CHAPTER 6: TENANT RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

Most residential tenancies are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act (the RTA). This law gives landlords and tenants specific rights and responsibilities. It also provides rules for increasing the rent and for evicting a tenant. However, some rental units are not covered under the RTA. For example, the RTA does not apply if the tenant must share a kitchen or bathroom with the owner (or the owner’s family members) or if the unit is used on a seasonal or temporary basis.

As a tenant, you have numerous rights and responsibilities. We have listed a few key rights and responsibilities here but do note that this list is not exhaustive. For more information on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, please visit the Landlord and Tenant Board website at http://www.sjto.gov.on.ca/ltb/

As a tenant, you have the right to:

• Security of tenancy

You can continue to live in your rental unit until you give your landlord proper notice that you intend to move out, you and your landlord agree that you can move, or your landlord gives you the notice to end your tenancy for a reason allowed by the RTA.

Important: If your landlord gives you the notice to end your tenancy, you do not have to move out. Your landlord must apply to the LTB to get an order to evict you and you will have the right to go to a hearing and explain why your tenancy should not end.

• Privacy

Your landlord can only enter your rental unit for the reasons allowed by the RTA. In most cases, before entering your unit, your landlord must give you 24 hours written notice. There are some exceptions, however, such as in the case of an emergency or if you agree to allow the landlord to enter.

You are also responsible for:

• Paying your rent on time.
• Keeping your unit clean, up to the standard that most people would consider ordinary or normal cleanliness.
• Repairing any damage to the rental property caused by you or your guests – whether on purpose or by not being careful enough.

As a tenant, you are not allowed to:

• Change the locking system on a door that gives entry to your rental unit unless you get your landlord’s permission.