Ontario landlord-tenant law: What to know

What is Ontario landlord-tenant law?

Ontario landlord-tenant law is governed primarily by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and its regulations. The law establishes rules for most residential tenancies, including rent, deposits, maintenance, landlord entry, lease termination, and eviction. The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) hears many disputes and issues orders when landlords and tenants cannot resolve a matter themselves.
 

Tenant rights

Important tenant rights under Ontario landlord-tenant law include:

1. A safe and well-maintained home: Landlords must keep rental units and residential complexes in a good state of repair, fit for habitation, and compliant with applicable health, safety, housing, and maintenance standards (Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, s. 20).
    
2. Privacy and proper notice: Except in emergencies and certain other limited situations, a landlord generally must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering. The notice must identify the reason, date, and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. (RTA, ss. 26–27).
    
3. Protection from improper rent increases: Rent may generally be increased only once every 12 months and after at least 90 days’ written notice. For most rent-controlled units, the increase must also remain within the applicable guideline unless the LTB approves or the RTA otherwise permits a different amount (RTA, ss. 116–123, 126).
    
4. Reasonable enjoyment: Tenants have the right to use their home without substantial interference by the landlord or another person acting on the landlord’s behalf (RTA, s. 22, 29).
    
5. Protection from harassment: A landlord, superintendent, or agent must not harass, obstruct, coerce, threaten, or interfere with a tenant (RTA, ss. 23, 29, 235).
    
6. Receipts for rent: A landlord must provide a rent receipt without charge when a tenant or former tenant requests one. A former tenant’s request must be made within 12 months after the tenancy ended (RTA, s. 109).

These examples provide a general overview of certain tenant rights under Ontario law and are not exhaustive or a substitute for legal advice. Tenants should consult a qualified Ontario lawyer or licensed paralegal about how current law applies to their particular circumstances.
 

Landlord rights

Ontario landlord-tenant law also gives landlords important rights:

1. Collecting lawful rent: A landlord may collect the rent set out in the tenancy agreement and may pursue unpaid rent through the Landlord and Tenant Board (RTA, ss. 59, 87).
    
2. Requesting a rent deposit: A landlord may require an initial rent deposit on or before entering into the tenancy agreement. The deposit may be no more than the lesser of one rental period and one month’s rent and must be applied to the tenant’s final rental period (RTA, ss. 105–106).
    
3. Entering for permitted reasons: With proper notice, a landlord may enter to inspect the unit, complete repairs, allow a potential mortgagee or insurer of the residential complex to view the unit, or for another reasonable reason specified in the tenancy agreement (RTA, s. 27).
    
4. Recovering repair costs: A landlord may apply to the LTB for compensation when a tenant, guest, or occupant willfully or negligently causes undue damage to the rental unit or residential complex (RTA, s. 89).
    
5. Ending a tenancy for cause: A landlord may serve the appropriate notice and apply to the LTB for reasons such as unpaid rent, substantial interference, illegal activity, serious impairment of safety, or persistent late payment (RTA, ss. 58–68).
    
6. Ending a tenancy for an authorized no-fault reason: The RTA permits certain applications involving a landlord’s own use, a purchaser’s use, demolition, conversion, or extensive repairs. Notice, compensation, and good-faith requirements may apply (RTA, ss. 48–55).

These examples provide a general overview of certain landlord rights under Ontario law and are not exhaustive or a substitute for legal advice. Landlords should consult a qualified Ontario lawyer or licensed paralegal before taking action based on their particular circumstances.
 

2026/2027 rent increase guidelines in Ontario

Ontario’s rent increase guideline is 2.1% in 2026 and 1.9% in 2027.
 

Tips for landlords

1. Build the right support team

   Ontario landlord-tenant law can be difficult to navigate alone. A qualified lawyer can help with legal interpretation, notices, and Landlord and Tenant Board matters. A property management company can also help support the day-to-day work by organizing records, coordinating maintenance, communicating with tenants, and tracking important deadlines. Together, the right team can help you make informed decisions and respond with greater confidence.
    

2. Use the correct lease and forms

   Start with the provincial standard lease where it applies and keep the signed agreement, amendments, inspections, and notices together. When a formal notice is needed, use the current Landlord and Tenant Board form and check the dates and service requirements carefully. A small error can create delays, so taking time to review each step can help keep an already stressful situation from becoming more complicated.
    

3. Document maintenance from the beginning

   Create a clear move-in record with dated photographs and notes about the unit’s condition. Keep track of things like maintenance requests, repairs, vendor visits, and communication with the tenant. Good records can help show what happened, when it happened, and how you responded. They also give property managers, contractors, insurers, and legal counsel the information they need when questions or disagreements arise.
    

4. Communicate clearly and respectfully

   Clear communication can prevent many routine concerns from becoming larger problems. At the start of the tenancy, explain how rent is paid, how repairs should be reported, and how entry notices and building rules will be handled. Respond in writing when possible and keep the tone calm, respectful, and factual. Tenants are more likely to understand expectations when information is shared consistently.

How a property management company can help

A property management company can support landlords with rent records, maintenance coordination, inspections, notices, resident communication, vendor oversight, and document organization. These services can help create consistent processes and provide a clearer record when questions arise.

FirstService Residential is the leading management company in Ontario, supporting boards and owners with local expertise backed by national resources. Our teams can help you stay organized with financial management, governance support, recordkeeping systems, insurance and risk management, maintenance planning, vendor coordination, 24/7 customer care, and resident communication.

To learn more, contact a member of our team today.

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, regulatory, financial, or operational advice, or as a representation or guarantee of any specific services, capabilities, or outcomes. Property management needs, regulatory requirements, market conditions, and available services vary by jurisdiction, property type, and community. FirstService Residential provides services through locally based affiliates and associates, and services and results may vary by community, region, contractual terms, and applicable law.