Welcome to our Off-Campus Leasing Guide, designed to help students make informed decisions when renting off-campus housing. This guide covers important questions to ask and key considerations before signing a lease. Please note that this information is intended as general guidance and is not legal advice. For detailed assistance or specific inquiries, we recommend contacting the Landlord and Tenant Board directly.
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First-Time Renter's Guide:
Tips and Tricks
Understanding Leases and Tenant Responsibilities
Rights and Leasing FAQs
First-Time Renter's Guide: Tips and Tricks
Renting for the first time can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips and tricks to help you navigate the process.
Understanding Your Needs
Prioritize your needs and preferences to guide your rental search. Create a budget and narrow your options to what you can afford. Be sure to separate your needs (dealbreakers like safety or proximity) from wants (nice-to-have features like a dishwasher).
What is the Cost of Housing?
The cost of housing depends on factors like location, unit size, and amenities. Below are common rental options and their typical costs:
|
Type of Rental |
Description | Monthly Estimate | Pro | Con |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Room in Shared Home |
Bedroom in a larger home | $870 | Affordable |
Shared space with roommates or homeowner* |
|
Basement |
Unit within a residential home |
$1200 |
Separate entrance |
Limited natural light and ventilation |
|
Student Housing Apartment |
Bedroom in shared apartment |
$960 |
Often furnished with amenities |
Additional fees may apply |
|
Homestay |
Living with a local family | $1150 | Cultural exchange, meals provided |
Limited independence |
|
Studio Apartment |
One main room with bathroom | $1270 | Privacy and independence |
Space is limited |
|
Apartment |
Private unit in the city | $1480 | Greater privacy and amenities |
Higher rent |
|
House |
Renting an entire home | $1900 | More space and privacy |
Higher rent and maintenance responsibilities |
*Note: The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) applies to most rentals, but not when sharing a kitchen or bathroom with your landlord.
Additional Costs to Consider
In addition to rent, you should plan for potential additional costs:
- Hydro (Electricity): Costs may vary by season.
- Internet: Bell and Eastlink offer packages ranging from $50 to $200 per month.
- Tenant’s Insurance: A small cost that can protect your belongings.
- Other Costs: Groceries, parking ($50 to $200/month), furniture, coin laundry ($3 to $5 per use).
Roommates
Choosing the right roommate is key. Discuss expectations upfront:
- Lifestyle & Habits: How do you handle stress, manage shared spaces, and household noise?
- Personal Preferences: What are your views on guests, sharing personal items, and dietary restrictions?
- Finances: What is your budget for rent and utilities? How will you divide shared expenses?
- Conflict Resolution: How do you prefer to handle disagreements?
- Communication Style: How do you communicate, and how open are you about expressing your needs?
How to Find Roommates
Utilize resources like Places4Students Roommate Finder to connect with other students.
Searching for a Place
Verify online ads by checking the address on Google Maps or reverse-image searching photos. Look up the renter or rental company for reviews.
Signing Documents and Payments
Carefully read all documents, especially your lease. Landlords may ask for a security deposit, but they cannot charge more than one month’s rent upfront. Additional fees for things like cleaning, applications, or holding are illegal under the RTA.
Interest on Last Month's Rent
If you've paid last month’s rent, your landlord owes you interest annually (currently 2.2%). Don't forget to ask!
Additional Information
- Trust Your Instincts: If you're uncomfortable with a landlord, don’t hesitate to walk away.
- Living with Your Landlord: If you share a kitchen or bathroom with your landlord or their family, the RTA does not apply, and any agreement falls under contractual law.
By following these tips, you'll be more prepared for your first rental experience.
Tenant Rights FAQs
In Ontario, a landlord can require a tenant to pay first and last month’s rent before moving in. The last month's rent will serve as a deposit on the unit. However, damage deposits are not allowed.
- First month’s rent isn’t required until move-in, though a post-dated cheque can be provided for convenience.
- According to the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), the landlord must pay interest on the rent deposit every 12 months, at a rate determined by the province (up to 2.5% per year). While this may only add up to around $20 per year, it’s still the tenant’s money.
Your roommate is allowed to have visitors over. However, it’s essential to negotiate an agreement regarding visitors to ensure a comfortable living environment.
The RTA requires landlords to maintain the property in a habitable condition. If your maintenance issue remains unresolved:
- Send a written notice (email or letter) with a reasonable deadline for the fix.
- If the problem persists, you can contact the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Landlords cannot enter your unit without 24 hours’ notice, except in emergencies or if you give consent at the time of entry. For all other entries, the landlord must:
- Carry out a repair or inspection.
- Show the unit to a mortgagee or potential insurer.
- Perform other tasks specified in the lease.
If the landlord continues to enter without notice, inform them of the violation under the RTA.
Landlords can request:
- References, your full name, and contact information.
- They may ask to see your ID but do not need copies of personal documents like your driver’s license, student ID, passport, or social insurance number.
Always be cautious about sharing sensitive personal information.
Leasing FAQs
No. Never sign a lease, enter a contract, or provide personal information or payments without seeing the unit first. If you cannot visit in person, request a trusted person to view the unit or arrange a live video tour.
Before signing a lease:
- Check appliances and locks.
- Verify that the heat, showers, and taps work.
- Document any pre-existing damages to avoid future disputes.
