Special Tenancy Situations in Canada

Learn about your rights as a tenant in Canada regarding Special Tenancy Situations. 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 Special Tenancy Situations Asked Questions in

What is a "special tenancy situation" in Alberta?
A special tenancy situation involves unique circumstances not covered by standard rental rules, like subletting, roommate issues, or abandoning a unit.
Who handles residential tenancy disputes in Alberta?
The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) (official website) handles most tenancy disputes.
What law governs rentals in Alberta?
The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) covers most rental rules in Alberta.
Can I sublet my rental in Alberta?
Yes, with written landlord consent. The landlord can't unreasonably refuse.
What form do I use to request a sublet?
Use a written request; a specific form isn't required, but keep a copy and get landlord consent in writing.

Top 5 Most Special Tenancy Situations Asked Questions in

What is considered a 'special tenancy situation' in BC?
These include subletting, adding/removing tenants, ending tenancy early, landlord changes, or unique rental agreements under the Residential Tenancy Act.
Can I sublet my rental unit in BC?
Yes, with written landlord consent. Consent cannot be unreasonably withheld. See details.
What is the difference between subletting and assignment?
Subletting means you temporarily give the unit to someone else; assignment means you permanently transfer your tenancy to a new person.
How do I ask my landlord to sublet or assign my tenancy?
Submit a written request. Landlord must reply in writing within a reasonable time.
What form do I need to use to end a tenancy early because of family violence?
Use the "Ending Fixed Term Tenancy Confirmation Statement (RTB-51)". Example: If you're experiencing violence, submit RTB-51 with proof. RTB-51

Top 5 Most Special Tenancy Situations Asked Questions in

Which board handles tenancy issues in Manitoba?
The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) handles all residential tenancy matters in Manitoba.
What is considered a special tenancy situation?
Special tenancy covers roommate disputes, subletting, assignments, family violence, accommodations, and tenancy changes.
Can I sublet my unit in Manitoba?
Yes, with your landlord’s written permission. Your landlord cannot unreasonably refuse.
How do I formally request a sublet?
Use the RTB's Application for Sublet/Assignment. Submit it with written details to your landlord.
What form do I use to sublet or assign a tenancy?
Use the RTB Form "Request for Sublet/Assignment Approval" (download here).

Top 5 Most Special Tenancy Situations Asked Questions in

What is a 'special tenancy situation' in New Brunswick?
It refers to unique rental circumstances, like subletting, roommates, or family emergencies affecting tenancy.
Who handles tenant issues in New Brunswick?
The Residential Tenancies Tribunal handles tenant and landlord matters. Visit the Tribunal.
What law applies to rental housing in New Brunswick?
The Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick governs rental agreements and disputes.
Can I sublet my apartment?
Yes, but you must get your landlord’s consent in writing first.
How do I ask my landlord for permission to sublet?
Submit a written request outlining your proposal. The landlord cannot unreasonably refuse.

Top 5 Most Special Tenancy Situations Asked Questions in

What laws protect tenants in special tenancy situations in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 protects tenants. Full text: Residential Tenancies Act, 2018.
Who handles tenant-landlord disputes in this province?
The Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Info and forms: Residential Tenancies Division.
What is a “special tenancy situation”?
It refers to unique scenarios like death of a tenant, subletting, assignment, co-tenancies, or family violence.
How do I end my lease early due to family violence?
You may serve a special notice if you have a certificate from an authorized professional. See below for forms.
What form do I use to end my lease because of abuse or violence?
Use Form 14: Notice of Termination Due to Domestic Violence. Available here.

Top 5 Most Special Tenancy Situations Asked Questions in

Who handles tenancy disputes in Northwest Territories?
The Rental Officer at the Rental Office handles tenancy disputes.
Which law covers tenancies in Northwest Territories?
The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) governs residential rentals.
What is a special tenancy situation?
It’s a unique issue like subletting, assignment, death, sale, or changing tenants not covered by standard rules.
Can I sublet my rental unit?
You need written permission from your landlord before subletting your unit.
How do I assign my lease to someone else?
Get your landlord’s written approval and follow assignment rules in your tenancy agreement.

