Generally, Ontario landlords are not legally required to provide blinds, curtains, or window coverings. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, window treatments are not considered a mandatory vital service. Unless it is explicitly written into your Ontario Standard Lease, providing privacy coverings is the tenant’s responsibility.
Moving into a new apartment brings a lot of expenses, and staring at bare windows on your first night can be an unpleasant surprise. 🙄 Many renters in Ontario assume that because privacy is a fundamental right, the property owner must supply basic blinds or shades. However, housing laws in the province distinguish heavily between what is essential for living and what is considered an aesthetic furnishing.
Under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), property owners must provide vital services like heat, hot water, and electricity, and they must maintain the structural integrity of the windows themselves. ⚠️ But when it comes to blocking out the sun or keeping your living room private from the street, the law places the burden on the renter. Understanding these rules will help you budget for your move and avoid unnecessary disputes with your property manager.
Step-by-Step Process in Ontario
Whether you are renting a historic home in Hamilton, a high-rise in Toronto, or a student house in London, the rules about modifying your unit are generally the same. 🏢 If you need to install your own window treatments, you must do so without causing permanent damage to the property. Here is the best way to handle this process.
Step 1: Review Your Ontario Standard Lease
Before you buy anything, read section 6 of your Ontario Standard Lease. 🔍 This section outlines exactly what appliances and furnishings are included in your rent. If the lease specifically lists “window coverings” or “blinds” as an included amenity, the owner is legally obligated to provide and maintain them. If it is blank, the responsibility is entirely yours.
Step 2: Ask for Written Permission to Drill
If you plan to install traditional curtain rods that require drilling into the drywall or window frames, always ask for permission first. 📝 Send an email to your property manager explaining your plan. Drilling holes without permission can lead to the owner serving you with an N5 Notice to End your Tenancy for interfering with the property or causing damage.
Step 3: Consider Non-Damaging Alternatives
To avoid disputes over wall damage, consider using renter-friendly options. 👷 Tension rods that fit snugly inside the window frame, or heavy-duty adhesive hooks, are incredibly popular among renters. These options allow you to hang curtains securely without leaving permanent holes that you will have to patch later.
Step 4: Check Condominium Board Rules
If you are renting a unit inside a registered condominium building, you must follow the condo bylaws. 🏫 Many condo boards in cities like Mississauga and Ottawa have strict rules regarding the outward appearance of the building. They often mandate that any curtains or blinds facing the street must have a white or neutral backing. Violating this rule can result in fines passed down from the owner to you.
Step 5: Patch and Repair Upon Move-Out
When it is time to move out, you must return the unit to its original condition, minus normal wear and tear. 📦 If you received permission to drill holes for curtain rods, you are generally expected to remove the hardware, fill the holes with drywall putty, and sand them smooth. You are legally allowed to take your purchased curtains and rods with you to your next home.
How Much Does it Cost in Ontario?
Because you must fund your own privacy, it is important to budget for window treatments when calculating your moving costs. 💸 Here are the typical expenses you might encounter in Canadian dollars (CAD):
| Tension Rods & Basic Curtains | $20 to $50 CAD per window for renter-friendly setups. |
| Custom Blinds or Roller Shades | $100 to $300+ CAD per window, depending on size. |
| Wall Repair Supplies (Putty/Paint) | $15 to $30 CAD to patch holes before moving out. |
| Illegal Damage Deposits | $0 CAD (Landlords in Ontario cannot legally charge damage deposits). |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Securing your own window coverings is completely up to your own timeline. ⏱️ You can purchase and install tension rods and temporary paper blinds on the exact day you move in. If you are waiting on the property owner to fix pre-existing blinds that were included in your lease, they are generally expected to complete the maintenance within a “reasonable” timeframe, usually 7 to 14 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a landlord charge a damage deposit for installing curtains?
Absolutely not. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, the only legal deposit a property owner can collect is a Last Month’s Rent deposit, and a fully refundable key deposit. Any upfront deposit for potential wall damage is completely illegal in Ontario.
What if the blinds were there when I viewed the unit?
If the blinds were present during the viewing but missing when you moved in, you must check your lease. If they are not listed in the agreement, the previous tenant likely owned them and took them when they left. The owner does not have to replace them.
What if the included blinds break from normal use?
If the blinds belong to the property owner and are included in your lease, the owner is responsible for repairing or replacing them when they break due to normal wear and tear over time.
Can the landlord dictate what colour curtains I buy?
Generally, a property owner cannot dictate your interior design choices. However, if you live in a condominium building, the Condo Corporation’s bylaws may strictly dictate that all window coverings must appear white from the exterior. You must follow these condo rules.
Can I leave my curtains behind when I move out?
You should not leave personal property behind without written agreement from the owner. If you leave your curtains and rods, the property owner could potentially charge you a disposal fee for leaving debris in the unit.
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