Tenant Tips and Housing Considerations

Both tenants and landlords have rights and responsibilities under Ontario Law. Your lease agreement will outline many of your obligations, so make sure to read it carefully.

Below are some common tenant rights that are especially relevant for:

Entry to your unit

• Your landlord must give 24 hours' written notice before entering your unit. This includes a representative of theirs.
• You can refuse entry if proper notice isn't given.
• Exceptions include emergencies or showings after all tenants have provided 60 days' notice to move out (though landlords must still make a reasonable attempt to notify you).

Signing new leases or termination agreements

• You are not required to sign a new lease if all tenants want to remain in the property. Please be advised that the Queen’s Landlord Contract Program (LCP) has been discontinued, and no new properties are being added to the program after their existing contracts naturally expire.
• If all tenants do not give notice to vacate, your lease automatically becomes a month-to-month tenancy.
• An N11 form in Ontario is an agreement between the landlord and tenant to mutually terminate the tenancy. A landlord cannot require you to sign an N11 at the start of your tenancy or during your lease signing. This does not apply to properties owned by Queen's University and managed by Community Housing.
• You are not required to move out at the end of your lease agreement. In Ontario, all lease agreements roll over into a month-to-month tenancy unless you provide your landlord with a minimum of 60 days' notice via an N9 form, of your intentions to vacate, or a new lease agreement is signed.

Rent increases

• Rent increases can only be increased once every 12 months.
• Landlords must give 90 days' written notice using the official Ontario N1 form. 
• Increases must follow the provincial rent increases guidelines for properties constructed prior to November 15, 2018.

Deposits

• Landlords cannot collect security deposits in Ontario.
• They may only request a rent deposit (last month's rent only), which can only be used for last month's rent. It can't be used for damages or cleaning.

These are just a few key examples. To fully understand your rights and responsibilities, explore the Landlord and Tenant Board FAQ, the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), or connect with an Off-Campus Living Advisor.