July 21, 2003
Showdown in the No Pets Corral, Part II
Dusty on the A-frame
5:00 p.m.
I signed my lease today. I signed my lease with the 'no pets' clause crossed out by my own pen. The building manager wasn't happy about this and technically, I didn't need to do it - the Tenant 'Protection' Act voids it anyways. But I felt dishonest putting my signature on a document that contained a clause that I wouldn't comply with.
The woman who I spoke with before (the superindentant) was also in the room. She had a slight smile on her face as the building manager (I'm guessing her boss) phoned another manager at the head office. This person pointed out that the clause is illegal anyways. The building manager grumbled a lot. The super smiled at me, which made me feel slightly better.
I sat up straight and concentrated on breathing, because frankly, all of this stuff makes me really nervous. I'm an honest person and it bothers me that I didn't entirely tell the truth. I admitted that I have a bird, which I do. I didn't mention Dusty (and no-one asked). I don't feel guilty about the omission - in fact, I'm glad I kept it to myself. But this business feels so tricky and underhanded - I wish I could just be honest about it.
Why, why, why do landlords insist on having these stupid clauses that are extraneous, illegal, or they have no intention of enforcing? We had a five minute discussion about whether I could hang pictures on the wall! (the lease says I can't).
But I know exactly why they have a 'no pets' clause. Most tenants don't know their rights and are intimidated by the scare tactics. As it was, I was on the phone with the Ontario Housing Tribunal and the Toronto Tenants Association in the afternoon. Both were helpful and confirmed what I already know: I'm allowed to have a dog no matter what the lease says.
I offered to volunteer for Toronto Tenants. This whole experience has been a real eye-opener for me.