Top 50 Questions: Roommates & Shared Housing in Ontario

Roommates & Shared Housing Ontario published June 26, 2025 Flag of Ontario
Do Ontario tenant laws apply to roommates?
It depends. If each roommate has their own separate agreement with the landlord, tenant laws usually apply. If you only rent from a main tenant, laws may not directly protect you.
Who is responsible for paying rent in a shared rental?
If all roommates signed the same lease, all are equally responsible. If only one person signed, that person is legally responsible.
Can a roommate be evicted in Ontario?
Only tenants with a direct agreement with the landlord can be evicted under the law. If you rent from another tenant, regular tenant eviction laws may not apply.
What is the official body for tenant disputes in Ontario?
The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) handles residential tenancy disputes in Ontario.
Can a roommate raise my rent?
Only the landlord can raise rent, using legal notice and following the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. Main tenants subletting cannot officially increase rent.
Is my deposit protected in shared housing?
If you pay a "last month’s rent" deposit to the landlord, it is protected by law. If you pay to a roommate, protections may not apply.
Can I end my part of the lease if my roommate wants to stay?
If all are on the same lease, you usually cannot leave early unless the landlord agrees to lease changes.
What is the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006?
This is the main law governing landlord and tenant relations in Ontario. Read more.
Can a roommate change the locks?
Only the landlord can change locks, and only with all tenants’ consent or for security, giving new keys. Roommates cannot change locks unilaterally.
What if my roommate moves out without notice?
You may still be responsible for full rent if you’re on the lease. Inform the landlord and discuss options promptly.
Can I choose my replacement roommate?
If permitted by the landlord, you may suggest a replacement, but landlord approval is required for new tenants.
Is subletting allowed?
Only with your landlord's consent. Submit a request and use the correct form.
What form do I use to request a sublet?
Use the Tenant's Request to Sublet Unit (Form N9), and get landlord’s written approval before subletting.
Can the landlord refuse a sublet?
They cannot refuse unreasonably. If they do, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for a ruling.
Can the landlord increase rent if I get a new roommate?
No. Rent increases follow legal guidelines and timelines, not roommate changes.
Is written notice required to end a roommate agreement?
Written notice is best, but the law applies only to legal agreements with the landlord, not between roommates.
Can I be held responsible for my roommate’s damage?
If you share a lease, all are jointly responsible for any unit damage.
My roommate is harassing me. What can I do?
You may contact police, seek a restraining order, or speak to your landlord. LTB can help if the issue involves the landlord directly.
Can the landlord evict just one roommate?
If all are on the lease, eviction generally applies to the whole unit.
Can I take my roommate to the Landlord and Tenant Board?
Usually no, unless you are both tenants and the issue involves the landlord. LTB mostly handles disputes between tenants and landlords, not tenants vs. tenants.
Can I be charged more than half the rent?
Only if you agreed to it with your landlord/roommate. Legal rent obligations are set by the lease, not roommate deals.
What if my roommate won’t pay utilities?
If utilities are in your name, you are responsible. Division of bills is a private arrangement between roommates.
Can the landlord refuse to rent to couples or groups?
Landlords can choose tenants but must not discriminate based on protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Does the LTB help with splitting damage deposits between roommates?
No. The LTB deals with deposits paid to landlords only, not private arrangements between tenants.
How do I prove I am a tenant under the law?
A copy of your lease or written agreement with your landlord is proof. If your name is only on a roommate deal, you may not have full tenant rights.
What form is used to end a lease early?
Use Tenant’s Notice to End the Tenancy (Form N9) if you want to end your lease, and give proper notice.
Who receives the notice if only one roommate is leaving?
You must inform both your landlord and roommates if you’re leaving a shared lease.
Can a new roommate move in without landlord approval?
No. The landlord must approve any new tenant or occupant, unless your agreement says otherwise.
Can I share a rental with more than two roommates?
Yes, but the landlord must approve, and local bylaws may limit total occupants for health and safety.
Can my roommate invite guests for long stays?
Long-term guests may violate occupancy rules. Check your lease and ask your landlord.
Are oral roommate agreements valid?
They may be valid but are hard to enforce. Written agreements are strongly recommended.
Can my landlord enter my room?
Landlords must give 24 hours written notice and have a legal reason to enter any part of the unit.
Do all roommates have to sign the lease?
Not always, but all who sign are legally responsible for the tenancy.
Who gets the deposit back when moving out?
The landlord returns the deposit to whoever paid it, or as agreed among tenants; disputes between tenants are not covered by the LTB.
How do I add a roommate legally?
Get landlord approval and put the change in writing. Some landlords may require a new lease.
What if one roommate breaks the lease?
Other tenants may be liable for the full rent. Seek legal advice or negotiate with the landlord.
Does roommate income affect rent-geared-to-income housing?
Yes, in subsidized rentals, all occupant income is considered in rent calculations.
Can the landlord ban overnight guests?
Short-term guests cannot generally be banned, but rules may limit long-term stays.
Is insurance required in a shared rental?
Tenants are not legally required to have renter’s insurance, but it’s strongly recommended.
Can a landlord evict if roommates fight?
Only if the conflict seriously affects others or breaches the lease or law. Otherwise, it is a private issue.
How do I report unsafe or overcrowded housing?
Report it to your city’s bylaw office or public health department. The LTB may also assist if safety is at risk.
What is a "head tenant"?
A head tenant rents directly from the landlord and may sublet to others, acting as a landlord to room renters.
Are there forms for joint tenancies?
You use a Standard Form of Lease (Ontario Standard Lease), signed by all joint tenants and the landlord.
Can a roommate keep a pet without my permission?
Only if pets are allowed in the lease. Otherwise, all tenants should agree about pets in shared spaces.
Am I still liable if I move out before the lease ends?
Yes, unless the landlord removes you from the lease or a new agreement is signed.
What happens if one roommate is evicted for illegal activity?
The entire unit may be affected, with all tenants facing eviction if the issue is serious.
Can the landlord ask me to pay more if a roommate leaves?
No. Your rent cannot be raised simply because a roommate leaves; it follows the lease agreement.
Are locks allowed on individual room doors?
Check with your landlord. Extra locks often need written consent, and can impact safety rules.

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
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

Related Articles