Renting a Room in Ontario

This is the most important question when you rent a room. The Act does not apply where the occupant is required to share a bathroom or kitchen with the owner, or the owner's spouse, child, parent or spouse's child or parent, who lives in the same building (section 5(i)).

• If you rent a room from a landlord who does not live there, or who lives there but does not share your kitchen or bathroom, the Act generally applies. You have the same core protections as other tenants.
• If you share a kitchen or bathroom with the owner or their close family living in the home, the Act does not apply. Your rights come from your agreement and general contract law, and the Landlord and Tenant Board cannot hear disputes.

Our room listings say which situation applies, or that it must be confirmed with the owner.

Owner-shared arrangements can work well, but put the terms in writing because the Act's default rules do not fill the gaps:

• How much notice either side must give to end the arrangement.
• What the rent includes, and how and when it is paid.
• Which spaces are shared, and any house rules on guests, quiet hours, cooking or laundry.
• How a deposit will be held and when it will be returned.

Some cities license houses where rooms are rented separately. In Toronto, multi-tenant houses have been permitted city-wide since March 31, 2024, and operators must hold a City licence and meet property standards and fire-safety requirements. Other municipalities have their own rules, and some have none.

A licence is a useful sign that a house has been inspected, but its absence does not by itself tell you whether the house needs one. Ask the operator.

• Whether the owner lives in the home and shares the kitchen or bathroom with you.
• Whether your bathroom and kitchen are private or shared, and with how many people.
• Whether the room has a lock, a window and a working smoke alarm, and whether there is a carbon monoxide alarm where required.
• What is included: furniture, utilities, internet and laundry.
• Who to contact for repairs.
• The notice needed to move out.