What happens if one of my roommates stops paying rent?

All tenants named on the lease are responsible for the total rent. If one doesn’t pay, others must cover the shortfall. Ensure communication and document attempts to resolve payment issues.

Am I covered by Ontario rental laws if I rent a room in a landlord’s home?

If you share a kitchen or bathroom with the landlord or their immediate family, you are likely not covered by the Residential Tenancies Act and may not have access to the LTB.

Can the landlord evict just one roommate?

Usually, eviction notices apply to all tenants on the lease. The landlord typically cannot evict just one person unless only one is the legal tenant.

Do I need my landlord’s permission to bring in a new roommate?

It is best practice and often legally required to inform your landlord and get their consent, especially if the new person will be on the lease.

Are verbal roommate agreements enforceable?

Written roommate agreements offer more protection. Verbal agreements are more difficult to enforce if disputes arise.

Ontario Tenant Guide: Navigating Roommate & Shared Housing Issues

Roommates & Shared Housing Ontario published July 01, 2025

Sharing a rental unit in Ontario can provide affordability, flexibility, and companionship. However, living with roommates also comes with unique legal and practical challenges for tenants. This guide explains Ontario’s rules for shared housing, helps you navigate roommate issues, and clarifies your rights and responsibilities under provincial law.

Understanding Shared Housing in Ontario

"Roommates" can describe several living situations. In Ontario, your legal rights depend on how your rental arrangement is structured. Most commonly, tenants in shared homes fall into one of the following categories:

Co-Tenants: All roommates have signed a tenancy agreement directly with the landlord. Each is jointly responsible for the rent and rental obligations.
Tenants and Occupants: Only one or some of the roommates have a direct legal relationship with the landlord. Others pay rent to one main tenant and may be considered occupants or subtenants.

It’s important to determine which category you fall into, as it affects how rental laws apply and who is responsible during disputes.

Your Rights and Responsibilities in Shared Rentals

Ontario tenants in shared accommodations are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1] in most situations. However, some exceptions apply, especially in cases where you share a kitchen or bathroom with your landlord. When protected, tenants have security of tenure, protection against unlawful eviction, and the right to apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) for disputes.

All rent-paying co-tenants have joint responsibility for rent and damages unless a separate agreement says otherwise.
If one roommate moves out, those remaining are still responsible for the full rent.
Roommates are expected to maintain reasonable cleanliness and not disturb others’ reasonable enjoyment.

For more details on your rights and obligations, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Common Issues: Deposit, Rent, and Communication

Roommates often face challenges relating to payment of rent and deposits, cleanliness, household chores, and differing lifestyles. Effective communication and having a written roommate agreement can prevent misunderstandings.

Deposits: In Ontario, landlords can only legally collect a rent deposit (also known as last month’s rent). Damage deposits are not allowed except under special rules for certain types of rentals.
Rent Payment: Landlords generally don’t involve themselves in how co-tenants divide rent among themselves. All tenants named on the lease remain liable if rent goes unpaid.
Moving Out and Substituting Roommates: New roommates should be approved by the landlord. If you wish to leave before the lease ends, a formal process is required. Learn more from What to Do If You Need to Leave Your Rental Before the Lease Expires.

Dispute Resolution: When Things Go Wrong

Many roommate disputes (such as arguments over chores or noise) are considered private matters not covered by the LTB. However, disputes about rent, eviction, or other legal obligations may fall under the Board’s jurisdiction if you are named on the lease.

Here’s what to do:

Try to resolve roommate issues amicably, ideally with a written agreement.
If the problem impacts your rights as a tenant (e.g., unpaid rent, threats, or damages), you can apply to the LTB using the appropriate form (official list of LTB forms).
Serious matters, including threats or violence, should be reported to the police.

Official LTB Forms for Roommate and Shared Housing Issues

Form N11: Agreement to End the Tenancy – Use if all tenants (including roommates) and the landlord agree to end the tenancy on a specific date.
Example: All roommates decide to move out together.
Access N11 Form (Ontario LTB)
Form N12: Notice to End your Tenancy Because the Landlord, a Purchaser or a Family Member Requires the Rental Unit – Used if the landlord gives notice relating to their own occupancy or sale, affecting all tenants.
Access N12 Form (Ontario LTB)
Form T2: Application about Tenant Rights – If your rights are being violated by the landlord (for example, if your shared space is unsafe), this form applies.
Access T2 Form (Ontario LTB)

Always submit forms directly to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), Ontario's official tribunal for rental housing disputes.

Health, Safety, and Privacy

All tenants have the right to a safe and healthy living space. Both landlords and tenants share responsibility for repairs and upkeep. Dangerous conditions, such as pest infestation or unsafe repairs, may affect everyone living in the home. Review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more guidance.

If unsure about whether your situation falls under Ontario’s rental laws, seek qualified advice before taking action. Roommate disputes rarely involve the landlord unless they affect tenancy obligations or property.

Preventing Roommate Problems

Avoid future headaches by having a clear, written agreement with your roommates covering rent, utilities, cleaning, quiet hours, and how to handle conflicts. Clear communication is crucial for a good shared living experience.

Put the payment process in writing to avoid confusion.
Discuss expectations and deal-breakers before moving in.
Consider monthly "house meetings" to keep issues in check.

For more information on your overall rights, see Tenant Rights in Ontario, or Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings if you're searching for a new shared rental.

FAQ: Ontario Roommate & Shared Housing Issues

What happens if one of my roommates stops paying rent?
All tenants named on the lease are responsible for the total rent. If one doesn’t pay, the others must cover the shortfall. It’s important to communicate clearly and document attempts to resolve payment issues.
Am I covered by Ontario’s rental laws if I rent a room in a landlord’s home?
If you share a kitchen or bathroom with the landlord or their immediate family, you likely are not covered by the Residential Tenancies Act and may not have access to the LTB.
Can the landlord evict just one roommate?
Generally, eviction notices apply to all tenants named on the lease. If one roommate is problematic, discuss possible solutions with your landlord. They cannot evict just one person unless only one is a legal tenant.
Do I need my landlord’s permission to bring in a new roommate?
Yes, it’s best practice and often legally required to inform your landlord and obtain consent, especially if the new person will be named on the lease.
Are verbal roommate agreements enforceable?
A written agreement is always safer. Verbal agreements are difficult to enforce and provide little protection if disputes arise.

How To: Resolving a Roommate Dispute in Ontario

How to address unpaid rent by a roommate:
Communicate first and attempt to collect the owed amount. If the roommate refuses and you're both named on the lease, you’re still jointly responsible. Keep documentation and pay the full rent to avoid landlord actions.
How to end a shared lease early:
If all roommates agree, use Form N11 to formally end the lease with your landlord’s consent. Submit the signed form to the landlord and keep a copy for your records.
How to apply to the LTB for unresolved legal disputes:
Determine which form suits your situation (e.g., Form T2 for breach of tenant rights), fill it out, and file with the Landlord and Tenant Board with supporting documents.

Key Takeaways

Know whether you are a co-tenant or occupant — your legal rights depend on this.
Roommates signed on the lease share responsibility for all rental obligations.
Use clear, written agreements and keep communication open to avoid and resolve disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Ontario: File forms, resolve disputes, and access forms and resources.
Ontario Government: Renting in Ontario – Your rights
Tenant Rights in Ontario
Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO): Tenant education and support.

Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (current Ontario law)
Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Ontario’s rental housing tribunal
Ontario Rental Rights – Official information