Tenant rights in Ontario: what renters need to know
In Ontario, tenant rights are set out under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and enforced through the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), covering maintenance, rent control rules, eviction protections, and illegal charge remedies.This guide covers Ontario tenancy law only. For other provinces, see our [rental laws guides].
Ontario tenants are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. These rights apply from the moment your tenancy begins, whether or not you have a written lease.
Your Right to a Safe and Well-Maintained Home
Your landlord must keep your unit in a good state of repair and comply with all health, safety, and maintenance standards. This includes heating, plumbing, and structural integrity. If repairs are not made after you report them, you can file a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
Your Right to Privacy
Your landlord must give you at least 24 hours' written notice before entering your unit, and can only enter between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Entry without notice is only permitted in emergencies or with your consent at the time.
Your Right to Challenge a Rent Increase
Your landlord can only raise your rent once every 12 months and must give you at least 90 days' written notice using LTB Form N1. The rent increase guideline for 2026 is 2.1%, the lowest in four years, according to the Ontario government. Units first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018 are exempt from this cap.
Your Right to Security of Tenure
You cannot be evicted without a valid order from the LTB. Evictions must follow a specific process: your landlord must serve the correct notice and you have the right to attend a hearing before any order is issued.
Under Bill 60, passed November 24, 2025, landlords can now issue an N4 notice after seven days of unpaid rent, down from 14 days. If your eviction hearing involves unpaid rent, you must pay 50% of the claimed arrears before raising maintenance issues as a defence. The window to appeal an eviction order has also been shortened from 30 days to 15.
Your Right to a Standard Lease
Most residential tenancies in Ontario require a standard lease form, mandatory since April 30, 2018. If your landlord does not provide one when required, specific remedies are available to you under the RTA.
Your Right to Recover Illegal Charges
Landlords cannot charge application fees, damage deposits, or any fees not permitted under the RTA. If you have been charged illegally, you can file a T1 application with the LTB to recover those amounts within 12 months.
How to Resolve a Dispute
The LTB is Ontario's tribunal for landlord and tenant disputes. Applications can be filed online. Processing times have been lengthy in recent years, so filing early is advisable.
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