Ontario Lease & Agreement FAQs: Tenant Rights Explained

Leasing a home or apartment in Ontario comes with important rights and responsibilities. Understanding your lease or rental agreement can help you avoid problems, handle issues like rent increases or unit maintenance, and make sure you're protected under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1]. This guide answers common questions tenants have about leases and agreements in Ontario so you can confidently navigate your rental journey.

Key Aspects of Residential Leases in Ontario

All Ontario residential leases are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. Whether you’re signing a new lease or living month-to-month, you should understand how leases work, what to expect from your landlord, and when specific government forms are required.

What is a Residential Lease or Rental Agreement?

In Ontario, a lease (sometimes called a rental agreement) is a contract between you (the tenant) and your landlord. It outlines rules, responsibilities, and the terms of your tenancy, including rent, duration, and maintenance.

• Since April 30, 2018, most new tenancies must use the Ontario Standard Lease form (Form N1). This helps ensure tenants are properly informed and prevents illegal lease clauses.
• Verbal agreements are also valid, but written leases make your rights and obligations clearer.

What Rental Deposits Can a Landlord Ask For?

In Ontario, landlords can only collect specific types of deposits:

• Last Month’s Rent (LMR): Used as payment for the final rental period, not security for damages.
• Key Deposit: Must be refundable and cannot exceed the cost of replacing the key.

Learn more with Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What Happens After Signing the Lease?

Once you have signed the lease, you have legal rights and protections, including the right to quiet enjoyment and a maintained home. For tips on your next steps, check out What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Common Issues: Lease Renewals, Rent Increases, and Ending Your Lease

Staying informed about your renewal options and rent increase rules can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises.

How Does Lease Renewal Work in Ontario?

• When your fixed-term lease ends, you automatically move to a month-to-month tenancy unless you and your landlord sign a new agreement.
• Your tenancy rights and most lease conditions continue, even if you don’t sign a new contract.

How Much Notice is Required for Ending a Lease?

• Tenants ending a monthly or yearly lease must give at least 60 days' notice, using Ontario’s Form N9: Tenant’s Notice to End the Tenancy.
  Download Form N9: Tenant's Notice to End the Tenancy
• For subletting or assigning your place, use Form N11: Agreement to End the Tenancy if your landlord agrees.
  Download Form N11: Agreement to End the Tenancy

For more guidance, read Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Rent Increases: What’s Allowed?

• Landlords may increase rent only once every 12 months and must give 90 days’ written notice using Form N1: Notice of Rent Increase.
  Download Form N1: Notice of Rent Increase
• Rent increases must follow the provincial guideline unless the landlord receives permission from the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Challenging an improper increase? You can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board using Form T1: Tenant Application for a Rebate of Money the Landlord Owes.
Download Form T1

Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Landlords and tenants each have legal duties that keep the rental relationship running smoothly. For a deeper look, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

• Landlord’s obligations: Maintain the unit in good repair, provide vital services (like heat and water), and respect your privacy (with at least 24 hours’ notice before entry in most cases).
• Tenant’s obligations: Pay rent on time, avoid damage (beyond normal wear and tear), and follow the agreement’s rules.

For rental search and finding available homes, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

Always read any notices, forms, or new lease agreements carefully and keep copies for your records.

FAQ: Ontario Leases & Agreements

1. Can my landlord refuse to use the standard lease form?
   No, most new tenancies must use the Ontario Standard Lease. If your landlord refuses, you can request it in writing. If they don't provide it within 21 days, you may legally withhold one month's rent until it's given. However, you must eventually pay the rent once you receive the form.
2. Am I responsible for repairs in my rental?
   Tenants are responsible for keeping the home reasonably clean and repairing any damage they or guests cause. Landlords must handle all vital repairs and maintenance not caused by tenant neglect.
3. Do I need to provide written notice to end my tenancy?
   Yes, you must deliver written notice (Form N9) to your landlord. The notice period depends on the type of lease, but in most cases, it’s at least 60 days for monthly leases.
4. What happens if my landlord sells the building?
   Your lease continues under the same terms if the building is sold. The new landlord must respect your existing agreement. You cannot be forced to move out until your lease ends and proper notice or legal grounds for eviction are given.
5. Are rent receipts mandatory in Ontario?
   Yes. Upon request, your landlord must provide you with a rent receipt, free of charge, regardless of how rent was paid.

How To: Use Tenant Forms in Ontario

1. How do I give notice to end my tenancy?
   Fill out Form N9: Tenant's Notice to End the Tenancy with your details and deliver it to your landlord at least 60 days before you wish to move out.
2. How do I respond to an improper rent increase?
   File Form T1: Tenant Application for a Rebate with the Landlord and Tenant Board if you believe your landlord increased rent beyond the legal limit or without proper notice.
3. How do I request repairs?
   Write to your landlord explaining the problems and give them reasonable time to fix the issue. If they don't act, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for orders or compensation.

Key Takeaways

• Ontario tenants have strong legal protections under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
• Always use the correct government forms for notices, renewals, or complaints.
• Stay informed about your rights—reach out for help if in doubt, and review Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – handles disputes, applications, and provides official forms
• Ontario Government – Renting in Ontario guide
• Local tenant support services: Toronto Tenants Association, and regional legal clinics
• For a summary of legal protections, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
2. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) Ontario
3. Ontario Government: Renting in Ontario – Your Rights

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