If you feel your landlord is violating your rights, SRAC is here to provide support. We can give you the tools and resources you need to make sure you have a safe, clean, livable home.

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Landlord Tenant Rights FAQ

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How Much Notice Do I Need to Give to Exit My Lease?

The notice that you are required to give to end a lease will depend on whether you have signed a fixed or non-fixed lease agreement. Please consult this brochure for guidance and reach out to SRAC if you have any questions. Click Here to read brochure.

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Am I Allowed to Have Pets?

Yes! You are allowed your furry companions. Even if your lease agreement states no pets, you can’t be evicted for having a pet as long as they aren’t causing a problem or are inherently dangerous. So train your dragons to be vegetarians and you’re all set.

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Are Landlords Allowed to Increase My Rent?

If you live in a building or addition to an existing building constructed prior to November 15, 2018 your landlord must follow the Government of Ontario's rules for rent increase. For 2024, rents ARE NOT permitted to be increased more than 2.5% SO LONG as it's been 12 months since the last rent increase or the date the tenancy began. Your landlord is REQUIRED to give you written notice of any rent increase at least 90 days prior to it taking effect. If your unit is in a new building or addition to an existing building constructed after November 15, 2018 that has not been previously occupied for residential purposes, the rent control rules DO NOT apply. For full details consult the province's rent increase guidelines.

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Who’s Responsible for Repair and Upkeep of My Home?

Your landlord must keep your property in a good state of repair. That includes anything to with the electricity, plumbing and heating systems, your windows, doors, locks, and lighting. The only repair you as a tenant are responsible for is negligent damage you’ve caused. So maybe take that game of catch outside, is all I’m saying.

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Who’s Responsible for Snow Removal and Lawn care?

This should be specified in your lease. You may be responsible for cutting the lawn and shoveling the sidewalks in the winter if it says so in your lease, but you are not responsible for supplying the tools needed. Lawnmowers, shovels, and salt should all be supplied by your landlord. If there is nothing in your lease about who is responsible for shoveling snow/lawn care maintenance than it is your landlord’s responsibility.

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When Is a Landlord Allowed to Enter my Home?

Your landlord must give you written notice at least 24 hours before they drop by. Generally, they’d be stopping by to do repair work, or carry out a general inspection.

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Am I allowed to Change the Locks in my Home?

No, you may not change the locks in your home unless the landlord agrees.

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I’m Taking a Semester Off School, Can I Sublet my Rental?

If want to save a little cash while you’re on your co-op term, but want to keep your place for next year, you are more than welcome to find a sublet to take your room for a semester or two. You must tell the Landlord that you are planning on subletting. They can only say no to the person that you are planning on subletting to in the case that they have a legitimate reason to not let that person sublet.

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Can a Landlord Request a Damage or Key Deposit?

No. The only deposit a Landlord can ask is last months’ rent deposit.