Ontario Tenant Rights: Complete Guide 2025
January 5, 2025 · 15 min read
The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)
Ontario tenant rights are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA). This law applies to most residential rentals in Ontario, including apartments, houses, and condos. Social housing, some student housing, and rental units where tenants share a kitchen or bathroom with the owner may be exempt.
Rent control
Rent increases are limited to the provincial guideline set each year by the Ontario government. For 2025, the guideline is 2.5%. Landlords can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) for above-guideline increases (AGIs) if they have extraordinary cost increases.
Important: Rent control does not apply to units first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018.
Eviction rules
A landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason and a proper process. Valid reasons include:
- Non-payment of rent (N4 notice — 14 days to pay or vacate)
- Persistent late payment (N8 notice)
- Causing damage (N5 notice — 7 days to fix or vacate)
- Landlord's own use or family's use (N12 — 60 days notice)
- Major renovations requiring vacant possession (N13 — 120 days)
All evictions must be ordered by the Landlord and Tenant Board. A landlord cannot change your locks, remove your belongings, or threaten you into leaving.
Your right to maintenance
Landlords must keep the unit in a good state of repair, comply with all health, safety, and maintenance standards. You have the right to file a T6 Tenant Application about maintenance with the LTB if your landlord fails to maintain the unit.
Privacy rights
Your landlord must give you at least 24 hours written notice before entering your unit, except in an emergency. Entry must occur between 8am and 8pm.
Filing a complaint with the LTB
The Landlord and Tenant Board resolves disputes. You can file online at tribunalsontario.ca/ltb. Common tenant applications include:
- T1 — Illegal rent increase or charge
- T2 — Landlord interference with reasonable enjoyment
- T6 — Maintenance issues
Finding legal help
Community Legal Clinics across Ontario provide free legal help to low-income tenants. Contact Legal Aid Ontario or your local community legal clinic.
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