Managing Pets, Smoking, and Cannabis in Your Rental Property

Many landlords want to set clear rules about pets, smoking, and cannabis use in their rental properties. These issues affect maintenance, tenant relations, and legal compliance. Here’s how to manage them step-by-step.

## Set Clear Policies in Your Lease Agreement

**Action:** Decide whether to allow pets, smoking, and cannabis use in your rental unit. Document your rules clearly in the lease or rental agreement.

**What to record:** Include specific clauses on pets (types, sizes, number), smoking (inside/outside, common areas), and cannabis use (smoking, vaping, edibles). Specify any deposits or fees related to pets or smoking.

**Pitfall to avoid:** Avoid vague language. For example, "No pets allowed" is clearer than "Pets require approval." Also, be aware that some jurisdictions have restrictions on banning service or emotional support animals.

## Communicate Policies Before Signing

**Action:** Discuss your pet and smoking policies with prospective tenants before signing the lease.

**What to record:** Keep notes or emails confirming the tenant’s understanding and agreement to these rules.

**Pitfall to avoid:** Don’t assume verbal agreements suffice. Tenants may claim they didn’t know the rules if not clearly documented.

## Conduct a Thorough Move-In Inspection


## **Action:** Inspect the rental unit with the tenant present before they move in.

**What to record:** Take dated photos or videos of the condition of floors, walls, carpets, and fixtures, especially noting any existing pet damage or smoke stains.

**Pitfall to avoid:** Neglecting this step can lead to disputes over damage later. Documentation protects you when enforcing pet or smoking-related clauses.


## Monitor Compliance During Tenancy

**Action:** Periodically check for compliance with your pet and smoking policies, respecting tenant privacy and notice requirements.

**What to record:** Document any complaints, inspections, or violations with dates and details.

**Pitfall to avoid:** Avoid entering without proper notice or violating tenant privacy laws. Always follow local rules for inspections.

## Address Violations Promptly

**Action:** If you find unauthorized pets, smoking, or cannabis use, notify the tenant in writing according to local laws.

**What to record:** Keep copies of all notices and communications.

**Pitfall to avoid:** Don’t delay addressing violations; ignoring them can weaken your position if eviction or other actions become necessary.

## Plan for Cleaning and Repairs After Tenancy


**Action:** Inspect for pet-related damage or smoke odors after the tenant moves out.

**What to record:** Document damage and estimate repair or cleaning costs.

**Pitfall to avoid:** Overlooking smell or hidden damage can affect your next tenant’s experience and your property’s value.


## Adjust Your Policies as Needed

**Action:** Review and update your pet and smoking policies periodically based on experience and changes in local laws.

**What to record:** Keep dated copies of all lease versions and policy updates.

**Pitfall to avoid:** Don’t assume one policy fits all properties; tailor rules to each unit’s condition and location.

## Before You Rely on This

Rules about pets, smoking, and cannabis vary widely by province, state, and municipality. Some places prohibit banning service animals or restrict smoking bans inside units. Cannabis laws are evolving and differ greatly. Always check official sources such as your local residential tenancy board, housing authority, or government website before finalizing policies or lease agreements.

For example, consult the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board or the California Department of Consumer Affairs for detailed rules in those jurisdictions.

You can also find practical tools for lease document management and tenant communication on RentMouse’s [Documents & e-signing](/features/documents-esigning) and [Tenants & leases](/features/tenants-leases) pages.