Top 10 Tenant Rights to Know When Renting in Ontario

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Ontario, understanding your legal rights is essential. Ontario’s rental laws protect tenants in many important areas, from security deposits to eviction procedures. This overview explains your most important protections, connects you with key resources, and helps you take action if your rights aren’t respected. Whether you’re a first-time renter or a long-term tenant, these basics will support you throughout your Ontario tenancy.

1. The Right to a Written Tenancy Agreement

Landlords in Ontario must provide you with a written lease agreement using the government’s Standard Lease Form. This sets out the rent, rules, and responsibilities for both parties. Always keep a signed copy for your records.

2. Security Deposits and Rent Payments

In Ontario, landlords can only collect a deposit for the last month's rent—not for damages or keys. Understand what is and is not allowed, and always ask for a receipt. For more on deposits and your rights, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

3. Privacy and Proper Notice of Entry

Your landlord must give you at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your unit (with a few exceptions, like emergencies). Notice should state the reason and time of entry.

4. Right to a Safe and Healthy Home

You are entitled to a rental that is clean, safe, and meets all health, building, and maintenance standards. The landlord must make sure repairs are done and the unit is free from hazards and pests. Learn more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

5. Maintenance and Repairs

Landlords are required by law to complete necessary repairs and maintain the property. For non-urgent repairs, send a written request and keep records. For emergencies (like flooding or lack of heat), a quicker response is required. If issues aren’t resolved, you can file a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

6. Protection Against Unlawful Rent Increases

Landlords must follow the rent increase guidelines set each year and provide a minimum of 90 days’ written notice using the correct form (Form N1). Increases above the guideline require LTB approval. See Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know for step-by-step guidance.

7. Freedom from Illegal Eviction

You can only be evicted for specific legal reasons (like non-payment of rent) and must receive written notice on an official form. The LTB holds hearings to decide all eviction applications, so you can present your side.

8. Right to Reasonable Enjoyment

Tenants can use their unit without harassment or unreasonable interference by the landlord. This includes the right to quiet enjoyment and privacy.

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9. Receiving Legal Notices and Responding

Important notices—such as for rent increases, maintenance, or eviction—must be delivered properly, using LTB-approved forms. For example:

  • Notice of Rent Increase (Form N1): Landlords use this to increase rent legally. Tenants should review, ensure proper notice, and check if the % follows the guideline. More details and Form N1 can be found on the LTB forms page.
  • Notice to End Tenancy for Non-payment of Rent (Form N4): If you receive this, you have 14 days to pay the full outstanding amount to avoid the eviction process. Full details and Form N4 are at the LTB site.

For more on key responsibilities and notices, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

10. Access to the Landlord and Tenant Board

Disputes, unresolved repair requests, and eviction matters are handled by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). Tenants can file applications, attend hearings, and appeal decisions here. The LTB is also where you find all official forms and process guidance.

Remember: Keeping all communication and notices in writing protects you if a dispute arises.

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For more information on laws and regulations in your province, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Frequently Asked Questions for Ontario Tenants

  1. Can my landlord raise the rent whenever they want?
    No. Landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months and must provide 90 days’ written notice using Form N1. Increases must follow Ontario’s annual guidelines (see the LTB website for the current rate).
  2. What should I do if repairs aren’t being made?
    Submit a written request to your landlord. If there is no action, you can file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board for repairs to be ordered.
  3. What deposit can my landlord ask for in Ontario?
    Only a last month’s rent deposit is legal. Key or damage deposits are not allowed. Be sure to get a receipt for any deposit paid.
  4. What happens if I receive an eviction notice?
    Review the notice and form number, know your rights, and consider seeking help from the LTB or a tenant support group. You usually have a right to a hearing.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Ontario Renters

  • Tenants in Ontario have clear rights covering security deposits, repairs, rent increases, and protection from illegal eviction.
  • Official LTB forms and procedures ensure transparency—always keep written records of communications.
  • Tenants can seek help or appeal issues through the Landlord and Tenant Board and trusted advocacy services.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17. Read the full Act.
  2. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), Ontario. Official website & forms.
  3. Standard Lease Form, Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Guide to Ontario's Standard Lease.
  4. Tenant advocacy: Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario. ACTO official site.

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