Do I have to sign Ontario’s standard lease form?

Most rentals in Ontario require the use of the standard lease form. If you're not given one, you can request it from your landlord. If they refuse, you can file a T2 application with the Landlord and Tenant Board.

How much notice must my landlord give for a rent increase?

Your landlord must provide a written notice (Form N1) at least 90 days before the rent goes up, and the increase must follow the annual guideline set by the province.

Can my landlord change the lease or rules after I sign?

Most changes require your agreement. Some terms, like lawful rent increases or rule changes, have specific processes and require written notice.

What should I do if my lease agreement is missing important information?

Ask your landlord for clarification or an updated agreement. If they refuse, you may seek help from the Landlord and Tenant Board or a legal clinic.

Where can I turn for help with a lease dispute?

Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board, a local legal clinic, or review Tenant Rights in Ontario for more resources and information.

Ontario Tenant Guide: How to Navigate Lease Issues

Leases & Agreements Ontario published July 01, 2025

Dealing with rental agreements can be challenging for tenants across Ontario. Whether you're signing a new lease, handling rent increases, or navigating changes to your agreement, understanding your rights under Ontario’s law is crucial. This guide explains what tenants need to know about leases and agreements, important forms, and what steps to take if issues arise.

Understanding Leases & Agreements in Ontario

In Ontario, most rental arrangements are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1]. This legislation provides a clear framework for tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities. If you're entering into a new rental situation, it's important to know the basics:

Standard Lease: Since 2018, most rentals must use Ontario's Standard Lease Form (Form 2229E). This helps protect both tenant and landlord by clearly outlining terms.
Written vs. Verbal Agreements: While verbal rentals are legal, having a written agreement gives you more protection and clarity.
Key Sections: A lease typically covers rent amount, payment dates, duration, rules (like pets or smoking), and processes for ending the tenancy.

Learn more about your rights as a tenant by visiting Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Signing Your Rental Agreement: What to Expect

When you agree to rent a place, you and your landlord are entering into a contract. Make sure to review all terms carefully before signing. In Ontario:

The landlord must provide you with a copy of the signed lease within 21 days.
You're entitled to know your legal obligations and ask questions if something is unclear.
Landlords can request a rent deposit, but only up to one month's rent.

If you're unsure how to handle rental deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for detailed information about what is and isn't allowed.

Common Lease & Agreement Issues for Tenants

A variety of concerns can come up after moving in or even during your tenancy. Some of the most frequent issues include:

Rent increases above the legal guideline or without proper notice
Unclear terms or missing standard lease documents
Disagreements over repairs or maintenance
Sudden changes to rules or rent payments

Always keep a copy of your lease and related correspondence. Documentation helps protect your rights if a dispute arises.

If you experience one of these problems, refer to Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for troubleshooting advice.

Rent Increases: Notice and Limits

Ontario law strictly regulates when and how much a landlord can increase rent. Key points include:

Rent can only be raised once every 12 months.
The landlord must give at least 90 days’ written notice using the correct form (N1: Notice of Rent Increase). This form is available on the Landlord and Tenant Board website.
Rent increases must follow the annual guideline, unless the landlord receives approval from the Board for a higher increase.

See: Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know for full details on the rules and your options.

Extending or Renewing Your Lease

Most leases automatically convert to month-to-month if neither party takes action at the end of the initial term. Discuss your options with your landlord early if you have questions, or visit Lease Renewals: What Tenants Should Know About Their Rights for practical tips and what to expect at renewal time.

Key Ontario Tenant Forms and When to Use Them

Knowing which form to use is vital if you need to respond to issues or assert your rights. Here are some important ones:

Form N1 – Notice of Rent Increase: Used by landlords to provide official notice of a rent hike. You should receive this at least 90 days before the increase. Download the N1 form here. If you believe the notice or increase is not legal, do not simply refuse to pay — seek clarification from the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Form N11 – Agreement to End the Tenancy: If both tenant and landlord agree to end the lease early, use this form. Complete, sign, and keep a copy for your records. Download the N11 form.
Form T2 – Application About Tenant Rights: If your landlord is violating your rights (e.g., entering the unit without notice, failing to provide a standard lease), file this form with the Board. Download the T2 form.
Form T6 – Tenant Application About Maintenance: File if your landlord isn't carrying out necessary repairs. Attach evidence like photos or communication records.

Forms are filed with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), Ontario's official tribunal for tenant-landlord matters.

How to File a Tenant Complaint with the LTB: Step-by-Step

Download and complete the right application form (T2, T6, etc.).
Attach evidence, such as letters, emails, or photographs.
Submit the form online, by mail, or at a ServiceOntario location.
Pay the required filing fee (waivers available for those who qualify).
Attend your scheduled hearing if one is set.

Review all instructions carefully to make sure your application is accepted.

What Happens After You Sign Your Lease?

Once the lease is signed, both you and the landlord are bound by its terms. However, issues can still arise. For practical advice, check What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for common next steps and your ongoing rights.

Landlord and Tenant Board: Your Main Resource for Disputes

The Landlord and Tenant Board is Ontario's residential tenancy tribunal. It handles disputes about leases, rent, evictions, repairs, deposits, and more. The LTB’s website offers forms, guides, and information about hearings and processes.

For anyone searching for a new place to live or planning a move, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada easily with helpful search tools and nationwide listings.

FAQ: Lease & Agreement Issues in Ontario

Do I have to sign Ontario’s standard lease form?
Most rentals in Ontario require the use of the standard lease form. If you're not given one, you can request it from your landlord. If they refuse, you can file a T2 application with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
How much notice must my landlord give for a rent increase?
Your landlord must provide a written notice (Form N1) at least 90 days before the rent goes up, and the increase must follow the annual guideline set by the province.
Can my landlord change the lease or rules after I sign?
Most changes require your agreement. Some terms, like lawful rent increases or rule changes, have specific processes and require written notice.
What should I do if my lease agreement is missing important information?
Ask your landlord for clarification or an updated agreement. If they refuse, you may seek help from the Landlord and Tenant Board or a legal clinic.
Where can I turn for help with a lease dispute?
Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board, a local legal clinic, or review Tenant Rights in Ontario for more resources and information.

How To: Steps for Handling Lease Issues in Ontario

How to request a standard lease from your landlord in Ontario?
Write to your landlord asking for the standard lease form. If they don’t provide it within 21 days, remind them in writing. If there's still no response, you can file a complaint using the T2 application.
How to challenge an illegal rent increase?
Carefully review your rent increase notice. If you believe it doesn't meet the legal requirements, file a T1 or T2 form with the Landlord and Tenant Board within 12 months of paying the increased rent.
How to break your lease early in Ontario?
If both you and your landlord agree, sign Form N11 (Agreement to End Tenancy). If there is no agreement, and you must leave, you may need to provide proper notice (usually 60 days for month-to-month) or file an application for special circumstances.

Key Takeaways

Always use Ontario’s standard lease and keep documentation of all agreements and correspondence.
Landlords must follow strict legal processes for rent increases and changes to your rental terms.
The Landlord and Tenant Board is your go-to resource for any disputes or legal questions.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Ontario’s main tribunal for rental disputes, forms, and guides.
Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) – Free legal information for tenants.
Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO) – Tenant rights resources and support.
See Tenant Rights in Ontario for a summary of your provincial rights and important contacts.