Did you know that not every housing situation in Ontario is protected by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)?
Section 5 of the Act lists several important exemptions, situations where the RTA does not apply.

Let’s take a look at each one 

---

Hotels, Motels and Vacation Rentals

The Act does not apply to short-term or temporary stays such as hotels, motels, resorts, lodges, cottages, inns, campgrounds, trailer parks, tourist homes, bed and breakfasts, or vacation houses.

---

Farm Employment Housing

If your housing depends on working on a farm, the RTA does not cover that accommodation.

---

Non-Profit Housing Co-ops

Units in non-profit housing co-operatives are exempt, except for Part V.1 of the Act and any related provisions.

---

Correctional or Institutional Living

Housing used for penal or correctional purposes, or accommodation governed by the
Public Hospitals Act, Private Hospitals Act, Fixing Long-Term Care Act 2021,
Ministry of Correctional Services Act, or Child, Youth and Family Services Act 2017,
is not covered.

Note: This section will reference the Correctional Services and Reintegration Act 2018 when proclaimed.

---

Emergency Shelters

Short-term emergency shelters are outside the RTA.

---

Student and Staff Housing

Accommodation provided by educational institutions to students or staff is exempt when:

• it’s mainly for people under 18 or managed through a residents’ council, and

• it lacks its own self-contained bathroom and kitchen or isn’t intended for year-round use.

---

Employment-Linked Residences

Housing connected to a business or non-residential property where living there depends on employment is exempt.

---

Shared Housing with the Owner

If a tenant shares a kitchen or bathroom with the owner (or the owner’s close family) who lives in the same building, the RTA does not apply.

---

Business or Agricultural Premises

When business or agricultural space and living quarters are under one lease, the Act does not apply.

---

Rehabilitative or Therapeutic Housing

If someone stays for rehabilitation or therapy under an agreement for a specific duration or goal, and the stay is less than one year, that housing is exempt.

---

Respite Care

Short-term respite care in a care home is also excluded.

---

Crown or Forfeited Property

Housing in residential complexes where the Crown in right of Ontario has an interest is exempt, including properties under the Escheats Act 2015 or the Forfeited Corporate Property Act 2015.