Roommates & Shared Housing in Canada

Learn about your rights as a tenant in Canada regarding Roommates & Shared Housing. Understand landlord responsibilities, how to request repairs, and how to resolve disputes effectively to protect your rental home and your legal rights.

Top 5 Most Roommates & Shared Housing Asked Questions in

Are roommate agreements legally binding in Alberta?
Generally, roommate agreements are not covered by Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) but may be enforceable as private contracts in civil court.
Does the Residential Tenancies Act apply to roommate situations?
The RTA applies if there's a landlord-tenant relationship. If tenants rent from the landlord together, it applies; if a tenant sublets rooms, it may not.
Am I responsible for my roommate's share of rent in Alberta?
If you're on a joint lease, all tenants are usually responsible for the full rent if a roommate doesn't pay.
What if my roommate moves out before the lease ends?
You may still be responsible for full rent. Speak to your landlord and check your lease for details.
How do I add or remove a roommate from the lease?
Ask your landlord for written approval. Both you and your landlord must agree to change the lease.
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Does the Residential Tenancy Act apply to roommate situations in BC?
It may apply if each tenant has a separate agreement with the landlord. Most roommate agreements are not covered unless all names are on the lease.
What is a roommate agreement?
It's a contract between roommates about rent, bills, chores, and behaviour. It’s not enforced by the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB).
Who is responsible for rent if one roommate doesn’t pay?
All tenants listed on the lease are jointly responsible. If not, only the person with the contract is liable to the landlord.
Can the landlord evict me if my roommate breaks the rules?
Yes, if you share one tenancy agreement, everyone may be affected by a notice of eviction.
Can I add or remove a roommate without landlord approval?
You need landlord approval to add a roommate to the lease. Removing a roommate may need a new tenancy agreement.
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What law covers roommate and shared housing rights in Northwest Territories?
The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) covers most rental housing situations between landlords and tenants.
Does the Residential Tenancies Office handle roommate disputes?
No. The Residential Tenancies Office only deals with landlord-tenant matters, not issues between roommates.
If I rent from the main tenant instead of the landlord, am I protected by the Act?
Usually not. If you rent from a tenant (subletting), your rights depend on your agreement with the main tenant, not the RTA.
What is a co-tenant?
A co-tenant signs the lease and is equally responsible for the tenancy under the RTA.
What is a subtenant?
A subtenant rents from another tenant, not directly from the landlord. Their rights depend on the agreement with the tenant.
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Who is responsible for damages caused by a roommate?
If all roommates are on the lease, everyone is jointly responsible for damages unless proven otherwise.
Can a landlord evict everyone if one roommate breaks the lease?
Yes, if all roommates are on the same lease, the landlord can evict the entire household for a lease breach.
What if my roommate fails to pay their portion of rent?
All tenants on the lease are jointly responsible, so the landlord can ask any of you for full payment.
Does the Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch help with disputes between roommates?
No, they only handle disputes between landlords and tenants, not between roommates.
What happens if my roommate moves out early?
Remaining tenants must still meet the full rent and obligations under the lease.
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Are roommate agreements legally binding in New Brunswick?
No, informal roommate agreements are not enforceable under the Residential Tenancies Act, but a written contract may help clarify arrangements.
Who is responsible for rent if a roommate doesn't pay?
All tenants named on the lease are jointly responsible; the landlord can hold any or all for unpaid rent.
Can my landlord approve or reject my roommate?
Yes, landlords must approve anyone added to the lease or living in the unit.
Do roommate disputes fall under the Residential Tenancies Tribunal?
No, disputes between roommates are generally civil matters and not handled by the Tribunal.
What happens if my roommate moves out early?
Remaining tenant(s) are still responsible for the full rent unless the lease is changed with landlord approval.
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Who is the official board for rental disputes in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) handles rental disputes in the province.
What law covers tenant rights in shared housing?
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 governs rental and roommate situations in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Do roommate agreements have legal standing?
