Renting a Condo in Ontario

Renting a condo unit in Ontario involves two separate legal frameworks operating side by side. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) governs your relationship with your landlord -- rent, deposits, eviction, repairs, and notice requirements -- exactly the same as any other rental in Ontario.

Separately, the Condominium Act, 1998 and the specific condo corporation's own bylaws and rules govern how you, as an occupant, must behave within the building -- things like noise, use of common areas, parking, and pet rules specific to that building.

If you are renting a condo unit, the landlord is required to give you a copy of the condo corporation's rules. Read these carefully alongside your lease -- your lease governs your tenancy under the RTA, but the condo rules govern your day-to-day conduct in the building and common areas.

The Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT) resolves certain disputes related to condo governance and bylaw compliance. A tenant cannot personally file an application with the CAT -- that right belongs to the condo corporation, unit owners, and certain other parties. However, a tenant can be named as a respondent if the condo corporation brings a CAT application against the tenant for a bylaw violation, such as a noise complaint or an unauthorized pet in violation of the building's rules.

If you are named as a respondent in a CAT matter, that is separate from any LTB matter with your landlord, though the underlying facts (for example, a persistent noise complaint) could potentially also become grounds for an N5 notice from your landlord under the RTA.

Before signing a lease for a condo unit, ask to see the condo rules in advance if possible, particularly around pets, noise, parking, and use of amenities. A landlord may have their own lease terms on top of the condo rules, so check both documents. If you have a dispute about rent, deposits, or eviction, that goes through the LTB under the RTA. If you have a dispute about building conduct or bylaws, that is a condo governance matter, potentially involving the CAT.