When I signed my first off-campus lease, I was so excited to start living on my own that I did not think much about the details. I skimmed through the contract, handed over my deposit, and just assumed that everything would work out on its own. Spoiler alert: it did not. At least, not right away like I thought it would.

With the holidays coming up in December, the University Winter Shutdown, and many students going home for the break, it’s important to leave your home in good shape before you go. 

If you’re renting a place in Ontario, you might come across different types of leases. Two common ones are joint and several leases and individual leases. Knowing the differences between these can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Let’s explore them in a simple way. 

What is a Joint and Several Lease? 

Signing a lease agreement is one of the most important steps when securing Off-Campus housing, yet many students rush through the process without fully understanding their rights and responsibilities. Lease-related issues are common, but they can often be avoided by taking proactive measures before putting pen to paper. The first and most crucial step is to have your lease reviewed by the Off-Campus Living Advisor (OCLA) at your university.

Sublet versus Occupant: Understanding the Difference

Are you an outgoing exchange student for this upcoming winter term (January to April)? If you are going on exchange and planning to find a subtenant, it is important to distinguish between a sublet and an occupancy arrangement, as they are treated differently under Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).

Before signing a lease with your friends, it is important you truly know each other and have taken the time to discuss what you want your house environment to look like. Sharing a living space with a roommate can be a rewarding and cost-effective choice but it is not without its challenges. Here are some tips I have learned along the way to finding the perfect roommates.