Do I need my landlord's approval for a roommate?

Usually, as long as you do not break any terms of your lease or exceed maximum occupancy, you may have a roommate. It’s always best to check your lease and inform your landlord in Ontario.

Can my roommate kick me out in Ontario?

No, unless your roommate is also your landlord (master tenant). Only a landlord can legally evict a tenant in Ontario through the legal process.

What if my roommate doesn’t pay their share of rent?

If you are both on the lease, the landlord can collect the full rent from either or both roommates. Communicate with your roommate or seek legal advice if needed.

Is a verbal roommate agreement valid in Ontario?

While a verbal agreement is legally recognized, a written, signed roommate agreement is much easier to enforce in the case of disputes.

Roommate Agreements in Ontario: What Tenants Need to Know

Roommates & Shared Housing Ontario published June 25, 2025

Sharing a rental home with roommates can be a great way to save money and build community, but it often brings questions about rights, responsibilities, and what to do if things go wrong. In Ontario, putting a clear roommate agreement in place helps tenants avoid misunderstandings and resolve disputes before they escalate. This guide will walk you through making a legally sound roommate agreement, tuned specifically to Ontario law.

Why Create a Roommate Agreement in Ontario?

A roommate agreement is a written document between tenants living together. It sets out how bills, rent, chores, rules, and shared spaces will be managed. Unlike your official lease with the landlord, this agreement manages expectations among roommates.

Prevents conflicts about money, cleaning, noise, and guests
Outlines responsibility for damage or repairs
Clarifies the process if someone wants to move out early

Roommate agreements don’t override Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1], but they offer important guidance when disputes arise not covered by your lease.

The Legal Landscape: Who's on the Lease?

Your rights and responsibilities depend in part on whether you signed the official lease with the landlord or are subletting/shared without your name on the lease. The official Ontario body that manages rental disputes is the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).^[2]

Co-tenants (all names on lease): Each person is jointly responsible to the landlord for the entire rent and any damages.
Subtenants: Your rights are defined by both the main lease and the terms you agree upon with the main tenant.

If only one tenant's name appears on the lease, the other person(s) become their "roommates" but may have fewer protections under the Residential Tenancies Act.

What to Include in Your Ontario Roommate Agreement

A solid roommate agreement should cover:

How rent is divided and paid (who sends the payment, timing, late rent consequences)
How utility costs, internet, and other bills are split
Cleaning duties and shared chores schedule
Rules for overnight guests, quiet hours, pets, and smoking
Handling damage to the rental property
Process if someone wants to move out early (notice period, finding replacement)
Who keeps the rental if someone leaves

Having these topics in writing helps keep everyone on the same page. For details about your rights and responsibilities after the lease is signed, check out What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Is a Roommate Agreement Legally Binding?

In Ontario, a roommate agreement is a contract between private individuals sharing a rental. While it isn’t regulated by the Landlord and Tenant Board, it may still be enforceable in small claims court if there’s a clear breach (for example, if a roommate refuses to pay their agreed share of rent or bills). The LTB will resolve disputes only between landlords and official tenants, not between roommates themselves.

A written, dated, and signed agreement is best. Include everyone's full legal name and keep a copy for each roommate.

Official Forms Relevant to Roommates

Form N11: Agreement to End the Tenancy (Download Form N11)
This form is used when all tenants wish to end their lease early, with the landlord’s agreement. For example, if all roommates are moving out together, you’d sign Form N11 and provide it to the landlord.
Official source: Landlord and Tenant Board
Form N9: Tenant's Notice to End the Tenancy (Download Form N9)
Use this if you are an official tenant (your name is on the lease) and want to end your tenancy. You must give at least 60 days' written notice. If your roommate is just a guest or subtenant, this form may not apply directly.
Official source: Landlord and Tenant Board

Always send notice in writing and keep a copy. Discuss with your landlord and roommates ahead of time to avoid conflict.

Health, Safety, & Maintenance in Shared Rentals

All tenants in Ontario are entitled to a safe and well-maintained living space. If a health or safety issue arises—like pests, mold, or broken heating—notify your landlord immediately. Learn more about your rights in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

For common shared-living challenges, see Tenant Rights in Ontario. If you’re looking for a new rental with more privacy or better arrangements, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

FAQs: Roommate Agreements in Ontario

Do I need my landlord's approval for a roommate?
Usually, as long as you don’t exceed the maximum occupancy or violate your lease’s terms, Ontario law lets you have a roommate. However, always check your lease and inform your landlord.
Can my roommate kick me out?
Unless your roommate is also your landlord (master tenant), they generally can't evict you. Only a landlord can legally evict someone, and must follow the process set by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
What happens if my roommate doesn’t pay their share of the rent?
If both names are on the lease, the landlord can pursue either or both of you for the full amount. Talk with your roommate and, if needed, seek outside help or legal advice.
Is a verbal roommate agreement valid?
Yes, but written agreements are easier to enforce. A signed, dated, written agreement offers better protection for everyone.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

Create a detailed, written roommate agreement to protect your interests.
Understand whether you are an official tenant (on the lease) or a roommate/subtenant—this affects your rights under Ontario law.
For issues between roommates, a roommate agreement is your main line of defence, but know that the Landlord and Tenant Board generally only resolves disputes between landlords and official tenants.

Taking time at the start to clarify expectations helps ensure a smooth living experience for everyone.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Ontario’s residential tenancy tribunal
Official Ontario tenant rights information
Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO) – Free legal advice for low-income tenants
For comprehensive rental guidance, see Tenant Rights in Ontario

Ontario Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. Read the Act.
Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), Ontario. Official Site.