Applying for a rental in Ontario can be more difficult when you have limited credit or rental history. A landlord may ask you to provide a guarantor, also called a co-signer. A guarantor agrees in writing to pay rent or cover damages if you cannot meet your obligations. This guide explains how guarantors work, what documents may be requested, and the rights and responsibilities of tenants and guarantors.
What Is a Guarantor?
A guarantor is someone who agrees in writing to pay rent or cover damages if the tenant is unable to do so. Landlords generally request a guarantor as additional assurance that rent will be paid. Guarantors are often family members or close friends who are in a strong financial position.
A guarantor’s responsibilities should be set out in writing. Before signing, the tenant and guarantor should review what is covered, when the obligations begin and end, and what happens if the landlord wants to renew the tenancy.
When Are Guarantors Required?
A landlord may ask for a guarantor when:
- The tenant has little or no rental history
- The tenant has limited or poor credit
- The tenant is a student or new to Canada
Ontario law does not explicitly prohibit landlords from asking for a guarantor. However, landlords cannot discriminate on grounds protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code. A request for a guarantor must be based on genuine financial concerns, not a protected ground such as race, age or family status.
Your Rights and Protections as a Tenant
Using a guarantor does not remove your rights as a tenant. Tenants in Ontario are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. The law prohibits landlords from demanding more than one month’s rent as a deposit, also called a last month’s rent deposit.
For more information about rental deposits, read Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
A guarantor agreement does not replace the tenant’s obligations. The tenant remains responsible for paying rent and caring for the rental unit. The guarantor may become responsible if the tenant fails to meet obligations covered by the written agreement.
How to Apply for a Rental with a Guarantor
If a landlord asks for a guarantor, take these steps before signing:
- Ask the landlord to explain what the guarantor must provide and what obligations the guarantor will have.
- Make sure the guarantor understands that they may be liable for unpaid rent and damages covered by the agreement.
- Be prepared for the landlord to request financial statements, proof of employment or a credit check from the guarantor.
- Confirm whether the tenant and guarantor must sign the standard lease, a separate guarantor agreement or an addendum.
- Keep copies of every document that is signed.
Standard Lease and Guarantor Agreements
Ontario law requires the Residential Tenancy Agreement, also called the Standard Form of Lease, for most private rentals. When a guarantor is involved, the guarantor’s responsibilities should be clearly explained in a separate written agreement or an addendum to the standard lease.
- Form: Ontario Standard Lease Form
- Use: Landlords must provide this form. Tenants and guarantors should review all clauses before signing.
Some landlords use a specific written agreement for the guarantor. This is not a government-mandated form. The agreement should explain:
- What the guarantor is responsible for, such as rent, damages or the term of the lease
- When the guarantor’s responsibilities end
- What happens if the landlord wants to renew the tenancy
If You Use a Guarantor: What Happens Next?
Once the rental agreement and any guarantor agreement are signed:
- You have the rights and protections of a regular tenant under the Residential Tenancies Act.
- You remain responsible for paying rent and caring for the rental unit.
- Your guarantor may become responsible if you fail to meet obligations covered by the written agreement.
For more information about tenant and landlord responsibilities, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
What Forms Do You Need?
There is no official Ontario government “Guarantor Form.” For most rentals, the tenant and landlord must complete and sign the Ontario Standard Lease Form. If a guarantor is involved, the guarantor’s agreement may be included as an addendum or set out in a separate contract prepared by the landlord.
- The Ontario Standard Lease Form is required for most rentals. The tenant and landlord sign it, and a guarantor may sign an addendum or separate agreement if one is used.
Download Ontario Standard Lease Form
If a dispute arises, the tenant, landlord or guarantor may need to apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) of Ontario. Applications about rent, evictions and other problems use various LTB forms available on its website.
Quick Steps: Applying with a Guarantor
- Discuss the guarantor’s obligations with the landlord.
- Confirm in writing what documents and signatures are required.
- Collect financial or employment documentation from the guarantor, if needed.
- Complete and sign the Standard Lease and any written guarantor agreement.
- Retain copies for the tenant and guarantor.
- Ensure all parties understand their legal rights, duties and potential liability.
If you are looking for your next home, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme, making your search easier across all Canadian cities.
For more details about your rights as a renter, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.
Common Questions About Guarantors
- Can a landlord in Ontario refuse my application if I do not provide a guarantor?
Landlords may set reasonable requirements but cannot discriminate based on protected grounds. They may deny an application if a guarantor is standard policy and you are unable to provide one, but not if doing so would violate human rights legislation. - What financial information does a guarantor need to share?
Landlords usually ask guarantors for proof of income, employment or credit reports to confirm their financial stability. - Is my guarantor’s agreement permanent?
Read the written agreement carefully. It should state when the guarantor’s liability ends and what happens if the landlord wants to renew the tenancy. The agreement may cover the initial term of the lease, and liability may continue after the lease becomes month-to-month unless the landlord releases the guarantor or a new agreement is made. - Can a guarantor be held responsible for damages or unpaid rent after I move out?
If damages or unpaid rent occurred during the period covered by the guarantor’s agreement, the guarantor may be held liable even after the tenant has left. - Who regulates rental disputes involving guarantors in Ontario?
The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) handles disputes between landlords and tenants. Depending on the issue, disputes involving guarantors may also go to small claims court.
Key Takeaways:
- A guarantor provides financial assurance to a landlord and may help a tenant secure a rental.
- Use Ontario’s Standard Lease Form and put the guarantor’s duties in writing.
- Review when the guarantor’s liability begins and ends.
- Tenants keep their rights and protections under the Residential Tenancies Act.
- Get legal advice if you or your guarantor are unsure about an agreement.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) of Ontario: Rental disputes, forms and tenant rights
- Ontario Government – Renting in Ontario: Your Rights
- Tenant Rights Support: Call 1-888-332-3234 (Ontario Rental Housing Enforcement Unit)
- Ontario Standard Lease: Guide and downloadable form
- For nationwide housing searches: Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario) — see the official legislation.
- Ontario Human Rights Code — for legal non-discrimination requirements, consult the text of the Code.
- Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) — official forms and dispute resolution at Tribunals Ontario.
- Ontario Standard Lease Form and Guide: Province of Ontario Guide.
