RTA
The Residential Tenancies Act - Ontario's tenant protection law. Applies to leases signed directly with a landlord where the tenant does not share a kitchen or bathroom with the owner.
Off-lease roommate
Someone paying rent to a tenant (not the landlord), with no legal relationship to the property owner. Not covered by the RTA - a written roommate agreement is the only real protection.
Lease assignment
A permanent transfer of an existing lease to a new tenant, with the landlord's written permission. The incoming tenant takes over the lease as-is.
Sublet
A temporary arrangement where the original tenant plans to return and remains responsible to the landlord. Requires the landlord's permission and approval of candidate, and had protections and responsibilities under the RTA.
Owner-occupied
Living with the property owner (or their immediate relative) where the renter is sharing a kitchen or bathroom with them. The RTA does not apply to this arrangement.