Condo rules: pets, rentals, short-term rentals and renovations

Updated October 30, 2026 · 8 min read

When you buy a condo, you agree to live by its rules. That's part of the deal, and it's what keeps shared buildings livable. Problems arise when buyers discover a rule after closing that conflicts with how they planned to live: the dog that isn't allowed, the rental plan the building prohibits, the hardwood floor they can't install. Here's how to avoid that.

The three layers of condo governance

The declaration

The declaration is the condo's founding document, registered on title. It defines the units and common elements, sets each unit's share of expenses, and can include significant restrictions, such as on pets or use of units. Changing it generally requires a high level of owner approval.

By-laws

By-laws govern how the corporation is run: board size, meetings, borrowing and similar matters. They require approval by owners.

Rules

Rules deal with day-to-day use, such as noise, move-in procedures, amenity use, garbage and parking. The board can make rules, which must be reasonable and are subject to owner review.

All three come attached to the status certificate. Your lawyer will review them, but read the rules yourself too, since you know how you plan to live.

Pets

Pet restrictions in Ontario condos range from none at all to limits on size, number or type. A restriction in the declaration is generally harder to challenge than one in the rules. If you have a pet, or might get one, check before you buy:

• Are pets allowed at all? Any limit on number, size, weight or breed?
• Are there rules about pets in common areas (carrying in elevators, leashing, designated relief areas)?
• Is there a registration requirement?

Requirements around service animals and disability-related accommodation are governed by human rights law, so seek advice in that situation.

Renting out your unit

Most Ontario condos allow long-term rentals, but many have rules about them, such as minimum lease terms, providing a copy of the lease to management, and tenants agreeing to follow the rules. If you're buying as an investor:

• Check minimum lease terms in the declaration and rules.
• Understand the Residential Tenancies Act and Ontario's Standard Form of Lease.
• Factor condo fees, property tax and vacancy into your numbers, because condo fees can turn a positive cash flow negative.

Short-term rentals (Airbnb and similar)

This one catches people out. In London, short-term rentals face two layers of restriction:

1. The City of London licenses short-term accommodations and requires them to be in the host's principal residence. You can't buy a condo purely to run it as a short-term rental. The City has also tightened its rules over time. Check the City of London website for current licensing requirements.
2. The building may prohibit short-term stays altogether, often through minimum rental periods in the declaration or rules.

If short-term rental income is part of your plan, confirm both before you buy.

Renovations

Inside your unit you have more freedom, but not total freedom. Common restrictions include:

• Flooring: many buildings require approval and acoustic underlay for hard flooring, to limit noise transfer to the unit below.
• Plumbing and electrical changes, which may need approval and licensed trades.
• Anything touching common elements, such as exterior walls, windows, balconies or building systems. Approval is usually required, and sometimes an agreement registered on title.
• Work hours and notice to neighbours.

If you're buying with renovation plans, raise them with your agent early. In some cases it's worth asking management before you firm up.

Parking, lockers, EV charging and BBQs

Parking spots and lockers may be separate units, exclusive-use common elements, or simply assigned by management. That affects whether you own them and whether they come with the sale. EV charging requests are subject to specific Ontario rules. BBQ rules on balconies vary by building and fire code. Ask about all of these.

When things go wrong: the Condominium Authority Tribunal

The Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT), part of the Condominium Authority of Ontario, resolves certain disputes online, including issues about records, pets, vehicles, parking, storage, noise, odours and other nuisances. It's a more accessible route than court. The CAO's website also has excellent plain-language guides for owners.