The Ontario Residential Tenancies Act sets out the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants who rent residential properties in Ontario. However, many of the rules in the Act about rent do not apply to college and university residences, with the exception of rules around maintenance and eviction.

College and university administrations have typically been against having student residences covered under the Act and have claimed that omitting residences from the Act is for the protection of students. Administrations have also used the omission of residences from the Act to justify implementing intrusive instruments like non-academic codes of student conduct.

Students who live in college or university residences do not have adequate legal protections because they are omitted from much of the Act. For example, they do not have the option of bringing claims to the Landlord and Tenant Board if they encounter problems with the operation or safety of their residence. Students may also be requested to vacate their residences between semesters.

Ask your residence assistance or don if you have any questions about your responsibilities or rights as a student living in residence.