Many tenants and roommates in Ontario wonder whether they can sublet a room or list part of their home on Airbnb. Short-term rentals raise questions about lease terms, landlord permission, insurance, and who is responsible if guests cause damage. This guide explains what tenants and roommates should check before offering short stays, how to ask for written permission, what to document, and when to seek help from the Landlord and Tenant Board or legal supports. It focuses on practical steps, timelines and official forms so renters can protect their rights and avoid unexpected disputes while sharing housing in Ontario. Read on for clear, tenant-focused guidance.
What is a short-term sublet or Airbnb stay?
A short-term sublet or Airbnb stay means letting paying guests use all or part of your rental unit for a brief period while you are still a tenant. Whether this is allowed depends on your lease and on provincial rules under the Residential Tenancies Act[1] in Ontario and decisions the Landlord and Tenant Board[2] may make.
Can roommates list a room on Airbnb?
Roommates who share a tenancy should check who is named on the lease and whether the lease bans subletting or short-term rentals. If the lease is silent, tenants should still get written consent to avoid breach of contract or eviction proceedings. When in doubt, contact the Landlord and Tenant Board for clarification on how the Residential Tenancies Act applies to sublets and guest stays.[2]
Permission, lease clauses and best practices
- Get written permission from the landlord and keep a dated copy of the message or signed agreement.
- Keep records of any payments, guest IDs, messages and photos of the unit before and after guest stays.
- Agree in writing with roommates about how guest revenue is shared and who collects and tracks payments.
- Confirm insurance covers short-term guests and any accidental damage or liability.
- Set clear access and privacy rules for guests to avoid accidental entry into other tenants' spaces.
- Limit the length and frequency of stays in a written house rule so all roommates agree on expectations.
Short-term rentals (Airbnb): practical steps for roommates
- Check your lease and ask the landlord in writing whether short-term listings are permitted.
- Keep guest records, photos and incident logs for any stays longer than a few hours.
- Limit consecutive guest nights and block dates on the calendar to reduce conflict with roommates.
- Confirm safety measures like functioning locks, smoke detectors and insurance coverage before hosting.
- Collect payment terms and security deposits in writing and keep receipts for refunds or deductions.
When disputes arise: timelines, notices and board applications
If a landlord objects or says a listing breaches the lease, try to resolve it with written communication and documented fixes. If the issue escalates, tenants and landlords can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board to settle disagreements under the Residential Tenancies Act[1].
- Give written notice to the landlord or roommate describing the issue and the remedy you request, and keep a copy.
- If a party files to end a tenancy, the Board hears evidence and can grant remedies; eviction applications use Board forms linked on the official site.[3]
- Bring records, photos and receipts to any hearing to support your case.
FAQ
- Do I always need landlord permission to sublet or host on Airbnb?
- Generally yes — most leases require landlord consent for sublets or short-term rentals. Even when the lease does not explicitly forbid hosting, written permission reduces the risk of a breach and possible eviction.
- Can a landlord evict me for listing a room to short-term guests?
- A landlord may try to evict for breach of the lease; eviction requires an application to the Landlord and Tenant Board where both sides can present evidence. Tenants should gather records and seek help early.
- What if a roommate lists without my consent?
- If a co-tenant lists space without agreement, document the situation, tell the landlord in writing, and attempt a written resolution. If unresolved, consider applying to the Board for a decision.
- Where can I find official forms and the law that apply in Ontario?
- See the Residential Tenancies Act and the Landlord and Tenant Board website for official forms and guidance; use the Board forms page for filings and deadlines.[1]
How-To
- Check your lease for sublet or short-term rental clauses and note any prohibition or conditions.
- Request written permission from the landlord, specifying dates, guest limits and who will be responsible for damage.
- Create a roommate agreement that covers revenue sharing, cleaning, and dispute steps.
- Confirm insurance and safety compliance and document liability coverage for short-term guests.
- Record all payments, deposits and refunds, and keep receipts for at least the tenancy period.
- If issues cannot be resolved, file the appropriate application with the Landlord and Tenant Board and prepare evidence.
Key Takeaways
- Always check your lease and get written landlord permission before hosting.
- Keep detailed records, photos and receipts for any guest stays or damage claims.
- If conflict continues, the Landlord and Tenant Board resolves disputes under the Residential Tenancies Act.
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board
- Ontario Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- Ontario renting and tenant rights
- Houseme - your rental solution in Canada
