Tenant's guide to renting a property

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  Tenant's Guide Overview

• Protected by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).
   
• Landlords can’t evict you without an order from the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
   
• You can’t be discriminated against (e.g., for age, family status, or income source).
   

• Must use the Ontario Standard Lease form.
   
• Only a rent deposit (1 month’s rent) is allowed — no damage deposit.
   
• Key deposits must be refundable when keys are returned.
   

• Rent increases: once every 12 months with 90 days’ written notice (Form N1).
   
• Most homes built before Nov 15, 2018 are rent-controlled (increase limited by gov’t guideline — e.g., 2.5% for 2024).
   

• Landlords: Must keep units safe, clean, and provide heat, water, and electricity.
   
• Tenants: Keep the unit clean and report problems right away.
   
• If repairs aren’t made, contact property standards or apply to the LTB.
   

Landlords can only enter:

• In emergencies,
   
• With your permission, or
   
• With 24 hours’ written notice (8 a.m.–8 p.m.).
   

• Tenants must give 60 days’ written notice (Form N9).
   
• Landlords can only end tenancies for legal reasons and through the LTB.
   
• No self-evictions — changing locks or removing belongings is illegal.
   

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): tribunalsontario.ca/ltb
   
• Rent Increase Info: ontario.ca/rent-increase-guideline
   
• Legal Help: legalaid.on.ca/legal-clinics
   
• Human Rights Info: ohrc.on.ca