Everything Ontario tenants need to know — rent increases, eviction rules, maintenance rights, and how to use the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) is the primary law governing rental housing in the province. It applies to most rental units including apartments, condos, and basement suites. Understanding your rights under the RTA is essential for every Ontario renter — whether you're in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, or a small town.
Ontario's rent increase guideline for 2026 is 2.5%. Landlords of units occupied before November 15, 2018 cannot raise rent by more than this amount without applying to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) for above-guideline increases.
Units first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018 are exempt from rent control. Landlords can raise rent to any amount between tenancy agreements, though they must still provide proper notice (90 days).
Landlords must give tenants at least 90 days written notice of a rent increase. The notice must specify the exact new amount and the date the increase takes effect. Verbal notice is not valid.
Landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months. This applies even if you sign a new lease with the same landlord.
| Item | Legal? |
|---|---|
| Last month's rent deposit (up to 1 month's rent) | Yes — legal and common |
| Key deposit (refundable) | Yes — up to cost of replacing the key |
| Pet deposit | No — illegal in Ontario |
| Application fee / credit check fee | No — illegal in Ontario |
| First month's rent + last month's rent upfront | Yes — this is the standard |
| Damage deposit beyond last month's rent | No — illegal in Ontario |
Ontario provides strong tenant protections against eviction. Landlords cannot evict a tenant without a valid legal reason and must follow a specific process. Common valid grounds for eviction include:
Under Section 20 of the RTA, landlords must maintain a rental unit in a good state of repair, comply with health and safety standards, and keep it fit for habitation. This applies even if you knew about problems when you moved in.
If your landlord fails to make necessary repairs after you've requested them in writing, you can file a T6 maintenance application with the LTB. The board can order repairs and may reduce your rent until the issue is fixed. For urgent health and safety issues, contact your local municipal property standards office as well.
The LTB is Ontario's tribunal for resolving disputes between landlords and tenants. It handles applications including:
The LTB offers hearings by phone or video. Filing fees for tenants are typically $53. You can find forms and information at the Ontario government's Tribunals Ontario website.
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Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYASince 2018, Ontario landlords renting most residential units must use the provincial standard lease form. If your landlord doesn't provide a standard lease within 21 days of your request, you can withhold one month's rent. The standard lease ensures all key terms are clearly documented and prevents landlords from inserting illegal clauses.
Your landlord cannot enter your unit without proper notice and a valid reason. Rules include:
For units occupied before November 15, 2018 — no, not without LTB approval for an above-guideline increase. For newer units, yes, there is no cap between tenancy agreements.
First, request repairs in writing and keep copies. If the landlord doesn't respond within a reasonable time, file a T6 application with the LTB and/or contact your municipal property standards office.
No — in Ontario, a lease automatically becomes a month-to-month tenancy at the end of the fixed term unless you or the landlord gives proper notice. The landlord cannot evict you simply because the lease term has ended.
See also: Toronto average rent, BC renter rights, Alberta renter rights, rental application tips.