---
title: "Leases and Legislation"
type: "wiki"
space: "Off-campus housing"
author: "Gerald Encabo"
created: 2021-07-19T15:39:42Z
updated: 2024-09-16T15:00:35Z
tags: ["off-campus"]
url: "https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/106/off-campus-housing/wiki/view/277/leases-and-legislation"
---

# Leases and Legislation

A lease is a contract between a landlord and tenant which specifies the terms of your living arrangement. It should outline the cost of your rent with/without utilities, your move-in-date, the length of your stay, rent due dates, house rules and any furniture, appliances or repairs that the landlord has promised to provide. Make sure to keep a copy of this document for your own protection and check out your rights under the Landlord and Tenant Act.

For a Lease Agreement:

- Lease must be signed by both parties before you move in or pay a deposit

- Landlords are legally required to use the [Ontario Standard Lease Form](https://www.ontario.ca/page/guide-ontarios-standard-lease)

Resource Links

- [A guide to standard lease for rental housing](https://files.ontario.ca/mmah-guide-to-standard-lease-for-rental-housing-en-2022-04-19.pdf)
- [Landlord and Tenant Act](http://www.ontariotenants.ca/law/act.phtml)
- [Landlord and Tenant Information](http://www.cleo.on.ca/english/pub/onpub/subject/landlord.htm)
- [Rental Agreements](https://www-preview.senecapolytechnic.ca/content/dam/projects/seneca/student-services/student-life/housing/Landlord_agreement.pdf)
- [Roommate Agreement](https://www-preview.senecapolytechnic.ca/content/dam/projects/seneca/student-services/student-life/housing/roommate_agreement.pdf)
- [Student Storage](http://www.findstoragefast.com/)

## Beginning Your Search

The following suggestions might be helpful:

- We advise our students that accommodation obtained in a private home is different from that in a self-contained apartment and that householders may therefore set special conditions \(smoking, visitors, etc.\) that they enforce within their own family situations.
- If the tenancy or boarding arrangements involve the use of kitchen appliances or other privileges, the conditions for such use \(cleanliness, clean-up, etc.\) should be discussed and understood.