Renting out a spare bedroom in your home can be a practical way for Ontario homeowners to earn income, but hosts need to know when provincial tenancy rules apply and what steps protect both parties. This guide explains how the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 may affect room rentals, what rights and responsibilities landlords and tenants have, how common forms and notices work, and practical tips to manage deposits, safety inspections, and disputes. Whether you share kitchen or bathroom facilities or rent a private suite within your house, the information here helps you handle agreements, repairs, and legal notices clearly and fairly so you and your renter understand expectations.
Who this applies to
In Ontario, whether the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 applies depends on living arrangements. If you live in the same dwelling unit and share kitchen or bathroom facilities with the person renting a room, that arrangement is often considered a lodger situation and may be excluded from the RTA. If the room is a self-contained unit or you do not live on the property, the RTA usually applies and tenants gain statutory protections. Always confirm coverage before relying only on informal agreements; if unsure, contact the Landlord and Tenant Board for clarification.[2]
Your responsibilities as a host
Even when a room rental is excluded from the RTA, good practice and other laws still apply. Hosts should be honest about the living situation, keep the space safe and clean, and respect privacy. If the RTA applies, you must follow rules on entry, maintenance, and notices.
- Collect rent on an agreed schedule and provide receipts for cash payments.
- Manage security deposits fairly and return them with interest when required.
- Maintain the room and shared areas in a state of good repair and address urgent repairs promptly.
- Respect notice rules before entering the rented room for inspections or repairs.
Rights tenants commonly have in Ontario
When the RTA covers the tenancy, tenants have rights to reasonable notice of entry, timely repairs, and protection against unlawful eviction and retaliation. A written agreement is strongly recommended because it clarifies rent, utilities, house rules, and who is responsible for repairs and cleaning. If a dispute arises, the Landlord and Tenant Board handles applications and hearings for matters under the Residential Tenancies Act.[2]
Security deposits, receipts and advertising
Ontario has rules about deposits for covered tenancies. If you collect a deposit or last month's rent, explain the purpose, how it will be held, and provide a receipt. For step-by-step guidance on tenant deposit rules, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know when advising prospective renters. If you plan to list the room publicly, consider using a trusted national site to reach local renters; Houseme - your rental solution in Canada is one option for posting listings and screening interest.
Health, safety and inspections
Hosts must ensure the rental space meets basic health and safety standards. This includes functioning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, safe electrical and plumbing systems, and prompt attention to mould, pests, or heating problems. Tenants may report serious hazards to municipal property standards or public health where applicable. For practical tenant-focused safety guidance, review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
Official forms and steps to respond
If the tenancy is covered by the RTA and a formal dispute begins, the Landlord and Tenant Board provides application forms and information about hearings. Common LTB forms include the Application to End a Tenancy and Evict a Tenant (Form L1) and other application types listed on the official forms page. Use Form L1 if a landlord seeks eviction for reasons like persistent non-payment or other grounds set out under the Act; a tenant might use corresponding applications to dispute a notice or claim repairs were not made. See the LTB forms page for exact form names and when to use them.[3]
How to resolve disagreements
Start by discussing the issue calmly and in writing. Keep dated records, photographs, receipts and messages. If informal resolution fails, the LTB offers mediation and hearings for covered tenancies. For non-RTA arrangements consider small claims court or seeking legal advice about licence-to-occupy or lodger disputes.
FAQ
- Does the Residential Tenancies Act apply if I rent a room in my home?
- It depends. The RTA often does not apply when the owner lives in the same dwelling unit and shares kitchen or bathroom facilities; otherwise the RTA will usually govern the tenancy and provide statutory tenant protections.
- Can I charge a security deposit when renting one room?
- If the RTA covers the tenancy, deposits must follow provincial rules and you should always provide receipts; for informal lodger arrangements, best practice is to document any payment and terms in writing.
- What official forms should I know about?
- For RTA-covered tenancies, the Landlord and Tenant Board provides application forms such as the Application to End a Tenancy (L1) and other forms used to resolve disputes; consult the LTB forms page for current versions and instructions.
How-To
- Confirm whether the RTA applies to your specific living arrangement by checking shared facilities and occupancy.
- Create a simple written agreement that sets rent, payment schedule, utilities and house rules.
- Collect rent and give receipts; document any deposits and explain refund conditions.
- Complete basic safety checks (smoke and CO alarms, locks, heating) before move-in and keep records.
- If problems aren’t resolved, gather evidence and follow LTB filing steps or seek legal advice to protect rights.
Key Takeaways
- Check whether the RTA covers your room rental before relying on informal arrangements.
- Use a written agreement and keep receipts and records for all payments and repairs.
- Address safety and habitability issues promptly to protect both host and tenant.
Help and Support / Resources
- Landlord and Tenant Board - Tribunals Ontario
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 - Ontario e-Laws
- LTB Forms and Guides - Tribunals Ontario
