Recommending Change of Strata Property Act and Residential Tenancy Act to Disallow Discrimination Against Pet Owners

Whereas BC is experiencing a housing crisis and it is hard enough to find shelter even if the prospective renter does not have pets that serve in effect as close family members and emotionally essential life partners for their owners; And whereas in 2017, an estimated 1700 pets had to be given up or terminated because their owners could not find stable shelter with them: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the BC government to change the Residential Tenancy Act and Strata Property Act such that landlords and strata organizations may not reject applicants for rental units because their family unit may include pets, on the condition that those pets would not pose serious and specific concerns in regard to physical danger, noise, smell, or an adverse allergic reaction among other building residents.