Tenant Rights for Seasonal Workers in Ontario: Your Guide

Ontario is home to thousands of seasonal workers each year, especially in agriculture, tourism, and hospitality. Navigating tenant rights can feel confusing when your stay is temporary or tied to your employment. This guide will explain key protections under Ontario law, clarify your legal rights, and offer practical steps to help you secure and keep safe rental housing as a seasonal worker.

Who Are Seasonal Workers and What Are Their Housing Challenges?

Seasonal workers take up temporary jobs that last for a specific period, often outside their permanent home community. Housing for seasonal workers is typically short-term and can sometimes be arranged by the employer or directly with a landlord. Common housing issues include:

• Lack of written agreements
• Uncertainty about eviction or early termination
• Questions about deposits and rent increases
• Concerns about property maintenance and safety

Knowing your rights as a tenant—even if you’re only renting for a short season—is crucial.

Are Seasonal Workers Covered Under Ontario’s Rental Laws?

Most tenants in Ontario, including many seasonal workers, are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1]. However, there are some exceptions. If your accommodation is provided only because you are working for that employer (for example, farm or dormitory-style bunkhouses), you may not have the same rights as other tenants. If you rent a regular apartment or house independently—even for a few months—you are typically covered.

Your Key Rights as a Seasonal Tenant in Ontario

If your rental is not excluded from the Act, you have the same rights as any other tenant:

• Right to a safe, well-maintained unit: Your landlord must ensure the property meets health and safety standards. If you face unsafe conditions or needed repairs, review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
• Written lease agreement: Leases longer than 28 days should use Ontario’s Standard Lease. Even for shorter periods, get terms in writing.
• Notice before eviction or entry: Landlords must follow proper legal notice periods.
• Your rights regarding deposits: Landlords may only request a rent deposit (not a security deposit). See Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
• Rent increases: Landlords must give at least 90 days’ written notice of a rent increase and follow government guidelines.

For full details, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.

How to Protect Yourself: Rental Agreements and Documentation

Even for short-term stays, always ask for a written rental agreement. Include the:

• Rental period (start and end dates)
• Amount and frequency of rent
• List of included services (furniture, utilities)
• Any deposit required and its terms

Having clear documentation helps if any disagreement arises later and can support you if you apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board.

How Can Seasonal Workers End a Tenancy?

If you need to leave early, you usually must provide written notice.
The standard notice form is:

• Form N9: Tenant’s Notice to End the Tenancy
  Use this form if you are ending your part of the rental. Download and instructions: Form N9 official page.
  Example: You find work elsewhere and must move before your agreement ends. Submit Form N9 to give at least 60 days’ notice.

In emergencies (unsafe housing, harassment), you may have grounds to terminate early using:

• Form N15: Tenant’s Notice to End the Tenancy Because of Fear of Sexual or Domestic Violence and Abuse
  Details here: Form N15 official page.

In case of disputes or unresolved issues, tenants can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board, which is Ontario’s official tribunal (visit the LTB site).

Where Can Seasonal Workers Find Rental Housing?

Seasonal rentals may be posted on local bulletin boards, employment agencies, or online rental platforms. Map-based rental search across Canada can help you view available short-term rentals near your workplace quickly and easily.

What If My Accommodation Is Linked to My Job?

If your housing is tied to your job (for example, employer-provided dorms or bunkhouses), some rules may be different. In many cases, the Residential Tenancies Act does not apply, but you still have certain protections under employment or health and safety laws. If you’re uncertain, seek help from a tenant clinic or legal aid office in Ontario.

FAQ: Seasonal Worker Tenant Rights in Ontario

1. Do I have tenant rights if my housing is provided by my employer?
   It depends. If your home is provided only for your employment and you must leave when your job ends, the Residential Tenancies Act may not apply. However, you may have rights under employment standards or other legislation.
2. Can my landlord increase my rent during a short seasonal lease?
   Rent increases are only allowed if proper notice is given, and only once every 12 months. For leases shorter than a year, increases usually do not apply.
3. What can I do if the rental is unsafe or unclean?
   Contact your landlord first and request repairs. If issues aren’t addressed, you can file a complaint with municipal bylaw or apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board.
4. May I get my rent deposit back at the end of my stay?
   Landlords can require only a rent deposit (usually last month’s rent in Ontario). This deposit must be used for rent—not for damages—and returned if unused.
5. What if I need to leave my rental before the season ends?
   You must provide written notice (usually Form N9 with at least 60 days’ notice) unless covered by special exceptions such as unsafe housing or abuse.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Most seasonal workers renting on their own in Ontario are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
• Always get details of your rental—including start, end dates, and payment terms—in writing.
• If you face issues, Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Board is your main resource for resolving disputes and clarifying your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – File applications, get forms, and find help
• Ontario Government: Renting in Ontario – Your Rights
• Local Community Legal Clinics: Offer free legal advice for low-income or vulnerable tenants
• Tenant Rights in Ontario – Fact sheet covering key legal rights

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Current version): Read the Act here
2. Landlord and Tenant Board (Ontario): Tribunals Ontario LTB
3. LTB Tenant Forms and Instructions: LTB Forms and Information

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy