What a lease must include
2 min read · Updated 12 October 2026
The Rental Housing Act says the owner must put the lease in writing if the tenant asks. A written lease must set out at least: the names and addresses of the owner and tenant; a description of the home; the rent and how it may go up; the deposit; the lease period, or the notice needed to end it; what each side is responsible for; and any charges on top of the rent, such as electricity, water or parking.
A lease can’t take away rights the Act gives the tenant, such as joint inspections or interest on the deposit. Terms that try to are not enforceable.
In Porchlight: the key terms sit together on the lease page, and the Legal check shows what the law expects of you.
General information, not legal or tax advice. For your situation, speak to an attorney or a tax practitioner.