Searching for a rental home in Ontario can be challenging, especially if you have limited credit or rental history. In these situations, landlords often ask tenants to provide a guarantor — also known as a co-signer — who promises to pay the rent if the tenant cannot. This guide explains everything you need to know about applying with a guarantor, from legal requirements to your rights as a tenant under Ontario law.

What Is a Guarantor?

A guarantor (or co-signer) is someone who agrees, in writing, to pay rent or cover damages if the tenant is unable to do so. Typically, landlords request a guarantor when they need added assurance that the rent will be paid on time. Guarantors in Ontario are usually family members or close friends in a strong financial position.

When Are Guarantors Required?

Landlords may request a guarantor if:

• The tenant has little or no rental history
• There is 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, but they cannot discriminate on grounds protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code. Requests for guarantors must be based on genuine financial concerns, not protected grounds like race, age, or family status.

Your Rights and Protections as a Tenant

Even if you use a guarantor to secure a lease, all 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 a deeper understanding of these deposits, visit Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

How to Apply for a Rental with a Guarantor

Here's what you need to do if a landlord asks for a guarantor in Ontario:

• Ensure the guarantor understands their obligations (they may be liable for unpaid rent and damages).
• The landlord may require your guarantor to provide financial statements or a credit check.
• Both you and your guarantor may need to sign the standard lease or an addendum confirming the guarantor's agreement.

Standard Lease and Guarantor Agreements

Ontario law requires the "Residential Tenancy Agreement (Standard Form of Lease)" for most private rentals. If a guarantor is involved, their responsibilities should be clearly explained, either in a separate guarantor form or in 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 but should outline:

• What the guarantor is responsible for (e.g., rent, damages, term of lease)
• When those responsibilities end

If You Use a Guarantor: What Happens Next?

Once the rental agreement is in place:

• You gain all the rights and protections of a regular tenant under the Residential Tenancies Act
• Your obligations include paying rent and caring for the rental unit
• Your guarantor is only responsible if you fail to meet your obligations

For tips on managing your responsibilities, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Forms Do You Need?

There is no official Ontario government “Guarantor Form.” However, tenants will always need to complete and sign:

• The Ontario Standard Lease Form: Required for most rentals. Both tenant and landlord sign; if a guarantor is involved, their agreement is either included as an addendum or in a separate contract prepared by the landlord.
  Download Ontario Standard Lease Form

If disputes arise, either the tenant, landlord, or guarantor may need to apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) of Ontario. Applications about rent, evictions, or other problems use various LTB forms found on their website.

Quick Steps: Applying with a Guarantor

• Discuss the guarantor's obligations with the landlord and confirm in writing what is required.
• Collect financial or employment documentation from the guarantor, if needed.
• Complete and sign the Standard Lease and any written guarantor agreements.
• Retain copies for both tenant and guarantor.
• Ensure all parties understand their legal rights and duties.

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.

1. 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 it would violate human rights legislation.
2. 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.
3. Is my guarantor’s agreement permanent?
   Most agreements cover the initial term of the lease (usually one year). After the lease becomes month-to-month, the guarantor's liability continues unless the landlord releases them or a new agreement is made.
4. 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, they can be held liable even after you have left.
5. Who regulates rental disputes involving guarantors in Ontario?
   The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) handles disputes between landlords and tenants. Disputes involving guarantors may also go to small claims court depending on the issue.

Key Takeaways:

• Guarantors provide financial assurance to landlords and can help tenants secure rentals.
• Always use Ontario’s Standard Lease Form and ensure the guarantor’s duties are in writing.
• Understand your rights and obligations; reach out for legal advice if unsure about any contract you sign.

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

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario) — see the official legislation.
2. Ontario Human Rights Code — for legal non-discrimination requirements, consult the text of the Code.
3. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) — official forms and dispute resolution at Tribunals Ontario.
4. Ontario Standard Lease Form and Guide: Province of Ontario Guide.

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