10 Essential Facts About Roommates & Shared Housing in Ontario

Living with roommates in Ontario is a common and often affordable way to rent. But sharing a home brings unique challenges and legal responsibilities. Whether you’re moving in with friends, strangers, or subletting a room, understanding your rights is crucial for a smooth experience. Below are ten must-know facts about roommates and shared housing for Ontario tenants.

Roommate and Shared Housing Basics

• Definition: A roommate shares a rental unit but may or may not be on the formal lease. Each roommate can have different rights, depending on their agreement with the landlord and with each other.
• The Ontario Law: The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) governs most rentals, but not all roommate setups are protected equally.

1. Whose Name Is on the Lease Matters

If your name is on the lease or written agreement with the landlord, you are a "tenant" under Ontario law. If not, you may be a "occupant" or "subtenant," which can affect your rights. Always ensure you understand your legal status before moving in with others.

2. Roommate Agreements Are Highly Recommended

While the RTA governs tenant-landlord relations, it does not set out rules for tenants versus tenants. Create a clear, written roommate agreement covering:

• How rent and bills are split
• Rules for visitors and overnight guests
• Cleaning schedules
• What happens if someone wants to move out early

3. Shared Housing and Rental Deposits

Ontario landlords can only collect the equivalent of one month’s rent as a security deposit, which must be applied to the last month’s rent—not for damages. Make sure you and your roommates agree on how this deposit will be shared and returned when someone moves out. Learn more in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

4. Joint vs. Individual Tenancies

In joint tenancies, all tenants are equally responsible for rent and damages. If one roommate does not pay, the landlord may expect the rest to cover the full amount. In individual tenancies, each person has a separate agreement with the landlord, reducing shared liability. Ask your landlord which arrangement applies to your unit.

5. Subletting and Assignment Rules

Ontario tenants can request to sublet or assign their rental unit under the RTA. Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a sublet or assignment, but they must approve the incoming tenant.

Form: Application to Assign or Sublet (Form N9 and Form N11)

• Form N9 (Tenant's Notice to End the Tenancy): Use when a tenant wishes to end their lease early and allow a new tenant to take over. Find it here.
• Form N11 (Agreement to End the Tenancy): Used when all parties mutually agree to end the lease. See more on the Landlord and Tenant Board's forms page.

Before subletting, give written notice to your landlord and get permission in writing.

6. Privacy Rights and Shared Spaces

All tenants have the right to "reasonable enjoyment" of their rental home. If a roommate is disruptive or invasive, try to resolve the dispute in writing. For severe issues, you may apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) if your tenancy is covered by the RTA.

7. Rent Collection and Payment

Decide if one person will collect rent to pay the landlord or if everyone pays directly. Problems can arise if the responsible roommate is late.

For more on this topic, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

8. Utilities, Repairs, and Maintenance

How you split utilities and chores should be detailed in your roommate agreement. If repairs are needed in the rental (plumbing, heat, etc.), each tenant may have the right to request repairs from the landlord. Tenants and landlords each have important duties—review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for more info.

9. Moving Out or Removing a Roommate

You cannot simply evict a roommate. If all tenants are on the lease, all must agree to end it. Otherwise, you may need to mutually agree, use Form N11, or seek help from the LTB if serious disputes occur.

10. Health and Safety in Shared Housing

Cleanliness, pest control, and safe living conditions are required by law. Landlords must keep the property in a good state of repair. Understand more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

For more detailed rights and responsibilities under Ontario law, see Tenant Rights in Ontario. If you’re looking for new places to live with friends or solo, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roommates & Shared Housing

1. Do all roommates in Ontario have to be on the lease?
   Not necessarily. Some roommates are occupants or subtenants. Only those who signed the rental agreement have legal obligations to the landlord under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
2. Can I kick out a roommate if things aren’t working out?
   No. You cannot evict a roommate on your own unless they are a guest or your subtenant and you follow correct legal procedures. Consult the Landlord and Tenant Board for guidance.
3. Are roommates jointly responsible for all bills and damages?
   If you have a joint tenancy, yes—responsibility is shared. Make sure your rental or roommate agreement clearly outlines who pays what to avoid future conflict.
4. What happens to the last month’s rent deposit when someone moves out?
   This deposit is usually applied to the entire rental unit, not individual roommates. Decide among yourselves how to divide this amount fairly when someone leaves.
5. What if my roommate leaves before our lease is up?
   You may still be responsible for the full rent. Try to find a replacement roommate with landlord approval, or consult the LTB if needed.

How To: Deal with a Problem Roommate in Ontario

If you’re having persistent issues with a roommate, there are steps you can take:

1. Document the problem
   Keep a record of incidents and communications.
2. Attempt to resolve the issue together
   Have a frank, respectful conversation and try mediation if needed.
3. Inform the landlord (if serious)
   If the issue causes health, safety, or property damage, notify the landlord in writing.
4. Apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board
   If the problem is severe and your tenancy is covered by the RTA, consider applying to the LTB for help.

Key Takeaways

• Understand tenant vs. occupant rights and who’s on your lease.
• Always use a written roommate agreement—protects everyone.
• Know how deposits, bills, and responsibilities are handled in your rental.
• Challenges with roommates can often be prevented with communication and clear agreements.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Information, forms, and help for Ontario tenants and roommates. Call 1-888-332-3234.
• Ontario Government's Guide for Tenants – Official resource covering all aspects of renting.
• Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO): Roommate Rights

---

1. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 governs most landlord-tenant relationships in Ontario.
2. The Landlord and Tenant Board is the tribunal for residential tenancy disputes.
3. Official forms and rules can be found at LTB Forms and Applications.

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy