Renting in Ontario: Tenant Rights and Rent Increase Limits
Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 protects most private residential tenants, including those in houses, apartments, condos, and basement units. University residences and commercial properties are not covered.
Rent Increase Limits
Ontario sets an annual rent increase guideline. For 2027, it is 1.9%. Most tenants' rent cannot increase by more than this guideline each year. Note: some rentals, like student housing, are exempt.
Deposit Rules
Landlords can only charge a maximum of one month's rent as a deposit, and it must be returned when you move in. The deposit cannot be used for last month's rent unless you agree. If a landlord asks for more, you can refuse.
Eviction Process
Landlords can only evict you in specific situations and must use the official form from the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), with written notice and a reason. Even with notice, you do not have to move out. The landlord must first get an eviction order from the LTB. You have the right to a hearing to explain why you should not be evicted.
Compensation for No-Fault Evictions
If evicted for personal use, sale, renovation, demolition, or conversion, the landlord must give you one month's rent or another unit. For renovations, you have the right of first refusal to move back. To exercise this, notify the landlord in writing before leaving and provide your new address. If the landlord fails to offer the unit, you have two years to file a claim with the LTB.
Bad Faith Evictions
If the LTB finds the eviction was in bad faith, the landlord may have to pay:
- The difference between your old and new rent (up to 12 months)
- Up to 12 months of your last rent
- Reasonable moving, storage, and other expenses
Payment Agreements
If you owe rent, landlords are encouraged to negotiate a payment agreement. Even with an agreement, the landlord cannot evict without an LTB order. If the landlord applies for eviction, the LTB will consider if the landlord tried to work with you. You can refuse a payment plan without being evicted.
Air Conditioning
If the landlord doesn't provide AC, you can install a window or portable unit if you:
- Notify the landlord in writing
- Install safely and securely
- Follow municipal bylaws
If the landlord pays for electricity, you may need to provide energy efficiency info. The landlord can increase rent seasonally based on actual costs.
Standard Lease
Most private rentals must use the standard lease. If you didn't get one, ask in writing. The landlord must provide it within 21 days. If not, you can withhold one month's rent. If you still don't receive it after 30 days, you can keep that rent. But you can only withhold one month, and you must continue paying rent. If the landlord never provides the standard lease, you may end your fixed-term lease early.
Where to Get Help
- Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Resolves disputes. Phone: 1-888-332-3234 (Mon-Fri, 8:30-5:00).
- Rental Housing Enforcement Unit: Handles complaints about offences under the Act.
- Legal Aid Ontario: Free or low-cost legal help. Phone: 1-800-668-8258.
Common Pitfalls
- Deposit over one month: illegal.
- Verbal eviction: invalid; must be written and go through LTB.
- No right of first refusal after renovation: you can claim compensation.
- No standard lease: you can withhold rent, but follow the process.
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