Pets
- A landlord can refuse pets, or set conditions, in the lease or the house rules.
- A refundable pet deposit counts toward the one-month limit on the total security deposit.
- A non-refundable pet fee is treated as rent under the RTA. That means it is covered by the rules on rent, including rent increases.
- If you have a pet, get the landlord's permission in writing, including any conditions.
- A landlord can't refuse to rent to a person with a disability because of a trained service dog or guide dog (Service Dogs Act and Blind Persons' Rights Act). This doesn't extend to pets or untrained emotional support animals.
Roommates on the same lease
- If you and your roommates all sign the lease, you may each be responsible for the whole rent and for damage, not just your share. Check the wording.
- Write a roommate agreement covering rent shares, utilities, cleaning, guests and what happens if someone leaves.
- Notice to end a periodic tenancy usually affects everyone on the lease, so talk before anyone gives notice.
Subletting and assigning
You need the landlord's written permission to sublet or assign the lease. The landlord can't refuse without reasonable grounds and must answer within 14 days. If they don't answer in time, you can treat that as consent. The landlord can't charge a fee for giving consent.
Renting a room in the owner's home
If you rent a room in the living quarters of a landlord who actually lives there, the RTA doesn't apply. Your rights come from your agreement with the owner, so get it in writing: rent, notice to leave, house rules and any deposit.
General information only, not legal advice. The Residential Tenancies Act and its regulations are the final word; check the official sources above or get legal advice for your situation.