Finding the right room to rent can be a chore.
The Residential Tenancies Act, or RTA, governs rental properties in Ontario, Canada. Understanding both your responsibilities and those of your landlord helps you avoid a dispute, which requires mediation.
The Facts
When you rent a room in Ontario, you enter into an agreement with your landlord. She will tell you the price of the room, what's included and how often to pay rent. Once you have agreed on the specifics of payment, the terms can change only if you both agree. At this time, your landlord may ask for a rent deposit, which becomes the last week's or month's rent when you move out. Your landlord must pay you interest on the deposit amount annually. If renting by the week, the deposit can't exceed the amount you pay weekly.
Responsibilities
According to the RTA, you must keep your room clean and repair or pay for any damage you've caused, and your landlord must keep the rental property in good repair. Pay your rent on time and ask for a receipt each time.
Moving & Rent Increases
When you decide to move, you must give your landlord 28 days' notice. In Ontario, rent can increase once every 12 months, after a 90-day notice. The government sets the guideline for rental increases annually, according to the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board.
Tags: your landlord, landlord must, must keep, Ontario Canada
