Your Protections as an
Ontario Tenant.

What the RTA Covers

The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 is the law that governs almost all rental housing in Ontario. It applies to apartments, condos, houses, basement units, and most other residential rentals. Whether your landlord is a large property management company or an individual owner, the same rules apply.

These protections exist regardless of what your lease says. Any clause in a lease that contradicts the RTA is void and unenforceable. Understanding what's standard in a lease — and what isn't — is one of the first things we review with every client.

For the official summary, see the Ontario government's guide to renting.

Your Fundamental Protections

• A safe, maintained home — Your landlord is responsible for keeping the property in good repair, meeting all health and safety standards and local bylaws
• Privacy protections — Your landlord must provide 24 hours written notice before entering your unit, and can only enter between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The only exception is a genuine emergency
• Eviction protections — Only the Landlord and Tenant Board can order an eviction through a formal process. Locks cannot be changed and utilities cannot be shut off
• Reasonable enjoyment — You're entitled to peaceful enjoyment of your home without interference or intimidation
• Essential services — Heat, water, electricity, and hot water are guaranteed at all times as part of your tenancy

How Rent Increases Work

Rent can only be increased once every 12 months. Any increase that comes sooner is illegal — you do not have to pay it.

Your landlord must give you at least 90 days written notice using the LTB's official Form N1. A verbal notice, text message, or informal note is not valid.

For rent-controlled units (first occupied on or before November 15, 2018), the increase is capped at the annual guideline — 2.1% in 2026. For a detailed breakdown, see our Ontario Rent Control Guide.

Key Rent Rules at a Glance

• Once every 12 months — Rent can only increase once in a 12-month period, no exceptions
• 90 days written notice — Must use official Form N1 from the LTB. Verbal or informal notice is invalid
• 2026 guideline: 2.1% — Maximum increase for rent-controlled units, down from 2.5% in 2025
• November 15, 2018 rule — Units first occupied after this date are exempt from the guideline cap, but 90-day notice and 12-month rules still apply
• Guideline capped at 2.5% — Even when inflation runs higher, the annual guideline can never exceed 2.5% by law

For the full schedule of annual guidelines and detailed rules, visit Ontario.ca — Residential Rent Increases.

What Your Landlord Can Collect

The only lawful deposit is a last month's rent deposit, equal to one month's rent at the time you move in. This deposit must be applied to your final month of tenancy — it is not a damage deposit, a security deposit, or a cleaning fee.

Your landlord can also collect first month's rent up front. Beyond first and last, no other deposits of any kind are permitted under the RTA.

The last month's rent deposit earns interest annually at the rent increase guideline rate. If rent is increased lawfully, you may owe a small top-up to cover the difference.

What's Not Permitted

• No damage deposits — The RTA does not allow any deposit for potential damage to the unit, regardless of what a lease may say
• No security or cleaning deposits — No "security deposit," "cleaning deposit," or "move-in fee" of any kind is permitted under the RTA
• Last month's deposit earns interest — The landlord must credit interest on the last month's rent deposit each year at the guideline rate
• Key deposit — limited — A landlord can ask for a key deposit, but only up to the reasonable cost of replacing the key or access card, and it must be refunded when you return them
• Post-dated cheques are optional — You can choose to provide post-dated cheques, but a landlord cannot require them as a condition of your tenancy

What You Need to Know

Since April 30, 2018, all residential landlords in Ontario must use the Ontario Standard Lease. Any additional terms that conflict with the RTA are void.

Your landlord must provide you with a signed copy of the lease within 21 days of you signing it. If they still don't provide it within 21 days of a written request, you are entitled to withhold one month's rent as a remedy.

Standard Lease Checklist

• Mandatory since April 30, 2018 — Landlords must use the official Ontario Standard Lease form for all new residential tenancies
• Signed copy within 21 days — Your landlord must give you a signed copy of the lease within 21 days of both parties signing
• Withhold rent remedy — If your landlord refuses to provide the lease after a written request, you can withhold one month's rent
• Illegal terms are void — Any clause that contradicts the RTA is automatically unenforceable, even if you signed it
• Keep your copy safe — Your lease is your primary evidence of the agreed terms. Store it securely and keep a digital backup

Download or review the standard lease form at Ontario.ca.