Question 1

Can my landlord raise rent by any amount?

Accepted Answer

No. Under RTA s.116, your landlord can only raise your rent once every 12 months, and the increase cannot exceed the government-set guideline. For 2026, the maximum lawful increase is 2.1% (2025 was 2.5%). Your landlord must give 90 days written notice using the official N1 form. Any increase above the guideline requires special approval from the Landlord and Tenant Board, which is rarely granted for regular tenancies. If your landlord raises rent illegally, you can file a T1 application at the LTB to recover the overpayment.

Question 2

What is the rent increase guideline for 2026?

Accepted Answer

The maximum lawful rent increase for 2026 is 2.1% (2025 was 2.5%). This guideline is set annually by the Ontario government and is based on inflation. Your landlord cannot increase your rent more than this amount without LTB approval. The guideline applies to most residential tenancies. For example, if your rent is $1,500, your landlord can legally increase it by a maximum of $31.50 (2.1%).

Question 3

Can my landlord ask for first, last, and a damage deposit?

Accepted Answer

No. Under RTA s.105-106, your landlord can only collect one month's rent as a rent deposit (also called last month's rent). They cannot collect first month's rent upfront, damage deposits, pet deposits, key deposits, cleaning deposits, holding deposits, or any other deposits. If your landlord asks for multiple deposits, they are breaking the law. You can refuse to pay illegal deposits, and if you do pay them, you can file a T1 application at the LTB to recover triple the overcharge amount.

Question 4

Is a damage deposit legal in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

No. RTA s.105-106 explicitly prohibit damage deposits. Your landlord can only collect a rent deposit (last month's rent). A "damage deposit" is illegal even if called by a different name. If your landlord collects a damage deposit, you can demand repayment. If they refuse, file a T1 application at the LTB. You may recover triple the amount collected. The only lawful deduction your landlord can make is for actual unpaid rent at the end of your tenancy.

Question 5

Must my landlord pay interest on my last month's rent deposit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. RTA s.38 requires landlords to pay interest on rent deposits annually. The interest rate is set by the Ministry of Finance (currently approximately 4% based on Bank of Canada rates). This interest should be paid annually, usually on the anniversary of your tenancy. If your landlord hasn't paid interest, you can file a T1 application at the LTB to recover it plus interest on the interest. Keep records of your rent deposit and demand interest in writing.

Question 6

When can a landlord apply for above-guideline rent increases?

Accepted Answer

A landlord can apply to the LTB for an above-guideline increase only under specific circumstances outlined in RTA s.126. These include: significant capital improvements to the building (like a new roof or plumbing system), major repairs needed to maintain the building, or property taxes and municipal levies increasing significantly. The LTB will hold a hearing and only grant the increase if justified. AGI applications are relatively rare and often not approved. You have the right to attend the hearing and present evidence.

Question 7

What if my landlord won't return my rent deposit after I move?

Accepted Answer

If your landlord wrongfully keeps your rent deposit or deducts for non-damage reasons, file a T1 application at the LTB. You have two years from the end of your tenancy to file. Bring evidence: your lease, proof of payment, correspondence with the landlord, and move-out photos. The LTB will order your landlord to pay. If the LTB finds the deduction was wrongful and unreasonable, you may recover triple the amount wrongfully withheld.

Question 8

Can I withhold rent if my landlord won't make repairs?

Accepted Answer

Generally, no—withholding rent is risky. However, you have better legal options under the RTA. If your landlord breaches their repair obligation (RTA s.20), you can file a T6 application at the LTB claiming the landlord has not maintained the unit in good repair and request an abatement (rent reduction) for the period when the unit was not in good repair. Filing T6 is the safer, legally protected approach. Document everything and keep paying rent while pursuing the claim.

Question 9

Can my landlord evict me without an LTB order?

Accepted Answer

No. This is a fundamental right under the RTA. Your landlord absolutely cannot evict you without a legal order from the Landlord and Tenant Board. Any attempt to evict you without an LTB order—such as changing the locks, removing your belongings, or threatening you—is an illegal lockout. If your landlord attempts this, contact police immediately and file a T2 application at the LTB. The LTB can order your landlord to let you back in, pay compensation, and stop harassment.

Question 10

What is an N4 notice?

Accepted Answer

An N4 is a notice of termination for non-payment of rent. Your landlord can serve an N4 if you are behind on rent. The notice gives you 14 days to pay all arrears or move out. If you receive an N4: determine if you actually owe the amount claimed, if you owe the rent, pay immediately (payment within 14 days stops the eviction), and if you cannot pay fully, contact your landlord to negotiate a payment plan. The LTB must consider your circumstances (RTA s.83) before ordering eviction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord raise rent by any amount?

What is the rent increase guideline for 2026?

Can my landlord ask for first, last, and a damage deposit?

Is a damage deposit legal in Ontario?

Must my landlord pay interest on my last month's rent deposit?

When can a landlord apply for above-guideline rent increases?

What if my landlord won't return my rent deposit after I move?

Can I withhold rent if my landlord won't make repairs?

Can my landlord evict me without an LTB order?

What is an N4 notice?

What is an N12 eviction notice?

Can my landlord change the locks to evict me?

What is an N5 notice?

What is the difference between a notice and an eviction?

What should I do if I receive a notice of termination?

Can a landlord evict me for a reason not permitted by law?

Is my landlord legally required to make repairs?

What if my landlord ignores repair requests?

Can I repair and deduct the cost from my rent in Ontario?

How long does a landlord have to make repairs?

Am I responsible for making repairs to my rental unit?

Can my landlord enter my unit to make repairs without notice?

What is considered a maintenance emergency?

Can I refuse entry to my landlord for repairs?

Can my landlord enter without notice?

For what reasons can my landlord enter my unit?

Can my landlord show my unit to prospective tenants?

Can I refuse entry to my landlord?

What notice must my landlord give before entering?

Can my landlord enter for regular inspections?

What should I do if my landlord enters without notice?

Is changing the locks a valid response to unauthorized entry?

What is the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)?

How do I file an application with the LTB?

What types of applications can tenants file at the LTB?

What is the T6 application?

How do I prepare for an LTB hearing?

What is an abatement and how is it calculated?

Can I represent myself at the LTB?

What happens if I miss my LTB hearing?

What should be included in a lease agreement?

Can a landlord use an unfair lease agreement?

Do I need a written lease?

What is a fixed-term lease versus a month-to-month lease?

Can my landlord change the lease terms mid-tenancy?

What happens at the end of my fixed-term lease?

Can a landlord ask me to sign a new lease when my lease expires?

What is an N1 form?

Cite This Page