Tenant Rights in Ontario

Understanding your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act

Know Your Rights

As a tenant in Ontario, you are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). Understanding your rights helps you navigate the rental process confidently and protects you from unfair treatment.

Your Key Rights as a Tenant

Right to a Safe and Maintained Home

Your landlord must maintain the rental unit in a good state of repair and comply with health, safety, and maintenance standards.

  • Working heat, water, and electricity
  • Clean and safe living conditions
  • Timely repairs when issues arise
  • Pest control when necessary

Protection Against Illegal Rent Increases

Rent increases are regulated in Ontario:

  • Can only be increased once every 12 months
  • Must receive 90 days written notice
  • Increase is limited to the provincial guideline (unless approved by the LTB)
  • For 2024, the guideline is 2.5%

Right to Privacy

Your rental unit is your home:

  • Landlord must give 24 hours written notice before entry (except emergencies)
  • Entry must be between 8 AM and 8 PM
  • Must state reason for entry
  • You can request a different time

Protection from Discrimination

Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, landlords cannot discriminate based on:

  • Race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin
  • Citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression
  • Age, marital status, family status, disability
  • Receipt of public assistance (for housing only)

Right to Continue Your Tenancy

Your landlord cannot evict you without proper legal grounds:

  • Must follow proper LTB process
  • Cannot force you to leave without an LTB order
  • Cannot change locks or remove your belongings
  • You can stay until eviction order is issued

What Your Landlord Cannot Do

These actions are ILLEGAL:

  • ❌ Change locks without your permission
  • ❌ Shut off utilities to force you out
  • ❌ Harass or intimidate you
  • ❌ Enter your unit without proper notice (except emergencies)
  • ❌ Seize your property for unpaid rent
  • ❌ Charge excessive deposits (cannot exceed one month's rent)
  • ❌ Require post-dated cheques
  • ❌ Charge fees for normal wear and tear

Deposits and Rent

Legal Deposits:

  • Rent deposit: Last month's rent (maximum)
  • Key deposit: Reasonable amount for keys/fobs

Illegal Deposits:

  • ❌ "Damage deposits" or "security deposits"
  • ❌ Pet deposits
  • ❌ Deposits for utilities
  • ❌ Any deposit exceeding last month's rent

Getting Help

Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)

The LTB resolves disputes between landlords and tenants:

Legal Clinics

Free legal help for eligible tenants:

  • Legal Aid Ontario: 1-800-668-8258
  • Community Legal Clinics: Find your local clinic at legalaid.on.ca

City Services

  • Toronto: 311 (for property standards complaints)
  • Ottawa: 311
  • Other cities: Contact your municipal government

Quick Links

Need Help?

If you believe your rights are being violated, document everything and seek legal advice.

Contact Support

More Resources

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