Winnipeg Free Press
June 2, 2005
300 rental units planned to meet rising demand
Letters to the Editor - Shaun Parsons
In response to Claws out over 'no pets allowed' clause on lease, May 28:
Gaylene Kapustiak and Ryan Savage have failed to see the greater picture. The Residential Tenancies Act prohibits Manitoba property owners from obtaining a damage deposit in excess of one half of the first month's rent, which would average around $250 to $350 with or without a pet.
I have seen ferrets, rodents and dogs with diapers as well as reptiles sunning themselves in apartments under the title of pet. I have no problem with goldfish; as they become old or sick they float to the top of a tank and are disposed of accordingly. But those who do have aquariums in our properties are required to have tenant insurance in the event of a ruptured tank. Interestingly or unfortunately, standard insurance policies do not cover pet damage.
Management companies like ours, from time to time, have had to replace seemingly good carpet because the new tenant has had a severe allergic reaction or alternatively terminated a lease by way of a medical report due to a previous tenant's pet. What Kapustiak and Savage may not have considered is the cost of a pet, good or bad. If a property manager is unsuccessful in the recovery of cost from the tenant with the pet, all other tenants are burdened with that cost in an annual increase in rent.
Our company has a blanket no-pets policy, written and enforceable through The Residential Tenancies Branch. Moreover, it is our experience that a few tenants knowingly sign leases with a pet. However, the majority of pets in our building arrive upon the premises after the move in, knowingly in contravention of the rules.
The unfortunate situation is that these very lovable pets are being displaced to various situations including shelters as suggested by Vicki Burns of The Winnipeg Humane Society. It's unfortunate that the humane society has not consulted with The Professional Property Managers Association prior to coming out in support of pets in apartments. Not all tenants dislike pets but essentially all tenants are under one roof and it is irresponsible that pets be put before human considerations, health or otherwise.
SHAUN PARSONS
Past President
The Professional Property Managers Association