Know Your Tenant Rights
Shareable rights cards covering rent increases, eviction protections, maintenance obligations, privacy, and more under Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act.
Your Tenant Rights
Know your legal protections under Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act
Rent Increase Limits
RTA Section 94
Landlords can only increase rent once per year, and only by the amount allowed by Ontario's guideline. The 2026 guideline is 2.1% (2025 was 2.5%). Increases below this guideline are almost always legal, while increases at or above the guideline may be contested.
Why it matters: Without these limits, landlords could raise rent dramatically, making housing unaffordable for tenants.
Security Deposit Rules
RTA Sections 105-109
Landlords can only collect one month's rent as a security deposit. They must place this money in a trust account, return it with interest, and can only deduct legitimate costs like damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Why it matters: Proper deposit handling protects tenants from losing their money and ensures landlords don't unfairly retain deposits.
Right to Rent Receipts
RTA Section 106
Landlords must provide a receipt every time you pay rent. The receipt must include your name, the property address, the period it covers, and the amount paid.
Why it matters: Receipts protect you by creating a clear payment record and preventing disputes about whether rent was paid.
N4 Notice Requirements
RTA Section 59
Before evicting for non-payment of rent, landlords must give you an N4 notice with at least 14 days to pay. The notice must include the exact amount owed and the address of the LTB.
Why it matters: This notice requirement gives you time to pay and protects you from sudden eviction.
N12 Notice (Landlord's Own Use)
RTA Section 48
Landlords can only give an N12 notice if they or a family member genuinely intend to move into the unit. The notice must be at least 60 days before the lease ends, and the landlord must actually move in.
Why it matters: This protection prevents landlords from falsely claiming they need the unit to force you out for a higher rent.
Bad Faith Eviction Protection
RTA Section 48
If a landlord gives an N12 notice but doesn't actually move in, or gives it in bad faith, you can file at the LTB. Bad faith includes giving the notice to raise rent, renovate, or force tenant turnover.
Why it matters: This rule prevents landlords from using eviction as a tool to displace existing tenants and rent at market rates.
Right to Return After Renovation
RTA Section 48.1
If your landlord evicts you for major renovations, you have the right to return at the same or lower rent once work is complete. The landlord must inform you of your rights.
Why it matters: This protects you from permanent displacement when your unit is renovated.
Vital Services Must Work
RTA Section 20
Landlords must maintain vital services including heat, water, electricity, and sewage. In winter, heat must be maintained at safe temperatures. If these fail, tenants can reduce rent.
Why it matters: Safe housing requires working utilities. Without these services, your health and safety are at risk.
Repair Timelines
RTA Section 20
Landlords must make emergency repairs (no heat, no water) within 24 hours. Non-emergency repairs must begin within 7 days and be completed within a reasonable time. You can request work orders in writing.
Why it matters: These timelines ensure that dangerous conditions are fixed quickly and non-urgent repairs aren't ignored indefinitely.
Rent Reduction for Maintenance Issues
RTA Section 20
If your landlord doesn't maintain vital services or required conditions, you can apply to the LTB for a rent reduction. The amount depends on what's broken and how long it's been broken.
Why it matters: Rent reduction incentivizes landlords to make repairs quickly rather than ignore maintenance issues.
24 Hour Entry Notice
RTA Section 26
Landlords must give you at least 24 hours' written notice before entering your unit. They can only enter for legitimate reasons like repairs, inspections, showing the unit to prospective tenants, or emergencies.
Why it matters: This protects your right to privacy and prevents landlords from entering whenever they want.
Right to Change Locks
RTA Section 21
You have the right to change the locks on your unit to protect your privacy and security. You must give the landlord a key for emergencies and provide the new key within 24 hours.
Why it matters: Changing locks protects you from landlords or previous occupants entering without permission.
Protection Against Harassment
RTA Section 22
Landlords cannot harass you through conduct, language, or actions. Harassment includes threatening to evict you without legal cause, threatening to call authorities falsely, or abusing your privacy rights.
Why it matters: Harassment protections prevent landlords from bullying tenants into leaving or accepting unfair conditions.
Right to File at the LTB
RTA Section 100
Tenants have the right to file applications at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) for disputes about maintenance, harassment, illegal charges, evictions, and rent reductions. You can file online or in person.
Why it matters: The LTB is your legal avenue to challenge unfair treatment and enforce your rights.
Fee Waiver Option
RTA Rules of Procedure
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can request a fee waiver based on financial hardship. The LTB will consider your circumstances and may waive or reduce the fee.
Why it matters: Fee waivers ensure that low-income tenants can access justice even if they cannot afford court fees.
Right to Adjournments
RTA Rules of Procedure
You have the right to request an adjournment (delay) of your hearing if you need more time to prepare. The LTB can grant adjournments if there is a good reason and it won't cause undue delay.
Why it matters: Adjournments give you time to gather evidence, find legal help, or prepare your case properly.
Last Month's Rent Clarity
RTA Section 106
Money collected for 'last month's rent' must be held in trust and applied to your final month's occupancy. It cannot be used for damage, utilities, or other charges. It must be returned with interest if you don't use it.
Why it matters: Clear rules prevent landlords from misusing money you've already paid.
Key Deposits are Illegal
RTA Section 105
Landlords cannot charge deposits for keys. If they do, you can demand a refund or apply to the LTB. Key deposits are considered illegal charges under tenant law.
Why it matters: This prevents landlords from charging extra fees disguised as security for keys.
Illegal Charges Protection
RTA Section 105
Landlords cannot charge for keys, air conditioning, parking passes, locks, furniture, or utilities unless explicitly included in the lease. Illegal charges can be challenged at the LTB.
Why it matters: This prevents landlords from adding hidden fees and charges that inflate your rent.