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Can a tenant have other people living in the rental unit that are not on the lease and without our agreement?

The tenant is legally allowed to have other people living with her that were not on the lease and she is not required to obtain your consent. As long as the unit does not become overcrowded and there are no disturbances the landlord has no recourse.

If a tenant has another person living in the unit, what are the rights of landlord with respect to increase of rent to cover the costs, etc.?

There is actually nothing a landlord can do if a tenant brings in another person to live in the unit. The rent cannot be increased on that basis, it can only be increased once every twelve months by the guideline allowed each year. In order to increase the above the guideline the landlord has to show that there has been an extraordinary increase in utilities. An application has to be made to the Landlord and Tenant Board for approval of the increase. You can obtain more information on this process on the Board's website at www.ltb.gov.on.ca.

The tenant says they are allowed to have more people move in than were on the lease. Is this true?

The tenants are permitted to have more people move into their unit regardless of how many people are on the lease provided that the number of people living in the unit does not contravene the municipal guidelines. If the number of people occupying the rental unit on a continuing basis contravenes health, safety or housing standards required by law, you may serve a notice of termination. However, the municipal guidelines for overcrowding are very generous. You must allow 100 sq. ft. per person excluding hallways, bathrooms and closets. If the overcrowding exceeds the standard, you can give a notice of termination which the details or the grounds for termination. The tenants can avoid termination if they reduce the number of persons occupying the rental unit to comply with health, safety and housing standards within 7 days.

Cockroaches, mice, or other pests

If you have a problem with cockroaches, bedbugs, mice, or other pests, your landlord must take steps to get rid of them and to stop them from getting in.

I am outside of Canada and do not have a PR card. How can I return to Canada?

Canada’s entry requirements are changing

Permanent residents (PR) of Canada must carry and present their valid PR card or permanent resident travel document (PRTD) when boarding a flight to Canada, or travelling to Canada on any other commercial carrier. If you do not carry your PR card or PRTD, you may not be able to board your flight, train, bus or boat to Canada.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your PR card is still valid when you return from travel outside Canada, and to apply for a new PR card when your current card expires.

Returning by private vehicle

There are other documents you can use to enter the country.

When you return to Canada, apply for a PR card if you plan to travel outside Canada again.

Some examples of private vehicles include, but are not limited to: a car, truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle that you own, borrow, or rent, and that is not available for public use.

Returning by commercial vehicle: airplane, bus, train, or boat

You must apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD), valid for one entry. Otherwise you may not be able to travel to Canada.

You can apply to replace your PR card when you return to Canada.