Top 5 Most Special Tenancy Situations Asked Questions in

What is a "special tenancy situation" in Nova Scotia?
It refers to unique rental circumstances, like sublets, roommate changes, family violence, or special needs housing under Nova Scotia's Residential Tenancies Act.
Who handles tenancy disputes in Nova Scotia?
The Residential Tenancy Program, part of Service Nova Scotia, manages tenancy issues. Learn more here.
What law protects tenants in Nova Scotia?
The Residential Tenancies Act of Nova Scotia. Read it here.
Can I sublet my apartment in Nova Scotia?
Yes, but you need your landlord’s written consent. They can’t unreasonably refuse.
What form do I use to assign or sublet my unit?
Use Form C: Application to Assign or Sublet. Download here.

Top 5 Most Special Tenancy Situations Asked Questions in

Who handles tenancy disputes in Nunavut?
The Office of the Rental Officer manages tenancy disputes.
What law covers tenant and landlord rights in Nunavut?
The Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act governs rental relationships.
Can my landlord end my tenancy for their own use?
Yes, with proper notice under the Act and using Form NUT-2.
How much notice does my landlord have to give for eviction?
At least 30 to 60 days, depending on the reason stated in the Act.
Do I have to move if the building is being sold?
Not automatically; the new owner must serve proper notice and follow the Act.

Top 5 Most Special Tenancy Situations Asked Questions in

What is considered a special tenancy situation in Ontario?
Special situations include co-ops, care homes, roommate arrangements, sublets, assignments, sale of building, and unique eviction scenarios.
Who handles tenant-landlord disputes in Ontario?
The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) handles residential tenancy disputes.
What is the main law for tenant rights in Ontario?
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 governs most residential rental situations.
Are roommates covered by Ontario's tenancy laws?
Some roommates are covered if all are on the lease; otherwise, rights may differ. Individual agreements matter.
What happens if my landlord sells the building?
Your lease continues; you do not have to move unless you are lawfully evicted under the Act.

Top 5 Most Special Tenancy Situations Asked Questions in

Who handles tenant-landlord disputes in Prince Edward Island?
The Office of the Director of Residential Rental Property (PEI Office of the Director) oversees disputes.
What is the main tenancy law in PEI?
The Residential Rental Property Act governs tenancies in PEI.
How do I dispute an eviction notice in PEI?
File Form 6 - Application by a Tenant with the Office of the Director. (Form 6).
How can I request permission to sublet my unit?
Ask your landlord for written consent; use a written request. Subletting needs landlord approval.
Can I add someone to my lease?
Adding someone requires landlord agreement and usually an updated written lease.

Top 5 Most Special Tenancy Situations Asked Questions in

What is the main law governing residential tenancies in Quebec?
The law is Quebec's Civil Code, Book Five, Chapter Four: Lease of Dwellings.
Who handles rental disputes in Quebec?
The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) manages rental disputes.
Can my landlord evict me if they sell the property?
A landlord cannot evict you only because the property is sold. Special conditions must be met.
What if my landlord wants the unit for themselves or a family member?
They must send a written repossession notice at least 6 months before the lease ends.
How do I respond to a repossession notice?
Reply in writing within one month to accept or refuse. Silence is considered a refusal.

Top 5 Most Special Tenancy Situations Asked Questions in

Who handles tenant-landlord disputes in Saskatchewan?
The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) (official site) manages tenancy disputes.
What law covers rental housing in Saskatchewan?
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (official legislation).
What is a special tenancy situation?
A situation that doesn't follow usual rental rules, like subletting, roommates, family violence, or unique lease terms.
Can I sublet my unit in Saskatchewan?
Yes, with your landlord’s written consent. They can't refuse unreasonably.
What form do I use to assign or sublet my place?
Use the "Tenant’s Request to Assign or Sublet" form. Give it to your landlord and keep a copy. View the official form.

Top 5 Most Special Tenancy Situations Asked Questions in

What is the Yukon board for tenant-landlord issues?
The Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (link) handles tenancy disputes and information.
What law governs residential tenancies in Yukon?
The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (link).
Can I break my lease for health or safety reasons?
Yes, if the rental is unsafe and the issue isn't fixed after proper notice to the landlord.
Can I sublet my unit?
Only with written landlord consent; use the Sublet Agreement Form from the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (link).
What happens if my landlord sells the property?
Your tenancy continues; the new owner becomes your landlord. You can't be forced out simply for a sale.

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