practices for by-laws of the immovable
• OACIQ — Information for condo buyers and sellers on use restrictions

multiRent links
Management packages and support
Contact us for a by-law assessment
About us

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a lawyer or notary regarding your situation.

Do you manage a divided co-ownership in Quebec? Discover our packages or contact us to assess your needs.