Navigating off-campus housing can be challenging. The questions below address common concerns students may experience while living off campus, including roommate relationships, landlord interactions and community expectations.
Roommates
Q1. My roommate and I are on the same lease. If they leave, do I have to cover their rent?
Yes. When students are listed on the same lease, they may be responsible for their roommate’s unpaid rent or other debts owed to the landlord. Students may seek reimbursement from their roommate through mediation or legal options if necessary.
Q2. My roommate has visitors all the time and I can't get any studying done.
Roommates are generally permitted to have visitors, provided they are not creating significant disturbances. Students should discuss their concerns with their roommate and establish mutually agreed-upon expectations regarding visitors, quiet hours and shared spaces.
Q3. My roommate won't pay their portion of the utility bill. How can I make them pay?
Students should establish clear agreements for managing shared expenses before issues arise. This may include assigning responsibility for specific bills, setting payment deadlines or creating a system where all roommates contribute regularly. If an agreement cannot be reached, students may need to explore mediation or other resolution options.
Q4. My roommate never cleans the dishes or the bathroom.
Students can address cleaning concerns by establishing shared expectations and responsibilities. Possible solutions include:
- Dividing chores based on individual preferences and availability
- Creating a shared schedule for household responsibilities
- Agreeing to hire outside help and determining how costs will be shared
- Establishing a minimum standard of cleanliness that all roommates agree to maintain
Q5. My roommates are always using my personal items and letting me know after the fact.
Students should discuss expectations regarding personal and shared belongings at the beginning of their tenancy. Clearly identifying which items are shared and which items are private can help prevent conflicts. Roommate agreements can also help establish expectations before issues arise.
Note: Most roommate concerns are best solved when roommates discuss an agreement at the beginning of their tenancy rather than during stressful times such as during mid-terms.
Landlord/Tenant
Q1. My landlord promised to fix the shower four weeks ago and it has still not been fixed.
Students should communicate repair concerns in writing and include details about the issue, previous communication and the expected timeline for resolution. If the issue is not addressed, students may consider options such as mediation, contacting the City of London for applicable inspections or seeking assistance through the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Q2. My landlord enters my apartment without notice.
Except in certain circumstances, landlords must provide proper notice before entering a rental unit under the Residential Tenancies Act. Students experiencing concerns should request proper notice from their landlord and review their rights and responsibilities under the Act.
Q3. My landlord has asked me to renew my lease for next year. Do I have to do this?
No. In Ontario, most residential leases automatically continue on a month-to-month basis after the fixed-term agreement ends unless the tenant and landlord agree to another arrangement.
Q4. My landlord says that I did not give written notice and that I now owe two months' rent even though my lease is over.
Yes. Even after a fixed-term lease ends, tenants are generally required to provide proper written notice before ending their tenancy. Students who do not provide the required notice may be responsible for additional rent. They may wish to communicate with their landlord to discuss possible solutions.
Q5. I changed the locks and now the landlord says I must give them a key.
Under the Residential Tenancies Act, tenants generally cannot change locks without the landlord’s permission. If locks are changed, landlords may be entitled to access as permitted under the legislation.
Note: These answers apply to situations covered under the Residential Tenancies Act. Students who share a kitchen or bathroom with the property owner or the owner’s immediate family may have different rights and protections.
Community Expectations
Q1. I was playing my stereo when the Police showed up at my door at 10 am and gave us a ticket for over a $200. Why did this Happen?
The City of London has a noise bylaw that applies at all times. Noise that can be heard outside a rental unit and disrupts surrounding residents may result in a complaint, ticket or additional enforcement action. Students should be mindful of noise levels and their impact on neighbours.
Q2. My landlord called me and was very upset because they had a letter from the City of London regarding how our garbage was being put out at night. Can the landlord act against us about this?
Yes. Students and landlords share responsibility for maintaining the property and following municipal waste collection guidelines. If a landlord receives enforcement action due to tenant behaviour, they may be able to address the issue with the tenants. Students should follow the City of London’s waste collection schedule and disposal requirements.
Q3. I was drinking a beer on the sidewalk in front of my house and the police gave me a ticket. Can I not drink on my area of the street?
No. Alcohol consumption is generally not permitted in public spaces under Ontario’s liquor laws. Students should be aware that areas such as sidewalks and portions of front yards may be considered public property. Tenants may also be responsible for the actions of guests at gatherings held on their property.
Q4. The Bylaw Enforcement officer came by and told us that we had to remove our car from our front yard. Can they do this?
No. The City of London has restrictions regarding parking on grass areas and front yards. Students should review local parking bylaws and ensure adequate parking is available before signing a lease.
Q5. I am concerned about the fire safety of my apartment. Can I do anything about this?
Students should first communicate concerns with their landlord. If issues are not addressed, students may contact the appropriate municipal inspection services. Students should also ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly and replace batteries when needed.
Didn't Find Your Answer?
Students who need additional information or support can contact the Off-Campus Housing team for assistance.