Renting a property in Ontario involves more than just signing a lease and paying rent; it also comes with a set of legal protections designed to keep you safe and secure.
The province's Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) clearly define your rights as a tenant and sets boundaries for what a landlord can and can't do. While some of these rules are well-known, others might surprise you.
Whether it's your first time renting or you've been in your apartment for years, understanding these rights is essential. They protect you from being taken advantage of and give you the power to hold your landlord accountable when necessary.
For instance, your landlord generally can't enter your unit without proper notice, and they can't stop you from having guests over.
Some of these protections have been in place for decades, while others are more recent additions to the law. Either way, knowing your rights gives you confidence, control, and peace of mind as you navigate life as a tenant in Ontario.
You have rent protection
As a tenant in Ontario, you have the right to predictable rent increases.
Landlords can only raise rent once every 12 months for the same unit, giving you a full year of stability. If your rent has already gone up in the past year, your landlord must wait at least 12 months from the last increase before raising it again. For new tenants, this 12-month period starts on the day you move in. This is referred to as the 12-month rule under the RTA.
You also have the right to advance notice, as your landlord must provide at least 90 days' written notice before any rent increase. Additionally, rent increases are capped at 2.5%, with the 2026 guideline set at 2.1%, unless your unit is exempt from rent control.
Some newer buildings, specifically those constructed after November 15, 2018, may not adhere to these limits. To protect yourself, always confirm the age and legal status of your unit in writing before assuming the standard rules apply.
You can't be evicted without due process
You can't be evicted without the proper legal steps being followed. Even if a landlord has a valid reason, such as missed rent, severe damage to the unit, or a need for the unit themselves or a close family member, they must still follow RTA rules.
This means your landlord must provide you with written notice using the correct form, respect the required notice period, and apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) if you don't agree to move.
A hearing will then be held, and only the LTB can issue an eviction order. After that, a sheriff can enforce it. Landlords can't legally evict you on their own, so you have the right to stay until the proper process is followed.
The maximum fine for wrongful eviction can be $50,000 for an individual and $250,000 for a corporation.
Your landlord generally can't just show up unannounced
In Ontario, your rental unit is your private space, and your landlord can only enter under specific circumstances.
Most of the time, they must provide written notice at least 24 hours in advance, stating the reason for entry, the date, and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Common reasons include repairs or maintenance, inspections, showing the unit to potential buyers or lenders, or other reasonable purposes outlined in your lease.
Under the RTA, there are exceptions where notice isn't required. These include emergencies such as fire, flood, or a gas leak. Other exceptions include regular cleaning, if you consent to them entering when they arrive at the property or showings to prospective tenants — but only if you've agreed to end your tenancy. Even in these cases, your landlord must make a reasonable effort to notify you and enter during the allowed hours.
Understanding these rules helps ensure your landlord respects your privacy and gives you control over who enters your home.
You can't be banned from having guests
In Ontario, you have the right to decide who can visit your home. The RTA protects your "reasonable enjoyment" of the unit, which means your landlord can't interfere with your everyday use of the space, including allowing friends, family, or other guests to visit.
Furthermore, Ontario's standard lease, which most landlords are required to use, clearly states that landlords can't prohibit tenants from having guests in their unit. If you live in a condo, the condo corporation may have rules about guest access to shared amenities (such as the gym, pool, or visitor parking). Still, those rules don't affect your right to invite guests into your home.
Together, these rules ensure your landlord has no legal grounds to restrict who you welcome into your home, as long as your visitors aren't causing damage or disturbing others.
You're allowed to have pets (with exceptions)
Similar to not allowing guests, landlords generally can't ban you from having a pet. Under the RTA, landlords typically can't enforce a "no-pets" clause in your lease. This means you have the right to keep a pet in your unit.
However, there are limits. A landlord can take action, including issuing a Form N5 and seeking eviction, if a pet is dangerous, causes damage, creates significant noise, or triggers severe allergies that affect other tenants.
If you live in a condo, the rules can be different. Residents must follow the Condominium Act and the building's bylaws. So, if your condo has a rule restricting pets, you're required to comply with it.
You can pay rent however you want
In Ontario, your landlord can't force you to pay rent by post-dated cheques or automatic withdrawals, such as pre-authorized debits or credit card charges.
