Did you know your tenant can move in a new boyfriend, girlfriend, or roommate without asking you first? Many Ontario landlords are surprised by this fact! If you own rental property in Ontario, understanding your rights when tenants have guests is super important.
The CRESI Ontario Landlord Series podcast with hosts Kevin Breitner and Robert Di Lisi provides valuable insights for property owners facing these common situations.
Ontario Landlord Rights When Tenants Have Guests: The Basics
When it comes to rental properties, things aren’t as simple as you might think. There’s an important difference between tenants, occupants, and guests in Ontario rental law.
The person who signs your lease is the tenant. But here’s the surprising part – they can have guests stay for any length of time without telling you! As legal expert Robert Di Lisi explains, “Tenants can have guests for any length of time. They can have occupants for any length of time. They can have roommates for any length of time without the permission of the landlord.”
This might sound alarming for property owners, but there’s one key rule that protects you as a landlord.
How Guests Impact Your Investment
Smart Ontario landlords protect their properties by following one golden rule when tenants have guests: never accept rent from anyone except your tenant.
This matters tremendously. If you take money from a guest or roommate, they might claim they’re now a tenant too! This creates serious legal complications that could cost you time and money.
While you can’t stop your tenants from having guests move in, remember that tenants remain responsible for any damage their guests cause. This gives you some protection under Ontario rental laws.
For landlords with student housing properties in Ontario, setting up proper leases becomes even more critical. Individual leases for each room can protect your investment better than a single lease for multiple students.
Why Ontario Landlord Rights Matter When Managing Tenant Guests
Understanding these rules helps you avoid costly mistakes. As a property owner in Ontario, knowing these guidelines can save you from headaches and legal problems down the road.
The CRESI Ontario Landlord Series podcast aims to be the #1 resource for Ontario landlords. Hosts Kevin Breitner and Robert Di Lisi break down complex rules into simple advice you can use right away.
Want to learn more about your rights as an Ontario landlord? Check out the Ontario Landlord Series podcast. Visit CRESI’s website for this and other helpful resources for rental property owners.
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