In Ontario’s competitive rental market—from Toronto and Ottawa to Hamilton and London—securing an apartment often requires a Guarantor Form for a tenancy application. This is especially true for students, newcomers to Canada, or self-employed individuals with non-traditional income.
To ensure your application is accepted, many landlords now require these forms to be notarized. In this guide, we explain the legal role of a guarantor in Ontario and how to get your documents validated quickly.
What is a Tenancy Guarantor in Ontario?
Under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and Ontario contract law, a guarantor is a third party who agrees to be held financially liable if a tenant defaults on their obligations.
While the Ontario Standard Lease is the mandatory contract between a landlord and tenant, the guarantor typically signs a separate Guarantor Agreement Addendum. By signing, the guarantor becomes responsible for:
- Unpaid Rent: Covering the monthly rent if the tenant stops paying.
- Property Damage: Paying for repairs beyond normal wear and tear.
- Legal Costs: Any costs incurred by the landlord due to the tenant's breach of contract.
Why Landlords Require a Notarized Guarantor Form
In Ontario, a landlord cannot easily evict a tenant for non-payment, making the financial security of a guarantor vital. Notarization adds a layer of protection that simple signatures lack:
- Fraud Prevention: A Notary Public verifies the guarantor’s identity using government photo ID, preventing tenants from forging signatures.
- Legal Enforceability: If a landlord needs to sue a guarantor in Small Claims Court, a notarized document serves as strong evidence that the guarantor willingly signed and understood the risks.
- Remote Compliance: With Remote Online Notarization (RON) now permanent in Ontario, guarantors can sign from anywhere in the world, which is perfect for international students or out-of-province parents.
Get Your Guarantor Form Notarized with NotaryServe
Need a fast, professional, and legally binding notarization for your Ontario tenancy application? NotaryServe specializes in efficient notary services to help you secure your rental home without delay.
Contact NotaryServe Today:
- 📞 Phone: (613) 558-5363
- 📧 Email: contact@notaryserve.ca
- 🌐 Website: notaryserve.ca
Who Can Act as a Guarantor in Ontario?
Landlords generally look for specific criteria to ensure the guarantee is "worth the paper it’s written on":
- Ontario or Canadian Residency: This makes it easier for the landlord to enforce a court judgment if necessary.
- Stable Income: Landlords usually request a T4, an employment letter, or a Notice of Assessment (NOA).
- Good Credit Score: A guarantor with a high credit score proves financial reliability.
Pro Tip: In Ontario, a "co-signer" usually has the right to live in the unit, whereas a "guarantor" has financial liability but no right of occupancy. Make sure you use the correct form!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Ontario tenancy application isn't rejected, avoid these common errors:
- Signing Before Meeting the Notary: You must sign the form in the Notary Public's presence (either in person or via video call).
- Vague Duration: Ensure the form specifies if the guarantee covers only the first year or continues through the month-to-month statutory renewal.
- Incorrect ID: Ensure the guarantor has a valid, unexpired Ontario Driver’s License, Passport, or Photo Card ready.
Final Thoughts
A notarized guarantor form is often the "gold seal" on a rental application. It provides Ontario landlords with the confidence they need to approve your tenancy.
This post is for general information only and is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact a lawyer.