Under the RTA, you have the right to decide how you pay your rent, and your landlord can't make one specific method a condition of your lease.
Your landlord can't demand illegal deposits
Have you ever applied for an apartment, only to have the landlord ask for multiple months' rent upfront? That's actually illegal.
Landlords are only allowed to collect a last month's rent deposit, usually paid when you move in or sign your lease. Under the RTA, this deposit can't exceed one month's rent and must be applied to cover your final month of tenancy. It can't be used for repairs, cleaning, lost keys, or pets.
Also, each year, landlords are required to pay interest on the deposit at the rate set by the province. If they fail to do so, you can subtract the unpaid interest from your future rent. If your rent increases, the landlord can request that you adjust the deposit to match the new amount.
You can't be discriminated against
When searching for people to rent their property, landlords must follow the Ontario Human Rights Code, which states: "Every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to the occupancy of accommodation, without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability or the receipt of public assistance."
Therefore, landlords are legally prohibited from refusing you for the reasons listed above.
You can't be threatened or harassed by your landlord
Tenants have the right to live in their rental unit without fear of harassment, intimidation, or undue pressure from their landlord. Your home should be a safe and comfortable place, free from interference.
If a landlord crosses the line, you can bring the issue to the LTB. It can review the situation, require the landlord to stop their behaviour, and take further action if the regulations have been violated.
Your hydro can't be cut off if you're behind on rent
Tenants in Ontario have the right to uninterrupted access to essential services, including heat, water, hydro and gas.
According to the RTA, a landlord can't shut off or interfere with these services at any time while you live in the unit, even if rent is late. If the landlord fails to pay for a utility and it is disconnected as a result, it is treated as an illegal interruption.
Tenants can take action by reporting the situation to the LTB or the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit, which has the authority to address violations and ensure your rights are protected.
Your landlord can't ignore your request to repair something
If you rent in Ontario, you have the right to a home that is safe, functional, and properly maintained.
Your landlord is legally obligated to fix problems and carry out necessary maintenance at all times, regardless of whether you knew about existing issues before moving in or if your rent is late.
This ensures your unit remains in good condition throughout your tenancy.
Your locks can't be changed without a replacement key
Your landlord can't change or replace the locks on your rental unit, or any part of the building you have access to, without giving you new keys.
You don't have to give permission beforehand, but if the locks are changed while you're living there, the landlord must provide you with keys so you can continue to access your home.
You can't be punished by your landlord for making a complaint
Tenants are protected from eviction if it's done in response to a complaint about their landlord.
Under the RTA, a landlord can't punish you for reporting them to a government authority for failing to meet health, safety, or maintenance standards.
This type of illegal retaliation is known as a "reprisal." If the LTB determines that an eviction is a reprisal, the eviction application must be rejected.
You can't be forced to sign a new lease
When your fixed-term lease ends, you don't have to sign a new lease to stay in your home, according to the RTA.
Your tenancy automatically continues periodically, typically monthly, but may also be weekly or on a different schedule, as specified in your previous rental agreement.
All the rules from your original lease still apply, so you can remain in your unit without being forced into a new agreement.
You can't be "renovicted"
If your landlord wants you to move out for major renovations, they must follow specific legal procedures under the RTA.
This includes providing you with written notice using Form N13 and obtaining approval from the LTB before any eviction can take place. The renovations must be so extensive that it is unsafe to remain in your unit while the work is carried out.
You also have the right to return to your unit at the same rent once the renovations are finished, provided you notify your landlord in writing before moving out. If the landlord skips any of these steps or the LTB believes the eviction is being misused to force you out (known as a "renoviction"), the eviction may be refused.
You can't be charged extra for standard services
According to the RTA, if your rent includes utilities such as heat or water, your landlord isn't allowed to add extra charges for those services unless your lease clearly outlines the fees and you agreed to them beforehand.
Similarly, landlords are responsible for maintaining the unit in good repair. They can't charge you separately for regular maintenance or necessary repairs.
These are just some of the many legal rights you have as a tenant in Ontario. If you're experiencing problems in your rental accommodation, you can refer to the RTA's website for assistance.
