RTA s. 5 · Code s. 21
Does the RTA apply — and does the Code still apply?
Most private rentals in houses, apartments, second units, and condos are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. The important exception for frontline work is shared kitchen or bathroom with the owner or specified family. That exception also tracks the Code’s shared-accommodation limit.
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Sharing a bathroom only with other tenants (not the owner) does not, by itself, remove the RTA.
If the RTA does not apply
People in owner-shared rooms often have only contract and common-law protections. They can still face discrimination in other Code social areas (services) in limited ways, but the occupancy section’s shared-accommodation exception is real. Flag the risk before someone accepts a room in the landlord’s house as their only option — and look for a self-contained unit.
If the RTA does apply
- Legal rent, guideline increases (2027 guideline published on ontario.ca), deposits, maintenance, entry, and eviction process.
- LTB applications. Code arguments can and should be raised there; the LTB must apply the Code.
- Rental Housing Enforcement Unit for certain offences.
- Look up comparable LTB orders: CanLII, Order Catalogue, research desk.