* The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) protects most Ontario renters - landlords must use the standard lease, provide 90 days notice for rent increases, and follow strict eviction procedures through the LTB.
Renting in Ontario comes with legal protections that many tenants do not fully understand. Whether your landlord is raising rent, entering your unit without notice, or ignoring repair requests, you have rights under provincial law.
This guide explains your tenant rights in Ontario under the Residential Tenancies Act. You will learn about rent increases, eviction rules, maintenance obligations, deposits, and how to file complaints with the Landlord and Tenant Board. Knowing your rights helps you protect yourself and respond effectively when problems arise.
Quick Answer: Ontario tenants are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). Key rights include rent increase limits (2.1% for 2026), 24 hours notice before landlord entry, protection from illegal eviction, the right to a safe and maintained home, and access to the Landlord and Tenant Board for disputes. Damage deposits are illegal - landlords can only collect first and last month's rent.
The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) is Ontario's main law governing rental housing. It sets out the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants for most private residential rentals in the province.
The RTA covers apartments, houses, condos, basement units, and most other rental housing. It applies to your tenancy even if you do not have a written lease - verbal agreements are still bound by the Act.
The RTA does not cover:
If you are unsure whether the RTA applies to your situation, contact the Landlord and Tenant Board for guidance.
Ontario tenants have several fundamental rights under the RTA. Understanding these rights helps you recognize when your landlord may be violating the law.
Since April 30, 2018, most residential landlords must use Ontario's standard lease form for new tenancies. This government-mandated template ensures all leases include the same basic information and protections.
Your landlord must give you a signed copy of the lease within 21 days of signing. If they fail to provide a standard lease after you request one in writing, you may withhold one month's rent.
You have the right to reasonable enjoyment of your rental unit. This means your landlord cannot harass you, substantially interfere with your use of the unit, or allow other tenants to disturb you without taking action.
Your landlord cannot enter your unit whenever they want. Except in emergencies, they must provide 24 hours written notice before entering. More details on entry rules appear below.
Landlords must keep rental units in good repair and comply with health, safety, and maintenance standards. This includes providing working heating, plumbing, and electrical systems.
The Ontario Human Rights Code protects tenants from discrimination in housing. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you or treat you differently based on race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, family status, disability, or receipt of public assistance.
Ontario has strict rules about when and how landlords can raise your rent.
Each year, the Ontario government sets a rent increase guideline - the maximum percentage landlords can raise rent without special approval.
The 2026 guideline is 2.1% - the lowest in four years, down from 2.5% in both 2024 and 2025.
The guideline is calculated based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index and is capped at 2.5% by law.
For a detailed breakdown of rent increase rules, see our Ontario Rent Increase 2026 Guide.
To legally increase your rent, your landlord must:
If your landlord does not follow these rules, the rent increase is not valid.
Not all units are subject to rent control. Units first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018 are generally exempt from the rent increase guideline. This means landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
Check when your unit was first occupied to understand whether rent control applies to you.
Your landlord cannot enter your rental unit whenever they choose. The RTA sets strict rules about when and how landlords can enter.
Landlords can only enter your unit in these situations:
Written notice must include:
Verbal notice or a text message may not qualify as proper notice under the RTA. Ask for written notice if your landlord only provides verbal communication.
If your landlord enters without proper notice or outside permitted hours, document the incident in writing. You can file a T2 application with the LTB to address harassment or interference with your reasonable enjoyment.
Landlords have a legal obligation to maintain rental properties in good condition.
Under the RTA, landlords must:
Heat must be maintained at a minimum of 20°C from September 1 to June 15 (some municipalities like Toronto require 21°C from October 1 to May 15).
Tenants must:
Never withhold rent without an LTB order - this can lead to eviction proceedings.
If your landlord does not address repairs after reasonable requests, file a T6 application with the Landlord and Tenant Board. The LTB can order your landlord to complete repairs and may award you compensation for the inconvenience.
Ontario has strict rules about deposits that protect tenants from unreasonable upfront costs.
Landlords can collect:
The last month's rent deposit must be applied to your final month of tenancy. Your landlord must pay you interest on this deposit each year at the rate set by the Ontario government.
Landlords cannot charge:
If your landlord has collected an illegal deposit, you can file a T1 application with the LTB to recover the money.
Landlords cannot simply ask you to leave or change the locks. There is a legal process they must follow.
Landlords can only evict tenants for reasons specified in the RTA:
You do not have to move out just because your landlord gives you a notice. You have the right to a hearing before the LTB.
If a landlord evicts you for personal use (N12) but does not actually move in, this is a bad faith eviction. Landlords face significant penalties:
If you suspect bad faith, you can file a T5 application with the LTB.
Bill 60, passed in late 2025, made several changes to eviction procedures:
These changes make it more important than ever to pay rent on time and document all communications with your landlord.
The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is Ontario's tribunal for resolving disputes between landlords and tenants.
If you need assistance:
Many tenants worry about pet policies. Here is what the law says.
"No pets" clauses are unenforceable in most Ontario rentals. Even if your lease says no pets, your landlord cannot evict you simply for having one after you move in.
However:
Service animals and emotional support animals have additional protections under the Human Rights Code.
Your monthly rent payments can help build your credit history. While traditional rent does not automatically report to credit bureaus in Canada, rent reporting services allow you to add this payment history to your credit file.
Building credit while renting strengthens future rental applications and helps you qualify for better financial products. Learn more about how rent reporting works and how you can earn cashback on rent payments.
Neobanc is a pioneering fintech startup based in Canada, focused on helping renters maximize their cashback on rent payments, and is considered one of the best options for cashback on credit card payments in Canada. With a mission to empower renters, Neobanc leverages cutting-edge technology to provide financial solutions that enhance the rental experience.
The team at Neobanc is composed of industry experts who are passionate about creating value for customers. By offering innovative cashback programs and user-friendly platforms, Neobanc is transforming the way renters manage their finances.
