Ontario Student Housing Lease Rules: Key Tenant Rights

For students renting in Ontario, understanding the special rules around student housing leases is crucial. Many students face unique challenges, from signing joint leases with roommates to navigating rental increases during the school year. This guide outlines the most important lease rules for student tenants, highlights your legal protections, and points out what to watch for so you can rent with confidence.

Overview: Student Housing and the Residential Tenancies Act

Nearly all off-campus student housing in Ontario is protected under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA)¹. Exceptions include on-campus dormitories, which often fall outside the Act. Understanding the RTA enables student tenants to recognize when their rights are being respected—or when they may need to take action.

For more on overall tenant protection, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Signing a Student Lease: Key Considerations

Before signing, ask these questions:

• Is the lease a fixed-term (e.g., September to April) or month-to-month?
• Are you signing as a single tenant or jointly with roommates?
• Does the landlord request a deposit? (Only a rent deposit equal to one month's rent is allowed under the RTA; security deposits are not permitted.)

If you are asked for any deposit other than first or last month's rent, your rights may be at risk. Learn more by visiting Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Joint and Individual Leases

Student housing often involves multiple tenants living together. With a joint lease, all roommates are responsible for the entire rent and damage. If one person moves out or can't pay, the others could be on the hook for the full amount. With individual leases, each person is liable only for their portion. Always clarify what type of lease you are signing.

What Happens When the Lease Ends?

Ontario's law prevents landlords from requiring students to move out automatically at the end of a fixed-term lease. Instead, unless proper notice is given, leases automatically continue on a month-to-month basis. Landlords must follow the RTA's strict notice procedures if they want you to leave.

For tips on what to expect and do after signing, check out What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Moving Out Early

If you need to leave before your lease ends (for example, returning home for the summer), you generally remain responsible for rent unless you follow proper steps such as:

• Giving written notice using Ontario's official Form N9 (Tenant's Notice to End the Tenancy), available from the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
• Finding someone to sublet or assign the unit (with landlord's permission).

Example: If your lease ends in April but you finish classes in March, you can use Form N9 to provide 60 days' notice, or discuss assignment if you find someone to take over your lease.

Rent Increases and Other Lease Changes

All student tenants are protected by standard rent increase rules under the RTA. Landlords can only raise rent once every 12 months and must provide at least 90 days' written notice on the official Form N1 (Notice of Rent Increase), available from the LTB website.

If a landlord tries to raise rent partway through the academic year or without proper notice, you can seek help from the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Health and Safety in Student Rentals

Landlords must maintain student housing to Ontario's property standards, including providing adequate heat, hot water, locks, and fire safety. You have the right to request repairs for issues such as leaking plumbing, pest infestations, or mold. For more details, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Where to Go for Help

If you experience a problem—such as an illegal deposit request, unauthorized eviction notice, or health and safety concern—you can contact the Landlord and Tenant Board for information, forms, and dispute resolution. Your local student union or campus legal clinic may also offer free help.

For those seeking off-campus rentals, Canada's best rental listings platform can help you compare options in your student city or across the country.

Ontario Student Housing: Quick Summary

• Most off-campus student rentals are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
• You cannot be required to move out just because your lease (or school year) has ended
• Only first and last month's rent deposits are allowed; security deposits are not
• Rent increases require 90 days' written notice and use of the proper form

1. Can my landlord force me to move out at the end of my school-year lease?
   Generally, no. Unless you formally agree, the lease continues month-to-month unless proper notice is served under the law.
2. Do student tenants have to pay a security deposit?
   No. Only a rent deposit (first or last month's rent) is permitted; security or damage deposits are illegal under Ontario law.
3. What if I need to leave student housing before the lease ends?
   You may need to give written notice using Form N9, or arrange an assignment or sublet, with landlord approval.
4. Is on-campus residence covered by tenancy law?
   Usually not. On-campus residences at most universities and colleges are exempt from the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
5. How can I deal with maintenance or safety concerns?
   Landlords must provide a safe environment and perform repairs. If requests are ignored, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Conclusion: Know Your Student Housing Lease Rights

• Student rentals (off-campus) in Ontario are protected by law—know what your landlord can and can't require.
• Fixed-term leases do not mean you must vacate at the end; most roll over to month-to-month unless you give notice or are legally evicted.
• Use proper forms and seek help early if problems arise.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Dispute resolution, forms, and tenant information
• Find official forms: LTB Forms Page
• Campus Legal Clinics and Student Unions: Most major Ontario campuses offer free legal advice to student tenants
• General information: Tenant Rights in Ontario

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, SO 2006, c 17. Read the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
2. Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board: Official LTB Website
3. LTB Forms: Notice forms and applications

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