If you’re renting in Ontario and considering subletting your apartment — whether for a temporary move, travel, or any other reason — it’s important to understand what’s allowed, what’s required, and how to do it properly under Ontario’s rental laws.
This guide will break down when and how you can sublease, key responsibilities, and how to protect yourself during the process. As always, we’re here to help and provide basic public information — but we do not provide any form of legal advice.
Is subletting allowed in Ontario?
Yes, generally speaking, subletting is legal in Ontario under the Residential Tenancies Act. However, there are clear rules you must follow. The most important point: you need your landlord’s written consent before subletting your apartment. The landlord can’t just deny your request without good reason — they are not allowed to “unreasonably refuse” a sublet.
If they do refuse and you feel it’s unfair, you have the right to take the matter to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) for a decision.
What are the key requirements for subletting?
Here’s what you need to keep in mind if you’re planning to sublease your apartment:
1. Get written consent from your landlord
Before anything else, your landlord must give written permission. While they can’t unreasonably say no, it’s still required by law to get their formal approval.
2. You stay responsible for the lease
When you sublet, you (the original tenant) remain on the hook for the lease. This means you’re still responsible for paying rent to your landlord and ensuring the subtenant follows the lease rules. If your subtenant doesn’t pay or causes damage, you’re ultimately liable.
3. Have a clear sublease agreement
It’s best to have a written sublease agreement that spells out details like:
- The rent amount the subtenant pays
- How long they’ll stay
- Their responsibilities (following building rules, maintaining the unit, etc.)
This helps protect both you and your subtenant.
4. Your landlord can charge reasonable costs
Landlords in Ontario can’t charge a separate “subletting fee” just because you’re subletting. However, they can charge a reasonable amount to cover costs such as conducting a credit check on the proposed subtenant.
5. Rent rules still apply
You can’t charge your subtenant more than what you pay under your lease, beyond what’s allowed by provincial rent increase guidelines.
Tips for a smooth sublet
✅ Screen your subtenant carefully.
Because you’re still responsible for the unit, choose someone you trust.
✅ Keep open communication with your landlord.
Keeping your landlord in the loop helps avoid misunderstandings and shows you’re handling things responsibly.
✅ Prepare the unit properly.
That includes making sure your subtenant has all the access they need — extra apartment keys, key fobs for building access, or even garage remotes. This makes your sublet straightforward for everyone involved. If you need extra copies made, we can help you get these sorted quickly.
A quick note on extra keys, fobs, and remotes
If you’re planning to sublet your apartment, it’s often necessary (and your responsibility) to give your subtenant their own set of keys, key fobs, or garage door remotes.
We specialize in making secure duplicates — done in minutes — for tenants across the GTA. Whether you’re preparing for a sublease or just want backups, we’re here to help. You can learn more on our key and fob copy services pages.
Final thoughts: Requirements to Sublease Your Apartment in Ontario
So, what are the requirements to sublease your apartment in Ontario? In short:
- You need your landlord’s written consent,
- You’ll still be responsible for the lease,
- And it’s smart to have a solid sublease agreement in place.
Handled carefully, subletting can be a perfectly legal and practical way to manage your rental. Just be sure you’re clear on the rules and well prepared — both legally and logistically.
If you’d like more practical tips for managing your rental, or need extra access tools to get ready, browse our blog for related articles or reach out anytime.
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