Renting in Ontario comes with a set of legal protections that every tenant should know. Landlords have rules they must follow, and tenants have rights that ensure their homes remain safe, stable, and fair. Whether you're facing an issue with rent increases, eviction threats, or maintenance concerns, this guide will help you understand what landlords can and cannot do in Ontario.

Key Laws Governing Tenant Rights in Ontario

Tenant rights in Ontario are primarily governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and enforced by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). These regulations outline the responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, ensuring fair treatment in rental agreements.

If you need an official resource, you can check the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s guide here.

What Landlords Can and Can't Do in Ontario

1. Rent Increases: What’s Legal and What’s Not

✅ Landlords Can:

• Increase rent once per year with at least 90 days' written notice.
• Only raise rent by the amount set by the Ontario Rent Increase Guideline (e.g., 2.5% for 2024).

🚫 Landlords Can’t:

• Increase rent beyond the annual guideline without approval from the LTB.
• Charge additional fees disguised as rent hikes.
• Raise rent for units first occupied after November 15, 2018, as these are exempt from rent control.

More details on rent increases here.

2. Evictions: When Is It Allowed?

✅ Landlords Can Evict Tenants If:

• Rent has not been paid for at least 14 days.
• The unit is being used for illegal activities.
• The landlord or their family needs to move in (with proper notice and compensation).
• There is excessive property damage or repeated lease violations.

🚫 Landlords Can’t:

• Evict a tenant without a legal reason.
• Lock a tenant out without an LTB eviction order.
• Use personal retaliation as an excuse for eviction.

If you're facing eviction, read our guide on How to Fight an Eviction Notice in Ontario.

3. Repairs and Maintenance: Who’s Responsible?

✅ Landlords Must:

• Keep the rental unit safe and in good condition.
• Fix plumbing, heating, and electrical issues.
• Provide pest control if necessary.
• Ensure adequate heating (minimum 20°C from September 1 to June 15).

🚫 Landlords Can’t:

• Force tenants to pay for repairs unless they directly caused the damage.
• Ignore repair requests or delay action.
• Refuse essential services like heat, water, or electricity.

For more on landlord maintenance obligations, visit the LTB Maintenance Standards page here.

4. Privacy Rights: When Can a Landlord Enter?

✅ Landlords Can Enter a Unit:

• With 24 hours’ written notice for repairs, inspections, or showings.
• Without notice in emergencies (e.g., fire, flooding).

🚫 Landlords Can’t:

• Enter a tenant’s unit without proper notice.
• Harass a tenant into letting them in.
• Conduct surprise inspections without a valid reason.

For more details, check Tenant Privacy Rights in Ontario.

5. Security Deposits and Fees: What’s Legal?

✅ Landlords Can:

• Request a last month’s rent deposit before move-in.
• Charge fees for key replacements (at cost).

🚫 Landlords Can’t:

• Charge a security deposit beyond last month’s rent.
• Demand pet deposits or additional fees.
• Keep deposit money for damages—only rent-related costs.

More on security deposits here.

6. Discrimination: What Is and Isn’t Allowed?

✅ Landlords Can:

• Screen tenants based on credit history and references.
• Ask about employment status to confirm income stability.

🚫 Landlords Can’t:

• Refuse tenants based on race, gender, religion, or family status.
• Reject applicants with children or disabilities.
• Charge different rental rates based on personal characteristics.

Read more on Ontario’s Human Rights Code and Tenant Protections here.

What to Do If Your Landlord Breaks the Rules

If you believe your landlord has violated your rights, take the following steps:

1. Communicate in Writing – Send an email or letter documenting the issue.
2. Gather Evidence – Take photos, keep copies of texts/emails, and track incidents.
3. File a Complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board – Learn how to file a complaint here.
4. Seek Legal Help – If you're facing an illegal eviction or harassment, a paralegal can help you fight back.

For personalized legal assistance, book a consultation with Carson Frankum.

Final Thoughts: Know Your Rights, Protect Your Home

Understanding your tenant rights in Ontario empowers you to stand up to unfair treatment. Whether you're dealing with an unreasonable landlord, facing eviction, or unsure about rent increases, knowing the law can make all the difference.

For more tenant resources, check out our blog on How to Handle Disputes with Your Landlord.

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