As a tenant in Ontario, it's essential to understand your rights around rent and charges. If you believe your landlord has charged you more rent, deposits, or fees than allowed by law, Form T1 – Tenant Application for a Rebate lets you take action. This guide explains when and how to use Form T1, including step-by-step instructions tailored for Ontario tenants.
What Is Form T1, and When Should You Use It?
Form T1 is an official application to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) of Ontario. It allows tenants to request a rebate if their landlord:
- Charged more rent than permitted under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- Collected illegal deposits (like key, pet, or damage deposits)
- Asked for extra fees not allowed by law
For example, if your landlord asked for a deposit beyond your last month's rent, or included "move-in fees" not allowed under Ontario’s rental rules, you could seek a rebate using the T1 form.
Common Situations for Filing Form T1
- Landlord requested more than one month’s rent as deposit
- Charged non-refundable pet or key fees
- Rent charged above the legal guideline or without proper notice
To better understand which deposits are legal and which aren’t, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
What Charges and Deposits Can You Claim Back?
The Ontario Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) sets clear rules for allowable rent, security deposits, and extra fees. Landlords cannot charge:
- Damage deposits
- Additional security deposits (only last month's rent is permitted)
- Application, non-refundable key, or pet deposits
If you paid any of these, you can apply to recover the amount through the Form T1 process.
How to File a Form T1 – Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing and filing your Form T1 is straightforward if you follow the right steps. Here's an overview to help you get started:
- Download Form T1: Access it on the LTB website (Official PDF).
- Read the Instructions: Instructions are included with the T1 form. Read them to ensure your evidence and explanation are complete.
- Gather Proof: This could be your rental agreement, receipts, bank statements, or communications showing what was paid and when.
- Complete Form T1: Fill out tenant, landlord, rental unit details, and specify what money you’re seeking and why.
- File the Form: Submit it to the Landlord and Tenant Board by mail, courier, or online through the LTB filing portal.
- Pay the Filing Fee: As of 2024, the fee is $55, payable by major credit cards, cheque, or money order. Fee waivers for low-income tenants may be available (see the Fee Waiver Request).
- Prepare for a Hearing: The Board will schedule a hearing. You'll have the opportunity to explain your case and provide evidence.
What Could You Receive from a Successful T1 Application?
If the Board agrees your landlord collected money improperly, they can order the landlord to repay you, with possible interest. In rare cases, the Board may also make orders to correct future practices if they find ongoing non-compliance.
Deadlines: When Should You File?
You must apply within one year from the date the money was paid. It’s important to act quickly so you don’t miss your chance to recover illegal charges.
Related Tenant Rights and Resources
The rebate process is different from other rent issues, like rent increases or repairs. For information on your overall rights and landlord obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained and Tenant Rights in Ontario.
Looking for other rental options? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme with flexible filters and up-to-date listings.
Checklist: Actions to Take if You’ve Paid an Illegal Deposit or Fee
- Review your lease and payment history
- Collect proof of the questionable charges
- Check Ontario’s laws: only last month’s rent deposit is required
- Download and fill out Form T1 from the Landlord and Tenant Board forms page
- File your application promptly within one year of payment
This process ensures tenants aren't left out of pocket when charged more than what Ontario law allows.
Frequently Asked Questions about Form T1 in Ontario
- Who can file a Form T1 application in Ontario?
Any current or former tenant who paid money to a landlord in a way that violates Ontario’s rental rules has the right to file a Form T1. - What is the deadline to apply for a rebate using Form T1?
You have up to one year from the date you made the payment to submit your Form T1 application to the Board. - What should I include as evidence for my Form T1?
Include any relevant lease agreements, receipts, e-transfers, bank statements, and emails or messages that show what you paid and why. - Do I have to keep renting the same place to file Form T1?
No, you can apply even if you’ve already moved out—so long as it’s within a year of the payment. - Can I get all the money back?
If your claim is approved, the Board usually orders the full illegal amount to be returned, sometimes with interest.
Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants
- Form T1 is for tenants seeking a rebate after paying illegal deposits, fees, or excess rent.
- You must file within one year of payment; collect as much supporting evidence as possible.
- Help is available through the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board and local tenant organizations.
Knowing your rights about allowable charges helps you secure fair treatment and, if needed, recover money improperly collected by your landlord.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): File forms, read guides, and access tenant resources.
- Government of Ontario – Renting in Ontario: Your Rights: Tenants' rights, common questions, official publications.
- Local tenant legal clinics: Search "Ontario Tenant Legal Clinic" for free advice in your area.
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, SO 2006, c 17. Read the legislation
- Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) Ontario. Official website
- Form T1: Tenant Application for a Rebate Official form (PDF)
- Ontario tenant resources: Ontario Renting Rights
