1. Find out if the Residential Tenancies Act applies

Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) sets out the rights and responsibilities for most landlords and tenants.

The RTA applies to most rental housing in Ontario. But it does not apply in every situation. For example, the RTA might not apply to your housing if:

• you share a kitchen or bathroom with the owner of the property or the owner's close family members
• it's meant for temporary or seasonal stays, such as a hotel, cottage, or Airbnb
• it's meant for emergency shelter
• you live in a student dormitory
• you share housing with roommates
• you rent both business and living space under the same rental agreement

If the RTA does not apply to your housing, or if you are not sure, you should get legal help.