Lease agreement checklist for landlords

A residential tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant that sets out the terms of a rental arrangement. It defines rent, deposits, the length of the tenancy, the rights and responsibilities of both parties, and the process for ending the agreement. A clear, written agreement protects both sides and provides a reference point if a dispute arises.

In Canada, tenancy agreements are governed by provincial law, and the forms, requirements, and tenant protections vary meaningfully from province to province.

Types of Tenancy Agreements

There are two main types of tenancy agreement in Canada.

A fixed-term agreement runs from a set start date to a set end date, typically six months or one year. It offers stability for both parties. In most provinces, a fixed-term lease that expires and is not renewed converts automatically to a month-to-month tenancy.

A periodic agreement, most commonly month-to-month, has a defined start date but no fixed end date. It renews automatically at the end of each period unless one party gives proper notice to end it.

What a Tenancy Agreement Should Include

Regardless of province, a well-drafted agreement should cover:

• The full names and contact information of the landlord and tenant
• The rental property address
• The type and term of tenancy
• The rent amount, due date, and accepted payment methods
• The amount of any deposits collected and the conditions for their return
• Which utilities and services are included
• The responsibilities of each party for maintenance and repairs
• Rules about pets, smoking, subletting, and guests
• The required notice period to end the tenancy
• The signatures of both parties

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not having a written agreement is the most consequential omission. Verbal agreements are difficult to enforce and leave both parties exposed. Other common issues include unclear or missing rent terms, clauses that attempt to override provincial tenancy law (which are void even if signed), failing to conduct a condition inspection at move-in and move-out, omitting rules about subletting or additional occupants, and not stating who is responsible for specific repairs.

Tenancy Agreements by Province

British Columbia

Landlords in BC must use the BC Residential Tenancy Agreement, issued by the Residential Tenancy Branch, under the Residential Tenancy Act. The agreement covers rent, deposits, maintenance responsibilities, and entry rules. Fixed-term leases automatically convert to month-to-month at the end of the term unless a new agreement is signed. No clause in the agreement can remove or reduce rights protected by the RTA.

Ontario

Most residential tenancy agreements signed on or after April 30, 2018, must use the Ontario Standard Lease, under the Residential Tenancies Act. Certain housing types are exempt, including care homes, mobile home sites, and some co-operative and supportive housing. No clause in the agreement can override tenant rights under the Act or the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Quebec

Residential leases in Quebec must use the mandatory Bail obligatoire form, administered by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), under the Civil Code of Quebec. Landlords must provide a signed copy of the lease within one month of occupancy. No damage deposit of any kind is permitted. Tenants have the right to refuse rent increases at lease renewal.

Alberta

Alberta does not have a mandatory standard tenancy agreement form. Landlords must draft their own agreement or use a third-party template, under the Residential Tenancies Act. The agreement must cover rent, deposits, and termination conditions. No clause can remove rights protected by the Act. The Alberta government provides guidance on what the agreement should include.

Manitoba

Landlords in Manitoba must use the Standard Residential Tenancy Agreement (Form 1), under The Residential Tenancies Act. The form outlines the rules, duties, and responsibilities of both parties and is downloadable from the Residential Tenancies Branch website.

Digital Tenancy Agreements

Digital tenancy agreements are legally binding across Canada when executed using secure electronic signatures. Platforms like liv.rent allow landlords and tenants to review, sign, and store agreements online, with built-in identity verification and province-specific forms. Digital agreements reduce paperwork, are easier to access and reference, and create a clear, timestamped record of what both parties agreed to.

List Your Rental on liv.rent

liv.rent connects verified landlords with tenants across Canada. Digital lease signing and in-platform messaging keep all agreements and communications documented in one place.