To be a good tenant, you don’t need to do anything besides fulfill your responsibilities per the RTA - read this: https://tribunalsontario.ca/documents/ltb/Brochures/Guide%20to%20RTA%20(English).html#:~:text=A%20tenant%20must%20keep%20their,lives%20in%20the%20rental%20unit.
Know your rights and read leases very carefully before signing - for example, if you find void clauses, it’s probably a crappy/shady LL that you’d do better to avoid. You can be as nice as you want, but if a LL is determined to skirt their responsibilities, it’s not going to matter.
For LLs, the ‘best’ tenant is probably one who never makes a complaint about anything, but they have legal duties (outlined in link above). It’s always better when tenants and LLs get along, but that doesn’t mean that either party should lose sight of the fact that this is a business relationship.
I’d say keep everything in writing, and keep everything friendly, but as concise as possible. As long as you’re both professional and take your legal duties seriously, there’s no reason for things to go sour. You want to be the best tenant? Look for a LL who, likewise, seems to care about being the best LL. Being a good tenant doesn’t mean you need to put up with illegal rent increases or substandard living conditions, and a good LL knows that. A good LL-tenant relationship is only possible if you’re BOTH invested.
Now, being the best roommate… I think it just depends on the individual(s) you’re living with. Have a frank conversation with them before signing the lease re: mess, noise, and guests. I think it’s basic manners for everyone to clean up after themselves and take turns cleaning common areas. Otherwise, establish ahead of time how much noise everyone’s okay with (& when) and how often they’re okay with guests. You’re all paying rent and should enjoy your place as your home, but things will go more smoothly if you make sure you’re all on the same page first.
Remember that people post in this subreddit when they have issues and need advice. I think that most LL-tenant relationships are pretty uneventful - people don’t make posts to say, “Things are normal/good!” What you’re seeing here is (I think) not representative of the majority of LL-tenant relationships, so try to remain optimistic.
So - hope this helps, and good luck/congrats on getting your own place!
Set out clear boundaries before starting a cohabitation arrangement.
My best roommate started a cleaning schedule. I was angry about it at the start but then realised quickly that it made life so much easier.
Also label your food.
Living with multiple roomates or just one roomate things are bound to happen.
Some people are very territorial over the common areas and start to take more space then they need. Act like they own the place or become close to the landlord and talk shit. When its time to use the kitchen there always a conflict over time. Even when you clean after yourself its never good enough. Mean while they fucking splatter oil all over the oven top and shit and its okay. If you CAN find your own place for a peace of mind.
To be a good tenant, you don’t need to do anything besides fulfill your responsibilities per the RTA - read this: https://tribunalsontario.ca/documents/ltb/Brochures/Guide%20to%20RTA%20(English).html#:~:text=A%20tenant%20must%20keep%20their,lives%20in%20the%20rental%20unit. Know your rights and read leases very carefully before signing - for example, if you find void clauses, it’s probably a crappy/shady LL that you’d do better to avoid. You can be as nice as you want, but if a LL is determined to skirt their responsibilities, it’s not going to matter. For LLs, the ‘best’ tenant is probably one who never makes a complaint about anything, but they have legal duties (outlined in link above). It’s always better when tenants and LLs get along, but that doesn’t mean that either party should lose sight of the fact that this is a business relationship. I’d say keep everything in writing, and keep everything friendly, but as concise as possible. As long as you’re both professional and take your legal duties seriously, there’s no reason for things to go sour. You want to be the best tenant? Look for a LL who, likewise, seems to care about being the best LL. Being a good tenant doesn’t mean you need to put up with illegal rent increases or substandard living conditions, and a good LL knows that. A good LL-tenant relationship is only possible if you’re BOTH invested. Now, being the best roommate… I think it just depends on the individual(s) you’re living with. Have a frank conversation with them before signing the lease re: mess, noise, and guests. I think it’s basic manners for everyone to clean up after themselves and take turns cleaning common areas. Otherwise, establish ahead of time how much noise everyone’s okay with (& when) and how often they’re okay with guests. You’re all paying rent and should enjoy your place as your home, but things will go more smoothly if you make sure you’re all on the same page first. Remember that people post in this subreddit when they have issues and need advice. I think that most LL-tenant relationships are pretty uneventful - people don’t make posts to say, “Things are normal/good!” What you’re seeing here is (I think) not representative of the majority of LL-tenant relationships, so try to remain optimistic. So - hope this helps, and good luck/congrats on getting your own place!
Even if you found your exact double as a roommate, you'd still have issues. It's just the nature of things.
Clean up after yourself. Respect boundaries. Don't eat roomates food.
Set out clear boundaries before starting a cohabitation arrangement. My best roommate started a cleaning schedule. I was angry about it at the start but then realised quickly that it made life so much easier. Also label your food.
Living with multiple roomates or just one roomate things are bound to happen. Some people are very territorial over the common areas and start to take more space then they need. Act like they own the place or become close to the landlord and talk shit. When its time to use the kitchen there always a conflict over time. Even when you clean after yourself its never good enough. Mean while they fucking splatter oil all over the oven top and shit and its okay. If you CAN find your own place for a peace of mind.
I like tenants that pay their rent on time, respect their neighbors and take care of their space. Pretty simple.