Roommate rental laws in Ontario: what tenants need to know
Roommate arrangements in Ontario are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act and vary depending on whether the person is a co-tenant, occupant, or subtenant.This guide covers Ontario tenancy law only. For other provinces, see our [rental laws guides].
Ontario's rules around roommates and shared housing are set out under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. The rules differ depending on whether a roommate is a co-tenant on the lease, an occupant living with you, or a subtenant taking over your unit temporarily.
What Is the Difference Between a Co-Tenant, an Occupant, and a Subtenant?
Co-tenant: A person who has signed the lease alongside you. Both co-tenants are equally and fully responsible to the landlord for rent and the condition of the unit.
Occupant: A person who lives in the unit with you but has not signed the lease. The landlord cannot stop you from having a roommate as an occupant while you remain in the unit. A landlord cannot raise rent or charge extra fees for the addition of an occupant, according to the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights.
Subtenant: A person who occupies your entire unit while you are temporarily away. A sublet is different from having a roommate — you must vacate the unit for a subtenancy to exist. Subletting requires the landlord's consent, which cannot be unreasonably withheld.
Do You Need the Landlord's Permission to Add a Roommate?
If you are staying in the unit and bringing in a roommate as an occupant, you do not need the landlord's consent under the RTA. You can ask the landlord to add your roommate as a co-tenant, but the landlord is not required to agree. If they decline, the person can still live with you as an occupant, and you remain solely responsible to the landlord for the tenancy.
What Is a Roommate Agreement?
A roommate agreement is a private document between housemates covering rent splits, utilities, shared responsibilities, and house rules. It is not a lease and does not replace the tenancy agreement, but it is a useful tool for preventing disputes. It can be enforced between the roommates through civil proceedings if needed.
What Protection Does an Occupant Have?
An occupant who is not on the lease has no rights under the Residential Tenancies Act against the landlord. If the named tenant is evicted or moves out, the occupant has no legal standing to remain. Occupants rely on their private arrangement with the named tenant.
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liv.rent lists verified rentals across Ontario, including rooms and shared accommodations. Roommate agreement templates are available on the platform.