Tenancy Glossary

A rental unit the tenant has left without notice, often indicated by removed belongings, stopped rent payments, or utility disconnection. Landlord remedies vary by jurisdiction.

Unpaid rent or other money a tenant owes under the tenancy agreement. Often the basis for a non-payment dispute or eviction application.

A failure by either party to follow the terms of the lease or tenancy law — e.g. unpaid rent, unauthorized occupants, or landlord failure to repair.

A documented record of the property's condition at move-in and move-out, used as evidence in deposit and damage disputes.

When two or more people share a single tenancy agreement and are jointly responsible for rent and obligations.

Money a tenant pays upfront and holds to cover unpaid rent or damage. Most jurisdictions cap the amount and require it to be held in trust and returned (minus deductions) after move-out.

A landlord's legal obligation to take reasonable steps to reduce losses after a tenant leaves early — such as actively re-renting the unit — before claiming damages.

The legal process of removing a tenant from a rental property. Most jurisdictions require proper notice, grounds, and an order from a tribunal or court.

A tenancy with a set start and end date. Whether it auto-converts to month-to-month at the end depends on local law.

A third party (often a parent) who agrees in writing to pay rent or cover damages if the tenant does not.

A formal session before a tribunal or court where both parties present evidence and arguments about a tenancy dispute.

A documented walkthrough of a rental unit to record its condition, typically done at move-in, move-out, or during maintenance.

The region and tribunal or court that has legal authority over a tenancy dispute. Filing in the wrong jurisdiction is a common rejection reason.

The owner or authorized property manager who rents the unit to a tenant and is responsible for meeting legal and lease obligations.

The written or verbal contract setting out the terms of the rental — rent amount, length, rules, and each party's rights and responsibilities.

Continuing or re-signing a tenancy after its term ends. Rules about notice and rent increases differ by jurisdiction.

A voluntary process where a neutral mediator helps the landlord and tenant reach an agreement without a formal hearing.

A tenancy that renews each month until either party gives proper notice to end it. Often the default after a fixed term.

The required advance time a landlord or tenant must give before ending a tenancy, raising rent, or taking other action — set by law and the lease.

Written notice from either party that the tenancy will end on a specific date, following the required notice period.

The official decision issued by a tribunal or court after a hearing — e.g. an order for possession, payment, or repair.

A tribunal/court order requiring the tenant to leave the property by a set date. Enforcement usually requires a bailiff or sheriff if not followed.

Normal deterioration from everyday use that a landlord cannot charge a tenant for — distinct from actual damage.

Outstanding rent the tenant has not paid. Non-payment of rent is the most common ground for eviction applications.

A raise in rent. Most jurisdictions cap the frequency and amount and require written notice within legal limits.

The party a dispute application is filed against — typically the tenant (in a landlord's application) or the landlord (in a tenant's application).

Officially delivering applications, notices, or orders to the other party using an approved method (registered mail, personal delivery, etc.). Required for a filing to be valid.

When a tenant rents the unit to someone else for part of the lease term. Most leases and laws require the landlord's written consent.

The person who rents and occupies the property, with rights and responsibilities set out in the lease and tenancy law.

The specialized body that hears tenancy disputes (e.g. RTDRS, LTB, NCAT). Decisions are binding like a court order.

Someone living in the unit who is not on the lease and was not approved by the landlord — a common ground for a dispute application.

Services like electricity, gas, water, and internet. The lease should state clearly which party pays for each.

See Reasonable Wear and Tear.

A tenant stopping rent payments, usually over repair disputes. In most jurisdictions this is illegal without a tribunal order and can trigger eviction.