My girlfriend signed a "rules document" but no lease, does this count in Ontario?

Question

My girlfriend wanted to rent a room from a guy in Toronto who said he doesn't give written leases. She liked the room, so I looked it up online and apparently when there is no written lease it is understood to be a monthly lease. That much is fine. However, when she went to give him payment to hold the room, he sprung on her a list of rules that he made her sign including such things as: no overnight guests, that she must ask to use extra appliances, and a whole big list of other rules. It said if she violates the list she will will have 30 days to leave. Unfortunately, I can't interpret the rules or the legitimacy of this document, because he refused to give a copy. Now here is my take: I believe that this "rules contract" is not legally valid. If he wanted to do it legally he would have had her sign a lease, and give her a copy of it. However, he rents to new immigrants like my girlfriend and he just wants a way to get rid of people he finds undesirable. Most of his tenants will probably just leave when he wants, because they don't know their rights. Am I right that his "rules contract" does not apply in Toronto? Please don't answer if you don't know Ontario rental law.

Answer 1

The document's validity is irrelevant because she's on a month-to-month lease.

At any time, if the guy doesn't like what she's doing, he can give her 30 days notice and she has to move out.

The guy sounds like a flake, though - I'd be suggesting that your friend keep looking - there's got to be a better landlord somewhere.

Answer 2

Since there is no agreement he could technically kick her out immediately. This guy sounds a little shady if he won't sign a contract, it's a lot harder to kick someone out when a contract is involved.

She's kind of at his mercy in this situation.