Your rights as a tenant

The Residential Tenancies Act protects tenants in Ontario. These rights apply whatever your immigration status is, and you do not lose them because you are new to the country.

Rent increases

For most units a landlord can raise the rent only once every twelve months, must give ninety days written notice, and cannot go above the rent increase guideline set by the province for that year. Newer buildings first occupied after November 2018 are not covered by the guideline, so ask about this before you sign.

Repairs and maintenance

Your landlord must keep the home in good repair and fit to live in, even if you knew about a problem before moving in. Heat must be provided during the cold months. Ask for repairs in writing, keep a copy, and take photographs.

If your landlord will not fix something

1. 1Ask for the repair in writing and keep a copy.
2. 2Take photographs and record dates if that is safe and useful.
3. 3Follow up in writing if the problem continues.
4. 4Contact your municipality, a community legal clinic or the Landlord and Tenant Board for help.

Privacy

• A landlord must give twenty four hours written notice before entering, and can only enter between eight in the morning and eight at night.
• Emergencies such as a fire or a serious leak are the exception.
• A landlord cannot change your locks without giving you a new key.

Discrimination

Under the Ontario Human Rights Code a landlord cannot refuse you because of your race, place of origin, religion, family status, disability or because you receive social assistance. Asking for a guarantor only from newcomers, or refusing families with children, can be discrimination.

Other important rights

• A landlord cannot harass you, shut off vital services or interfere with reasonable enjoyment of your home.
• Ontario tenancy law generally does not allow a landlord to ban pets, although other laws and condominium rules can matter.
• Keep your lease, payment records, repair requests, photographs, notices and messages.
• Rules can be different when you share a kitchen or bathroom with the owner or certain close family members of the owner.

Free legal help

Community legal clinics help people with low incomes understand tenancy problems. Legal Aid Ontario can help you find the clinic for your area. Contact a clinic early because deadlines may apply.

• Ontario renting rules
• Find a community legal clinic