Living with roommates in Ontario often means agreeing on smoking, pets and daily house rules. As a tenant you should know what rights and responsibilities apply under provincial tenancy law, what a landlord can and cannot include in a lease, and how to handle disagreements without risking your tenancy. This guide explains practical steps for negotiating shared rules about smoking (including cannabis), pets and cleanliness; how to document agreements; when to involve the Landlord and Tenant Board; and which forms and official resources to use. Read on for clear, tenant-focused advice and examples to help you set fair house rules and protect your rights in Ontario shared housing.
What house rules can roommates set?
Roommates can agree on many day-to-day rules for shared living spaces, provided the rules do not conflict with the lease or provincial law. Typical topics include smoking locations, overnight guests, noise levels, cleaning schedules, and responsibilities for shared costs. Written agreements reduce misunderstandings and give tenants evidence if problems escalate.
- Set where and when smoking is allowed and whether balconies or windows are included.
- Agree who pays for damage and cleaning and how deposits may be used.
- Keep photos and move-in condition records to avoid disputes.
Smoking and cannabis
Landlords and roommates can set no-smoking rules for buildings and units, and many leases include explicit no-smoking or no-vaping clauses. If smoke from a roommate or neighbour affects common areas or a tenants health, document dates, times and impact, and raise the issue with the landlord or property manager. For disputes that cannot be resolved, you may need the Landlord and Tenant Board for help.[1][2]
Pets and service animals
Many leases prohibit pets, but service animals and some supports fall under human rights protections and are treated differently. If a roommate wants a pet, discuss size, behaviour expectations, extra cleaning and any additional damage deposit or pet fee arrangements. If you need a pet-friendly rental, try Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca to find units that allow animals.
Preventing disputes and documenting rules
Clear written house rules, regular check-ins and shared calendars reduce conflict. Put any agreement in writing, sign and date it, and keep receipts for shared purchases or repairs. For questions about what can be deducted from a deposit or how deposits are handled, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for tenant-focused examples.
- Agree on timelines for cleaning, repairs and guest notices.
- Put payment arrangements for shared utilities or damages in writing.
- Keep dated photos and a simple log of incidents or damage.
When to involve the Landlord and Tenant Board
If a roommates behaviour violates the lease or creates health and safety issues you cannot resolve, the Landlord and Tenant Board handles formal disputes in Ontario.[1] Start by collecting written records, photos and witness notes. Many outcomes begin with an application to the Board; the Boards forms and instructions explain required steps and fees.[3]
How to handle damages, cleaning and pests
Roommates share responsibility for common-area cleanliness; persistent pest problems should be reported to the landlord promptly. If repairs are needed, clarify who arranges and pays for them and keep receipts. For tenant and landlord duties on repairs and health standards, review provincial obligations to understand who is responsible for what.
For more on responsibilities between parties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
FAQ
- Can a roommate ban smoking in shared areas?
- If all roommates agree, you can set shared-area rules by written agreement; a landlord may also set building-wide no-smoking rules in a lease. If smoking affects habitability or health, document the problem and seek landlord intervention or Board help.[1]
- Can a landlord or roommate refuse pets?
- Landlords can include a no-pets clause, but exceptions may apply for service animals or where human rights protections are engaged. Discuss reasonable accommodations and document any medical or support needs.
- What should I do if a roommate damages common property?
- Document the damage, get repair estimates, notify the landlord in writing, and try to resolve payment among roommates. If unresolved, you may file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board and bring your evidence to a hearing.[3]
How-To
- Talk to your roommate and try to agree on a written rule, noting dates and details.
- Review your lease and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 to confirm whether the landlord has an existing policy.[2]
- If the issue continues, complete the appropriate Landlord and Tenant Board forms and submit an application.[3]
- Attend any hearing with dated photos, receipts and a short written timeline of events.
Key Takeaways
- Put house rules in writing and keep dated records.
- Document damage, repairs and communications promptly.
- Use official resources early if you cannot resolve a problem together.
Help and Support / Resources
- Landlord and Tenant Board - Tribunals Ontario
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 - Ontario
- Landlord and Tenant Board forms and guides
