An Introduction to Renting in Canada

This guide is intended to provide the most common rental requirements across the country. However, landlord-tenant laws change from time to time in every province. This guide is not intended to provide legal advice. If you require specific legal advice, contact your local rental authority or a lawyer.

Rental issues can be similar in any area of the country, but authorities may treat them differently according to provincial or territorial legislation.

For both landlord and tenant, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities. Your rental agreement or lease should cover most rules and terms, but treatment of the rules and terms in your lease may vary depending on the province or territory of the rental property. Knowing the rules for where you rent currently is crucial because the legal statutes may differ from province to province. For example, determining when a landlord can enter residential premises with or without notice differs across the country. The types of dwellings that fall under provincial or territorial tenancy legislation also varies from province to province. For example, in some provinces mobile home park residents are protected under the provincial tenancy legislation, while in others they are excluded. Equipped with the right information, both landlords and tenants will be better prepared to deal with issues that might arise.

Refer to your province or territory for specific answers to your questions and valuable links to additional resources. Rental authorities and advocacy agencies are there to help you.

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