Read about the laws that protect you as a renter in Ontario.
Easy-to-understand leases
Starting April 30, 2018, landlords of most private residential rental units – from individuals to property management companies – must use the standard lease template, for all new leases.
The standard lease does not apply to care homes, sites in mobile home parks and land lease communities, most social and supportive housing, certain other special tenancies and co-operative housing.
It is written in easy-to-understand language and includes information such as:
- the rent amount and when it’s due
- what’s included in the rent (for example, air conditioning or parking)
- rules or terms about the rental unit or building (for example, no smoking)
It also has a section on renter and landlord rights and responsibilities, and explains what can (and cannot) be included in a lease. For example:
- who’s responsible for maintenance and repairs
- when your landlord can enter your unit
- that landlords can’t ban guests or pets
If you are entitled to a standard lease but didn’t get one, ask your landlord in writing for a copy. Once you request it, they must give it to you within 21 calendar days. If they don’t, you can withhold one month’s rent.
If you still haven’t received a standard lease 30 calendar days after you withheld one month’s rent, you can keep the withheld rent.
Please note, you cannot withhold more than one month’s rent and you must continue paying your rent for the term of your lease, even if your landlord never gives you the standard lease. However, if a standard lease is not provided, special rules allow you to end your fixed-term lease early.
Learn more about the standard lease.
Who’s protected by rental rules
Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act applies to most private residential rental units, including those in single and semi-detached houses, apartments and condominiums, and secondary units (e.g., basement apartments).
Some types of rentals aren’t included, such as university and college residences and commercial properties.
Rent increase limits
Ontario is giving renters peace of mind and long-term stability by limiting how much their rent can increase each year.
Your landlord can raise your rent once a year, by up to 1.8% in 2018, and must give you 90 days written notice. Your landlord can ask for a larger rent increase, but only in specific situations and with the approval of the Landlord and Tenant Board.
If you live in a care home (such as retirement homes), the limit applies to the rent portion of your bill, but does not apply to the cost of services like nursing, food or cleaning.
Some rentals are exempt from rent controls, such as social housing and some non-profit housing.
Eviction rules
Your landlord can only evict you in specific situations and must give you written notice in the proper form provided by the Landlord and Tenant Board. The form must provide the reason for eviction.
If your landlord wants to use the unit themselves (or for their family) they must also give you the equivalent of one month’s rent or offer you another unit.
Even if your landlord gives you written notice, you don’t have to move out. Your landlord must first get an order to end the tenancy from the Landlord and Tenant Board – this usually includes a hearing where you can present your concerns.
Learn more about ending a tenancy.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/renting-ontario-your-rights