If your unit isn't ready by the agreed move-in date:
- Speak to your landlord about temporary accommodations, such as a hotel or a different rental unit.
- If alternative accommodations aren't reasonable, inform your landlord that they are in breach of contract and request termination by a specific date. If not resolved, you can file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Note that finding a new rental unit would still require paying rent to both landlords unless your lease is legally terminated.
Once you’ve signed a lease, you are bound by the contract for its full term. If you wish to back out, it’s important to try to resolve issues rather than look for another place to live.
No. You are responsible for the lease until the term ends. However, you may have options to:
- Sublet the unit to someone else.
- Assign the lease to a new tenant, with landlord approval.
Yes. If you and your roommate are on the same lease, you are jointly liable for rent. If your roommate leaves, you are responsible for covering their portion of the rent. You may seek restitution through mediation or legal avenues such as small claims court.
Understanding Leases and Tenant Responsibilities
What is a Lease?
A lease is a binding contract that grants a tenant the right to use or occupy a property for a specified period in exchange for rent. Most leases last for one year.
In Ontario, landlords of private residential rental units must use a standard lease template for all new leases. The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) governs both landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities.
Purpose of the Standard Lease
The standard lease helps:
- Ensure landlords and tenants understand their rights and responsibilities.
- Reduce illegal terms in leases and misunderstandings from verbal agreements.
- Minimize the need for Landlord and Tenant Board hearings to resolve disputes.
Who Signs the Lease?
Carefully consider the people you include in your lease. Any tenant who signs the lease may be jointly or solely responsible for the entire rent of the unit. If you sign separate leases for a room within a unit, you’re not responsible for other tenants' missed payments.
When you sign a lease, you're responsible for rent until the lease ends, regardless of whether you live in the unit for the full term. If you plan to leave for a period, consider subletting or negotiating with your landlord for a shorter lease.
- Notice for Leaving: You must give 60 days' written notice before moving out.
- Subletting: You can sublet with landlord approval, which cannot be unreasonably refused.
Negotiating a Lease
A lease is a contract between two parties, outlining their respective responsibilities. Landlords often use written leases that favor them, but you can negotiate terms if you’re respectful and prepared.
Tips for Negotiating:
- Read the lease carefully before signing.
- Ask questions about clauses you don’t understand.
- Standard leases are typically 1 year in length.
- If changes are made to the lease, make sure both parties initial and sign the changes in writing.
- Confirm whether you need to move out at the end of the lease or if there’s an option for renewal.
- Always get a copy of the signed lease for your records.
Terminating a Lease
Ending a Lease Early
Terminating a lease midway through is challenging. Once you sign a lease, it’s a legally binding contract. Both parties must agree to terminate it early.
If you want to leave early:
- Notify your landlord and ask if they agree to end the lease.
- If they don’t agree, you are still responsible for the rent and may face penalties for breaking the lease.
- Subletting is another option to avoid penalties.
If your landlord refuses, you can file a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Ending the Lease at the End of the Term
To terminate a lease at the end of the tenancy:
- Review your lease for specific termination details.
- You must provide at least 60 days’ notice before the end of the tenancy period, which usually falls on the last day of the lease.
- Be aware of automatic lease renewals if you don’t provide proper notice.
- Discuss with your landlord if you missed the early termination date or consider finding a sublet.
- For a fixed-term tenancy, ensure you complete the proper paperwork with your landlord. Use the Notice to Terminate Tenancy form, available on the Landlord and Tenant Board website (Form N9).
Questions to Ask Before Signing a Lease
Here are essential questions to ask before signing a lease to ensure you make an informed decision:
|
Lease Terms |
|
|---|---|
|
Security Deposit |
|
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Emergency Contacts |
|
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Communication |
|
|
Subleasing |
|
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Amenities |
|
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Rent and Utilities |
|
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Guest Policies |
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Neighbourhood Safety |
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Lease Termination |
|
Rental Scams
To avoid rental scams, follow these tips:
- Verify the property using online tools like Google and request proof of ownership.
- Never provide payments before signing a lease.
- Ontario landlords can only ask for one month’s rent as a deposit, to be applied to the last month's rent, and a refundable key deposit. Fees for cleaning, damage, or security deposits are illegal.
- Research the neighborhood and rental prices to stay informed.
- Always check the property, even if it’s through a live virtual tour.
Subtenancy vs. Lease Assignment
|
Aspect |
Subtenancy |
Lease Assignment |
|---|---|---|
|
Contract |
Lease between the original tenant (head tenant) and the subtenant (new tenant). |
The original tenant transfers their lease to the assignee (new tenant). |
|
Conditions for a Valid Contract |
Four conditions must be met, including landlord consent and specific subtenancy duration. |
The original tenant must seek landlord’s consent to assign the lease. |
|
Period of Time |
Fixed period, less than the term of the head tenant’s lease. |
For the remainder of the original lease; afterward, it becomes month-to-month. |
|
Original Tenant’s Responsibilities |
Still liable to the landlord for rent and damages, even after subleasing. |
Only responsible for the period prior to assignment; no further obligations after the lease transfer. |
|
New Tenant’s Responsibilities |
Liable only to the original tenant, with no direct relationship with the landlord. |
Liable to the landlord, stepping into the shoes of the original tenant. |
|
Fees and Costs |
Landlord may charge reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for consent to sublease. |
Landlord may charge reasonable expenses (e.g., credit check) for lease assignment approval. |