Pet Deposit Dispute Decided in Small Claims BC
📌 In brief
In a Small Claims BC case, the tribunal decided that a tenant was not entitled to the full return of their pet deposit because the landlord was justified in keeping $185 to cover cleaning costs due to damage caused by the tenant's pet.
⚖️ Legal holding
A tenant is entitled to retain a portion of a pet deposit to cover cleaning costs if the damage exceeds normal wear and tear.
📚 Full judgment
The summary, holding and questions above are VadeLab’s own material. The official decision itself is published by the court, and we do not reproduce it on this page.
⚖️ What tends to weigh in cases like this
✅ Tends to be accepted
- The respondent was entitled to keep $185 from the pet deposit for cleaning costs.
- The cost of $100 for professional carpet cleaning was deemed reasonable.
- The $85 cost for cleaning the floors and removing odors was considered reasonable.
❌ Tends to be rejected
- The applicant's claim for $200 for candles was not considered due to procedural rules.
- The applicant's argument that the dog's mess could not have been significant was dismissed.
- The applicant's claim for the full $600 pet deposit was denied.
Patterns observed in similar cases in this collection — every case is unique.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What was the dispute about?
The dispute was about whether the landlord should return the full pet deposit or keep a portion for cleaning costs.
How did the court decide, and why?
The court decided that the landlord was entitled to keep $185 for cleaning costs because the damage exceeded normal wear and tear.
Which laws or rules were applied?
The Civil Resolution Tribunal Act sections 118, 2, 39, and 42 were applied.
What was the argument that mattered most?
The argument that mattered most was whether the damage caused by the tenant's pet exceeded normal wear and tear.
Was the decision for or against the person who brought the case?
The decision was against the person who brought the case.
What does this mean for someone in a similar situation?
For someone in a similar situation, a landlord can retain a portion of a pet deposit to cover cleaning costs if the damage exceeds normal wear and tear.
What evidence or documents mattered?
Photographs showing the extent of the damage and receipts for cleaning costs mattered in the decision.