Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Ontario Reminding Student Renters About Their Rights and Responsibilities
Helping Students Maintain Good Landlord-Tenant Relationships
As more than 600,000 university and college students across Ontario are preparing to go back to school, many of whom are becoming renters off-campus for the first time, Ontario is reminding students to understand their rights and responsibilities as tenants.
Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act outlines the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants for most residential properties in the province, and includes rules about:
- How to terminate a lease
- When rent can be increased
- Repairs to rental units
- Rent receipts and deposits, subletting, having pets and changing locks
To help your rental experience go as smoothly as possible:
- Be aware of our rights and responsibilities as a tenant
- Keep open lines of communication with your landlord to minimize disagreements
- Ask your landlord to agree to rental terms in writing
- Always keep copies of documents that you provide to your landlord
- If your landlord has violated the Residential Tenancies Act or you have a complaint, contact the Investigation and Enforcement Unit
Quick Facts:
- The Residential Tenancies Act does not generally apply to students living in a university of college residence
- The Ontario Property and Sales Tax Credits provides up to $1,000 annually to those with off-campus housing costs - whether you rent or own.
Additional Resources:
Quotes:
"Looking for housing off-campus can be daunting for students, especially those who are renting for the first time. That’s why knowing your rights and responsibilities as a tenant can help you avoid problems and protect yourself."
— Ted McMeekin, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Media Contacts:
Mark Cripps
Minister's Office
416-585-6842
Conrad Spezowka
Communications
416-585-7066
|