Leases & Agreements in Canada

Learn about your rights as a tenant in Canada regarding Leases & Agreements. Understand landlord responsibilities, how to request repairs, and how to resolve disputes effectively to protect your rental home and your legal rights.

Top 5 Most Leases & Agreements Asked Questions in

What law covers rental leases and agreements in Alberta?
Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) governs leases and agreements.
Who enforces residential tenancy laws in Alberta?
The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) hears most disputes.
Do leases in Alberta have to be written?
No, but a written agreement is recommended for clarity and proof.
Must my landlord give me a copy of the lease?
Yes. Landlords must provide a signed agreement within 21 days.
What if my landlord won’t give me a copy?
You may withhold rent until it’s provided, but only after 21 days.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Leases & Agreements Asked Questions in

What is a lease or tenancy agreement in BC?
A lease (or tenancy agreement) is a contract between a tenant and landlord outlining the terms for renting a home, as required by BC's Residential Tenancy Act.
Does my lease have to be in writing?
Yes, in BC your landlord is legally required to provide a written tenancy agreement. If not, standard terms apply under the law.
What should be included in a tenancy agreement in BC?
It should include names, address, rent amount, deposit info, start/end dates, and other key terms. Use the RTB-1 Tenancy Agreement Form.
Do I need to pay a security deposit?
Landlords can request up to half a month's rent as a security deposit in BC.
What types of rental agreements are there?
Fixed-term leases (with end dates) and month-to-month tenancies are most common in BC.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Leases & Agreements Asked Questions in

Who oversees residential tenancy issues in Manitoba?
The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) handles tenancy disputes, forms, and information in Manitoba.
What law governs leases in Manitoba?
The Residential Tenancies Act (C.C.S.M. c. R119).
Do leases have to be in writing in Manitoba?
Yes, landlords must provide a written tenancy agreement for most rentals in Manitoba.
What should a standard rental agreement include?
Names, address, rent amount, payment terms, length, rules, and signatures.
Where can I get the official lease form?
Use the Residential Tenancy Agreement (Form RTB-1) from the RTB.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Leases & Agreements Asked Questions in

What is a residential tenancy agreement?
It's a legal contract between a landlord and tenant outlining terms of renting a residential property.
Does my lease have to be in writing?
No, verbal agreements are legal, but written agreements are strongly recommended.
Where can I find the official lease agreement form in New Brunswick?
Use Form 1: "Notice of Landlord and Tenant’s Obligations" from NB Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
What must a written lease in New Brunswick include?
Names, address, rent, payment terms, deposit info, and obligations of both parties.
What laws cover leases and agreements in New Brunswick?
The Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick covers these agreements.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Leases & Agreements Asked Questions in

What law covers rental leases in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 covers all residential leases in Newfoundland and Labrador.
What is the Residential Tenancies Tribunal?
The Residential Tenancies Tribunal handles disputes between tenants and landlords. Learn more.
Do I need a written lease?
Written leases are recommended but not required; verbal agreements are also legally binding.
What must a written lease include?
Key details: landlord/tenant info, rent amount, payment terms, duration, and property address.
Can my landlord change my lease after I sign?
No, changes require both you and your landlord to agree in writing.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Leases & Agreements Asked Questions in

Who regulates residential leases in Northwest Territories?
The Residential Tenancy Office (RTO) manages tenancy laws in the Northwest Territories.
What law covers leases in Northwest Territories?
The Residential Tenancies Act applies.
Do leases have to be in writing?
No, but written leases are strongly recommended for clarity and proof.
What must a written lease include?
It should state names, rent amount, address, start date, and any rules or terms.
Can a landlord change the terms mid-lease?
Not without the tenant’s written consent, unless required by law.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Leases & Agreements Asked Questions in

