Off-Campus Housing

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:

1. Send a written notice (email or letter) with a reasonable deadline for the fix.
2. 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.
 

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:

1. Speak to your landlord about temporary accommodations, such as a hotel or a different rental unit.
2. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Here are essential questions to ask before signing a lease to ensure you make an informed decision:

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.