1.7 million. That’s how many people the Canadian Rental Housing Index found were renters in Ontario in 2021. Given that the population has grown since then and housing problems have persisted, that number is likely higher today than it was three years ago.
For some, renting offers welcome relief from the burdens of maintenance and repair costs, while granting them easier access to workplaces or educational institutions, as well as vibrant cultural and social scenes. For others, especially those who find themselves unable to break into Canada’s competitive housing market, there is simply no other option but to rent.
Regardless of why you rent, though, you must recognize that being a tenant comes with its own set of responsibilities. In fact, since the establishment of the Residential Tenancies Act of 2006, both tenants and landlords in Ontario have been obligated to comply with specific requirements. Let’s review what those are, as understanding and following them will help you harmoniously coexist with your landlord and the broader community for months, if not years, to come.
The key tenant responsibilities in Ontario are:
- Keep your rental property clean
- Fix damages caused by you or any guests
- Pay your rent on time
- Obey the law
- Respect the terms of your rental contract
Keep your rental property clean
Every Ontario tenant is responsible for keeping their rental property clean. As the Residential Tenancies Act states, it should be kept “up to the standard that most people would consider ordinary or normal cleanliness.” At a bare minimum, this means you should:
- Dispose of garbage and refuse properly to prevent accumulation
- Clean up after guests to maintain the tidiness of the rental unit
- Ensure pets are kept clean, and any mess they make is promptly cleaned up
- Keep kitchen appliances, countertops, and sinks clean and free from food residue
- Clean bathroom fixtures, including toilets, sinks, and showers, to prevent mold and mildew buildup
- Regularly vacuum or sweep floors to remove dirt and debris
Fix damages caused by you or any guest
Landlords are required to do repairs and maintenance work on their property, as well as make repairs caused by normal “wear and tear.” However, as a tenant, you are responsible for fixing any damage done by you, your roommate(s), or your guests, regardless of whether or not it was an accident.
For example, if you broke the tiles in your bathroom while trying to drill holes into the wall to mount a mirror, then you would be responsible for fixing the damage because you caused it. The same goes for guests. Say your friend who is visiting for the weekend accidentally stains the carpet. You would be responsible for cleaning or arranging for professional cleaning to restore the carpet to its original condition.
The Residential Tenancies Act also notes that this extends to “common areas” such as the hallway, elevator, stairway, driveway, or parking areas.
Fortunately, this is where it pays off to have tenant insurance, as it can help cover damages you, your roommate(s), or your guests may cause to your rental property.
Pay your rent on time
While it might seem self-explanatory, paying your rent on time and in full is one of your most important responsibilities as a tenant. Granted, exceptions can be made, in which case it’s important to get them documented in writing.
The Residental Tenancies Act also states that “a tenant should not withhold any part of the rent, even if the tenant feels that maintenance is poor or a necessary repair has not been done.” This is cause for eviction should you not have been approved by The Landlord and Tenant Board to do so.
Obey the law
Like paying your rent, obeying the law might seem like an obvious responsibility as a tenant, and yet, it does happen. So let us remind you to abide by all Ontario laws and regulations, including refraining from engaging in illegal activities within your rented property. This ensures not only your safety and well-being but also that of your neighbours and the community you live in.
Respect the terms of your rental contract
While the above are all responsibilities set forth by the Residential Tenancies Act, tenants are also obligated to respect the terms set forth between tenants and landlords in the rental contract. These can include specific limitations on the use of the space, as well as guidelines for pet ownership or what modifications if any, you’re allowed to make in your rental.
Next steps: Protect yourself with tenant insurance
Having tenant insurance is one of the safest and easiest ways of ensuring that you’ll be able to honour your responsibilities as a tenant without having to pay a huge bill in case of an accident. Not to mention, many landlords in Ontario want to see proof of insurance before they enter a rental agreement with you.
Fortunately, buying tenant insurance that fits your life and your budget has never been easier with the help of YouSet. Our free online platform automatically compares prices from various insurers and applies exclusive discounts so that you get the best coverage for the lowest price.