What is a residential lease in Nova Scotia?
A lease is a legal rental agreement between a landlord and a tenant, outlining rules and responsibilities under Nova Scotia's Residential Tenancies Act.
Do leases have to be in writing?
Written leases are strongly recommended and must be used if requested; oral agreements are also enforceable under the law.
Where can I find the standard lease form?
The official "Form P: Standard Form of Lease" is required. Find it here.
What happens if my landlord won’t give me a written lease?
You can request a written lease using Form P; if denied, rights under the law still apply and you may contact the Residential Tenancy Program.
Is a lease still valid if I didn’t sign it?
If you’ve moved in and paid rent, the rental agreement is still legally binding even if unsigned.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Leases & Agreements Asked Questions in

What law covers leases and rental agreements in Nunavut?
Nunavut’s Residential Tenancies Act covers leases. See the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office.
Who can help tenants with lease issues in Nunavut?
Contact the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) for help.
Do lease agreements have to be in writing?
No, but written leases are recommended for clarity and proof.
Can my landlord change the lease terms during my tenancy?
No, not unless you agree or the Residential Tenancies Act allows it.
What must a Nunavut lease agreement include?
Names, address, rent amount and dates, term length, and signatures.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Leases & Agreements Asked Questions in

What is a standard lease in Ontario?
The standard lease is a government-mandated rental contract required for most residential tenancies in Ontario.
Do I need to sign a written lease in Ontario?
Landlords must use the Standard Form of Lease for most new tenancies since April 30, 2018.
Where can I find the Ontario Standard Lease form?
Download it from Ontario’s official site here.
What happens if my landlord doesn’t give me a standard lease?
You can request one in writing. If not provided in 21 days, you may legally withhold one month’s rent.
What if I still don’t get a lease after withholding rent?
You are not required to repay the withheld rent, but your tenancy still continues.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Leases & Agreements Asked Questions in

Which law governs leases and rental agreements in Prince Edward Island?
The Rental of Residential Property Act is the main law regulating leases and rental agreements for tenants and landlords.
Who handles rental disputes in PEI?
The Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) handles tenant and landlord matters.
Is a written lease required in PEI?
Yes, written leases are required for new tenancies in PEI.
What must be included in a PEI lease agreement?
Names, address, rent amount, payment terms, term of tenancy, and landlord contact info must be included.
Where can I find the official PEI Residential Lease form?
The Rental of Residential Property Information Form (Form 2) is the standard lease form.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Leases & Agreements Asked Questions in

Who regulates leases and tenancy issues in Quebec?
The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) manages residential tenancy matters in Quebec.
What law governs residential leases in Quebec?
The Civil Code of Québec (Book V, Articles 1851–2000) governs all residential leases.
Must a lease be in writing in Quebec?
Written leases are recommended and mandatory for most residential tenancies. Official forms are available from the TAL.
Where can I get the official Quebec lease form?
The official lease is available from the TAL website or in some bookstores.
Is my lease valid if it's verbal, not written?
Yes, but written leases are recommended for your protection and required for new tenancies.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Leases & Agreements Asked Questions in

Who oversees residential tenancies and leases in Saskatchewan?
The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) handles tenancy issues in Saskatchewan. Visit: Office of Residential Tenancies.
What law governs leases and renting in Saskatchewan?
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 is the main law for rental agreements in Saskatchewan.
Does a lease have to be in writing?
No, but written leases are recommended. If verbal, tenancy law still applies.
What should be included in my written lease?
Names, rental address, rent amount, payment due date, term, and signatures should be included.
Can my landlord change the lease after I’ve signed?
No, changes require tenant agreement and must be in writing.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Leases & Agreements Asked Questions in

Who oversees rental issues in Yukon?
The Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) handles rental matters.
What law covers residential tenancies in Yukon?
The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act governs Yukon tenancies.
Do leases need to be in writing?
Written leases are recommended but verbal agreements are legal in Yukon.
What information must be in a lease?
Lease term, rent amount, parties' names, and rules must be included.
Can a landlord require a security deposit?
Yes, but it cannot exceed the equivalent of one month's rent.
See more questions and answers

More Articles About Leases & Agreements