Roommate agreements are not covered by tenancy law but can be enforced as private contracts.
Can one roommate end the lease for everyone?
Only tenants named on the lease can end it for everyone. Check your lease's terms.
Am I responsible if my roommate doesn't pay rent?
If you are both on the lease, you are usually jointly responsible for all rent.
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What is the main law for shared housing in Nova Scotia?
The Residential Tenancies Act of Nova Scotia governs most shared rental housing.
Who handles tenant-landlord disputes in Nova Scotia?
The Residential Tenancy Program (official tribunal) manages these disputes.
Does the Act apply to roommate arrangements?
Only if each roommate has a direct agreement (lease) with the landlord.
Am I liable if my roommate doesn’t pay rent?
If you share a single lease, all tenants are jointly responsible for the full rent.
Can my landlord evict me if my roommate breaks the lease?
Yes, if you are all on the same lease, one person’s breach can affect everyone.
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What laws cover roommates and shared housing in Nunavut?
The Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act governs most shared rental situations with a formal tenancy agreement.
Who handles tenant disputes in Nunavut?
The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) resolves rental disputes.
Do tenants have rights if they rent a room in someone’s house?
Yes, if you have a written or verbal rental agreement, you're protected under Nunavut’s tenancy laws.
Am I responsible for my roommate’s rent if they don’t pay?
If you signed a joint lease, you’re usually both responsible for the full rent.
Can the landlord evict me because of my roommate’s actions?
Yes, if the lease is joint, both tenants can be evicted for one’s serious breach of rules.
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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.
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Who is responsible for paying the rent in a shared rental in PEI?
All tenants named on the lease are equally responsible for rent unless the agreement states otherwise.
What happens if my roommate doesn’t pay their share of the rent?
The landlord can hold all tenants named on the lease jointly responsible for unpaid rent.
Can I move in a roommate without the landlord’s permission?
You must get written permission from your landlord before adding a roommate unless your lease allows for it.
Do all roommates have to sign the lease?
Only those who sign the lease are legally recognized as tenants by the landlord.
What if only one roommate is on the lease?
Only the person on the lease has legal rental rights and responsibilities; others may be considered guests or subtenants.
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Are roommate agreements legally binding in Quebec?
Roommate agreements are private contracts and not enforced by Quebec’s rental board, but they can be used in civil court for disputes.
What tenancy legislation covers shared housing in Quebec?
The main law is the Quebec Civil Code – Articles 1851-2000 for residential leases.
What tribunal handles rental conflicts in Quebec?
The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) handles residential tenancy matters.
Can my landlord evict me because of my roommate?
No, landlords can only evict with valid legal reasons under the Quebec Civil Code, not just for having a roommate unless lease terms prohibit it.
Do all roommates have to sign the lease in Quebec?
Not necessarily, but only tenants named on the lease are recognized by TAL as tenants with full rights.
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What law covers roommates and shared housing in Saskatchewan?
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 covers rental situations, but not all roommate arrangements.
Who handles tenancy disputes in Saskatchewan?
The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) handles rental disputes.
Does the landlord need to approve my roommate?
Yes, adding a roommate usually requires landlord approval unless your lease says otherwise.
Are roommates covered under the same lease?
Only if all names are on the lease; otherwise, some roommates may be subtenants or not legally recognized.
Can I evict my roommate?
You cannot evict roommates yourself. If they're not on the lease, other legal options may apply.
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Do Yukon tenant laws apply to roommates sharing a rental?
Yes, the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (RLTA) applies if you are named on the lease.
Who handles tenant disputes in Yukon?
The Office of the Residential Tenancies (ORT Yukon).
What is the main law for renting in Yukon?
The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (RLTA).
Do roommate agreements have legal power in Yukon?
They are not enforceable by the ORT but may be used as evidence in disputes.
Can my landlord evict me because of my roommate's actions?
Yes, if all tenants are on the lease, one person's breach can affect everyone.
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