Ontario Tenant Rights.
Your protections under the Residential Tenancies Act — deposits, rent control, evictions, privacy, pets, and everything Ontario tenants need to know.
The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) is Ontario’s primary legislation governing the relationship between landlords and tenants. It applies to most residential rental units in Ontario, with exceptions for certain types of accommodation (e.g., hotels, hospitals, group homes).
The RTA sets out the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, covering everything from rent increases to maintenance obligations to the eviction process.
The RTA does not apply to hotels, hospitals, group homes, or emergency shelters. If you’re unsure whether your rental is covered, contact a community legal clinic or the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Deposits: What Is and Isn't Legal
Legal
Last month’s rent deposit (LMR) — the only legal deposit in Ontario. Can only be applied to the last month of tenancy.
Illegal
Damage deposits, security deposits, pet deposits, cleaning deposits, and key deposits beyond the actual replacement cost of keys.
If a landlord asks for a damage deposit, security deposit, or pet deposit, it is illegal under the RTA. You are not required to pay it.
Landlords must pay interest on the LMR deposit annually, based on the Ontario rent increase guideline percentage.
Rent Control & Annual Increases
For rent-controlled units (first occupied before November 15, 2018), landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months by the Ontario rent increase guideline. Increases require 90 days’ written notice using Form N1.
Units first occupied on or after November 15, 2018 are exempt from the guideline cap. Landlords can increase rent by any amount, but still must provide 90 days’ written notice and can only increase once per 12-month period.
Annual Guideline History
| Year | Guideline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.1% | Lowest since 2021, reflects cooling CPI |
| 2025 | 2.5% | Statutory cap for 3rd consecutive year |
| 2024 | 2.5% | Statutory cap |
| 2023 | 2.5% | Statutory cap, post-pandemic inflation |
| 2022 | 1.2% | Partial freeze, emerging from COVID |
| 2021 | 0% | Full rent freeze, COVID response |
The guideline is calculated from Ontario’s Consumer Price Index and is capped at 2.5% by law regardless of actual inflation. Landlords can apply to the LTB for an Above Guideline Increase (AGI) for major capital improvements (new elevators, roof, plumbing) — capped at an additional 3% per year.
If You Receive an Illegal Increase
Do not pay the illegal increase. Continue paying your current legal rent. Paying the higher amount — even once — can complicate your dispute.
- File an application with the LTB at tribunalsontario.ca to dispute the increase.
- Contact a Community Legal Clinic for free legal advice.
- Keep written records of all communications with your landlord.
Eviction Process
Landlords cannot evict tenants without following the legal process through the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, cutting utilities) are illegal.
| Notice | Reason | Details |
|---|---|---|
| N4 | Non-payment of rent | Tenant has 14 days to pay |
| N12 | Landlord’s own use | 60 days’ notice plus one month’s rent compensation |
| N13 | Demolition/conversion | 120 days’ notice plus compensation |
Even after receiving a notice, tenants have the right to attend an LTB hearing before any eviction order is issued. You do not have to leave just because you received a notice.
Privacy and Entry
The notice must state the reason for entry and the date and time window. Exceptions include emergencies and when the tenant consents at the time of entry.
Valid Reasons for Entry
- Repairs and maintenance
- Safety inspections
- Showing the unit to prospective tenants (with proper notice)
- Emergencies (no notice required)
Landlords cannot enter for arbitrary reasons. If your landlord enters without proper notice or outside the permitted hours, this is a violation of the RTA and you can file a complaint with the LTB.
Renting with Pets
Under the RTA, no-pet clauses in leases are void and unenforceable. Even if you signed a lease with a no-pets clause, you cannot be evicted solely for having a pet.
However, you can be evicted if your pet causes serious problems: allergic reactions in other tenants, excessive noise, property damage, or aggressive behaviour.
RTA-Covered Rentals
No-pet clauses are void and unenforceable. You cannot be evicted solely for having a pet.
Condo Rentals
Condo corporation rules can restrict or prohibit pets — these rules apply to both owners and tenants. Always check the condo’s pet policy before signing.
Pet deposits are illegal in Ontario. Landlords cannot charge pet rent or pet fees — only last month’s rent. You are still responsible for any damage your pet causes beyond normal wear and tear.
Service & Emotional Support Animals
Service Animals
Protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Landlords cannot refuse a tenant with a service animal, even in buildings with no-pet policies.
Emotional Support Animals
While there’s no specific ESA legislation, accommodations may be required under disability-related protections in the Human Rights Code. A letter from a licensed healthcare provider supports your case.
Create a pet resume: photo, breed, size, age, temperament, vaccination records, training certifications, and a reference letter from a previous landlord. It puts landlords at ease and is one of the most effective tools for pet owners.
Human Rights Protections
The Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination in housing based on the following protected grounds:
- Race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin
- Citizenship and creed
- Sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity
- Age and marital status
- Family status and disability
- Receipt of public assistance
Landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone, set different terms, or evict a tenant based on any of these protected grounds.
If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. Legal clinics across Ontario can help you at no cost.
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