Thriving Under One Roof

2 min to read

The Family Services of York Region has created a practical guide to finding and building respectful roommate connections.

Here are tips for safety, communication, and a great shared living experience:

Why have a roommate?

  • Mutual support and shared responsibility
  • Living Well, Together
  • Reduce isolation, build community
  • Save money on rent and utilities

What Makes a Good Roommate?

  • Reliability – Pays rent on time and follows through on commitments.
  • Respect & Cleanliness – Keeps shared spaces tidy and respects privacy.
  • Good Communication – Open and clear about guests, noise, and bills.
  • Consideration & Compatibility – Mindful of others’ schedules and lifestyle habits.

Where to Find a Roommate Safely?

  • Word of mouth through friends, family, community centres, places of worship.
  • Community organizations (Routes Property Pairing Program, CCSYR, and Welcome Centres).
  • Online platforms such as Roomies.ca or Roomster (Please note: These are third‑party platforms. Use at your own discretion).
  • Meet in public first, don’t share sensitive information too soon.

Legal Basics You Should Know

  • If you do not share a kitchen or bathroom with your landlord, their immediate family, or a head tenant (the person you pay rent to), you are generally protected under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC).
  • This means you have the same rights as other tenants, including rules on rent increases and the right to an eviction hearing at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
  • To learn more about this, go to https://stepstojustice.ca/share-housing
  • If you and your roommate(s) each have a separate lease with the landlord:
  • You are only responsible for your own rent.
  • The landlord must maintain common areas.
  • The 24‑hour entry notice applies only to your unit, not to shared common spaces.
  • If you and your roommate(s) are on the same lease with the landlord:
  • Everyone on the lease may be jointly responsible for the full rent of the unit.
  • You can create a roommate agreement to outline how rent, utilities and other fees are split. While not part of the RTA, these agreements may be enforceable in Small Claims Court.
  • To learn more about tenants’ rights, visit https://housingrightscanada.com.
  • A good roommate can make housing affordable and life more enjoyable.
  • Take time to choose wisely, write things down, and reach out for support if you need it.

Warning Signs

  • Unwilling to put anything in writing.
  • Avoids talking about money, bills, or responsibilities.
  • Disrespectful of privacy or boundaries.
  • Requests sensitive info (health history, finances beyond rent/utilities).

Safety & Respect

  • Schedule an in‑person meeting at a safe location, or a virtual meeting.
  • Consider a simple roommate agreement (not always legally binding, but helpful).
  • References are good to have.
  • Protect sensitive information.
  • Trust your instincts.

Community Resources & Support

 

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