Tenant Rights in Ontario: What Landlords Can and Can’t Do

Renting a home should be straightforward—pay your rent, follow the lease, and enjoy your space. But sometimes, issues arise between landlords and tenants, leading to confusion about what’s actually allowed under Ontario law.

Whether you’re dealing with unexpected rent increases, sudden eviction notices, or maintenance problems that never get fixed, it’s important to know your rights as a tenant. This guide will walk you through what landlords can and can’t do, so you can navigate rental disputes with confidence.

Your Rights as a Tenant in Ontario

Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) is designed to protect tenants from unfair treatment while still allowing landlords to manage their properties effectively. Here’s what tenants are entitled to:

✔ A Safe, Well-Maintained Home – Your landlord must ensure your rental unit meets health, safety, and maintenance standards.
✔ Privacy & Proper Notice – Landlords can’t just show up unannounced; they must give at least 24 hours’ notice before entering your unit (except in emergencies).
✔ Fair Rent Increases – Rent hikes are regulated and must follow legal guidelines.
✔ Protection from Unlawful Evictions – Your landlord can’t evict you without a valid reason and must follow the legal process.
✔ The Right to Dispute Issues – If you feel your rights are being violated, you can file a claim with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

Now, let’s dive deeper into what landlords can and can’t do.

What Landlords CAN Do

✅ Increase Rent—But Only Within Limits
Landlords can raise rent, but only once per year, and they must follow Ontario’s rent increase guidelines (which are set by the government). They also need to give tenants 90 days' written notice before raising rent.

✅ Request a Security Deposit—But Only for Last Month’s Rent
Ontario law does not allow damage deposits. Landlords can ask for last month’s rent upfront, but they can’t demand additional deposits for damages, pets, or keys.

✅ Evict a Tenant—But Only for Legal Reasons
Landlords can evict tenants, but only for valid reasons like:
✔ Non-payment of rent
✔ Causing significant damage
✔ Illegal activity on the property
✔ The landlord (or an immediate family member) moving in

Even in these cases, they must go through the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) and provide proper legal notice.

✅ Enter the Unit—But Only With Proper Notice
Landlords can enter the rental unit, but they must give at least 24 hours’ written notice and have a valid reason, such as:
✔ Repairs or maintenance
✔ Showing the unit to prospective tenants or buyers
✔ Inspections for health and safety concerns

The only exception is an emergency (like a fire or flood), where they can enter without notice.

What Landlords CAN’T Do

❌ Raise Rent Whenever They Want
Landlords can’t increase rent randomly or by any amount they choose. In Ontario, there are rent control laws that limit annual increases, and they must give proper notice.

❌ Evict You Without a Legal Process
A landlord can’t just tell you to leave. They must provide written notice and apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) for approval. Even if you’re behind on rent, they can’t change the locks or force you out without following proper procedures.

❌ Shut Off Essential Services
Even if a tenant hasn’t paid rent, a landlord can’t shut off electricity, water, or heating to force them out. This is illegal and considered harassment under Ontario law.

❌ Enter Without Notice
Your landlord can’t show up unexpectedly to inspect the unit or make repairs. The law requires 24 hours' notice, except in emergencies.

❌ Seize Your Belongings for Unpaid Rent
If you fall behind on rent, your landlord can’t take your belongings as compensation. Instead, they must file for eviction through the LTB.

❌ Refuse to Make Repairs
A landlord must maintain the rental unit and cannot refuse repairs or neglect the property. If they ignore serious maintenance issues, tenants can file a complaint with the LTB.

What to Do If Your Landlord Violates Your Rights

If you feel your landlord isn’t following the law, here are steps you can take:

✔ Communicate in Writing – If there’s an issue, start by writing a polite, clear request to your landlord.
✔ Keep Records – Save emails, texts, and letters as evidence in case the issue escalates.
✔ Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – If the landlord doesn’t resolve the issue, you can file an official complaint.
✔ Seek Legal Advice – If you’re facing an unfair eviction or serious dispute, a paralegal can help you understand your rights and take action.

Final Thoughts

Knowing your tenant rights in Ontario is essential to protecting yourself from unfair treatment. While landlords have responsibilities, they also have legal limits on what they can and can’t do. If you’re dealing with a rental dispute, understanding your rights can help you stand your ground and take the right steps to resolve the issue.

Need help with a landlord-tenant dispute? Contact Carson Frankum for expert legal support.

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