The Student Rights Advisory Committee exists to provide you with information about your rights when it comes to landlord-tenant issues. While in no way legal representation, it can help to inform you about your options in order to make difficult situations easier to navigate.
We Can Help!
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.
Academic Appeals
If you are currently going through the academic appeals process, we recommend that you take the following two steps:
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Visit the academic appeals website for all of the relevant information here.
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Reach out to the Students Rights Advisory Committee (SRAC) for support with the academic appeals process.
We encourage students to reach out to SRAC to have one of our knowledgeable executives walk you through the academic appeals process and review any relevant documentation before you file your appeal. SRAC will be able to advise you on the necessary steps that you need to take based on what faculty you belong to and what type of appeal you are considering. Based on each students’ specific circumstance, our team will be able to help you navigate the process and assist you in writing/structuring your appeal, helping to prepare you to sit in front of the appeals committee, and answer any question that you might have about the process.
We understand that this can be a confusing and overwhelming process and we want to help reduce any stress that you might be experiencing. We also understand the sensitive and private nature of these request and as a result all cases and inquiries will remain strictly confidential.
Rental Living
Landlord Tenant Rights FAQ
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.
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.
Are Landlords Allowed to Increase My Rent?
The Government of Ontario has passed legislation to freeze rent at 2020 levels. This means that rents will not increase in 2021 for the vast majority of rented units covered under the Residential Tenancies Act. For more information, click here.
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.
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.
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.
Am I allowed to Change the Locks in my Home?
No, you may not change the locks in your home unless the landlord agrees.
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.
Can a Landlord Request a Damage or Key Deposit?
No. The only deposit a Landlord can ask is last months’ rent deposit.
Other Helpful Resources
If you want to see your full rights as a tenant, you can see the full list of your rights here.
Rental Housing Support
https://www.waterloo.ca/en/living/rental-housing-support.aspx
Check the status of a rental licence, report unlicensed rental housing, review the minimum property standards, and request an inspection of your rental unit.
Landlord Tenant Board
In the GTA: 416-645-8080
Outside Toronto: 1-888-332-3234
Investigations and Enforcement Unit of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing
The Investigation and Enforcement Unit responds to complaints from landlords or tenants about alleged offences under the Residential Tenancies Act. Where compliance with the Act cannot be achieved, the Unit’s mandate extends to enforcement, which may involve formal investigations leading to prosecutions of alleged offenders in the Ontario Court of Justice
Toll free Phone Number: 1-888-772-9277
