Short-Term vs Long-Term Rentals in Ontario: Key Tenant Differences

With the growing popularity of short-term rentals like Airbnb, and ongoing demand for traditional leases, many Ontario tenants wonder about the differences between these arrangements and how each one affects their rights. Understanding the distinction is crucial, especially when it comes to your legal protections, payment requirements, and responsibilities.

What Counts as a Short-Term Rental in Ontario?

Short-term rentals are generally furnished homes, condos, or apartments rented for a period of less than 28 consecutive days—for example, vacation stays or temporary work assignments. These are often booked through online platforms and may not require a formal lease agreement. In many cases, short-term rental hosts are not bound by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA), which offers legal protections for most residential renters in Ontario.^[1]

It's important to check if your arrangement is truly a short-term rental or if it falls under the RTA. If your rental extends beyond 28 days, or if you pay rent every month and treat the unit as your primary residence, you may have the full rights and protections of a long-term tenant.

Long-Term Tenancies: Your Rights and Legal Protections

Long-term tenancies usually involve leases of 12 months (or month-to-month after the lease expires). As a long-term tenant, you are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. The RTA sets out rules for:

• Security deposits
• Legal rent increases
• Eviction procedures
• Repairs and habitability
• Landlord and tenant responsibilities

For more details on your rights as a long-term tenant, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Which Tribunal Handles Disputes?

All disputes and applications for long-term residential rentals in Ontario are handled by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). The LTB oversees everything from eviction applications to rent disputes and landlord repair obligations.

Main Differences: Short-Term Rentals vs Long-Term Tenancies

• Length of Stay: Short-term stays are usually under a month; long-term requires a formal tenancy, usually for at least a month, often with a lease.
• Legal Protection: Long-term tenants have protection under the RTA; short-term renters usually do not.
• Deposits and Payments: Long-term rentals may require last month's rent and possibly a key deposit. Learn more in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
• Eviction Rules: Long-term tenants can only be evicted through formal notice and application to the Landlord and Tenant Board; short-term renters may be asked to leave more quickly, based on booking terms.
• Maintenance and Repairs: Landlords in long-term tenancies must maintain a safe and healthy rental. Learn more about your rights at Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What Forms and Documents Do Tenants Need?

If your tenancy is covered by the RTA, here's what you should know:

• Ontario Standard Lease (Form): Required for most new residential tenancies. It clearly outlines rights and obligations. Download or review the Standard Lease here.
• Form N9 – Tenant’s Notice to End the Tenancy: Use this official notice form if you want to move out at the end of your lease or during a month-to-month tenancy. For example, if you've found a new place and want to move at the end of next month, fill out and deliver this form to your landlord.
• Form T6 – Tenant Application About Maintenance: If your landlord fails to repair your unit or maintain it properly, use this application form to seek the Landlord and Tenant Board's help.

The LTB offers all necessary forms for tenants: Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board Forms.

What Happens If Your Stay Changes from Short-Term to Long-Term?

If you start as a short-term renter but end up living in the unit for an extended period, your rights may also change. Many tenants become protected by the RTA once their stay exceeds 28 consecutive days and the unit becomes their main home. Make sure you clarify the arrangement with your landlord to confirm your status and legal protections.

Searching for Your Next Rental?

Canada's best rental listings platform, Houseme - your rental solution in Canada, can help you find both short-term and long-term options that suit your needs, with filters and interactive map search features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are short-term rentals covered by Ontario tenant laws?
   Most short-term rentals (under 28 days or vacation-style) are not covered by the Residential Tenancies Act. If you live somewhere for a month or more, you may be a "tenant" with full legal rights.
2. What kind of deposit can a landlord collect for a long-term rental?
   Landlords can ask for last month's rent and, sometimes, refundable key deposits. Learn more in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
3. If I have a problem in a short-term rental, what should I do?
   First, contact your host or the booking platform. If the stay is not covered under the RTA, you generally can't take the matter to the LTB; however, serious safety issues should be reported to local authorities.
4. What are my responsibilities as a long-term tenant?
   You must pay rent on time, keep your unit clean, avoid damage, and follow the terms of your lease. Details are available in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
5. How do I end my long-term rental legally?
   Submit Form N9 (Tenant’s Notice to End the Tenancy), and provide at least 60 days' written notice before you plan to move out.

Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• Short-term rental stays usually aren't covered under Ontario's tenant protection laws; long-term leases are.
• Full RTA coverage gives tenants significant rights—make sure to clarify your rental type.
• The Landlord and Tenant Board is your resource for long-term tenancy issues and forms.

No matter your rental type, it's important to verify your written agreement and to know which laws apply to your situation.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Tenant forms, guides, dispute resolution, and contact centre support
• Ontario Government Tenant Rights: Official guide to tenant rights and obligations
• Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO): Free legal information and advice for tenants
• Read more about Tenant Rights in Ontario to fully understand your protections and responsibilities

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1. See: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 – Official Ontario Legislation
2. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/
3. Ontario Standard Lease Form and Information: https://www.ontario.ca/page/guide-ontarios-standard-lease
4. Tenant's Notice to End the Tenancy (Form N9): https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/forms/#group-4-2
5. Maintenance Application (Form T6): https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/forms/#group-2-10

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