Ontario Tenant Rights for Newcomers: Rent Control, Deposits, and Eviction Rules

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)

The LTB is the tribunal that resolves most disputes between residential landlords and tenants in Ontario. It holds hearings, issues binding orders, and publishes the official forms both sides must use. Key point: only the LTB — not your landlord — can order you to leave your home.

Tenants can apply to the LTB themselves: the T1 (rebate of money owed to you, such as an illegal deposit or rent increase), the T2 (interference with your reasonable enjoyment or vital services), the T5 (bad-faith eviction), and the T6 (maintenance problems). A filing fee applies to most applications — check the current fee on the LTB's forms page. You don't need a lawyer at the LTB, and community legal clinics offer free help to eligible tenants.

Deposits: what a landlord can (and cannot) ask for

This is where newcomers get caught most often, and Ontario law is strict. The only deposit a landlord may collect is a rent deposit equal to the last month's rent — no more than one month's rent, or one rental period, whichever is less. A small refundable key deposit is also allowed, up to the actual cost of replacing the keys. That's the whole list: damage deposits, pet deposits, cleaning fees, and "move-in admin fees" are all illegal. The landlord must also pay yearly interest on the rent deposit at the guideline rate.

The rent deposit may only be requested when you sign the tenancy agreement, and it can only ever pay your final month's rent — never damage or arrears during the tenancy.

When asked for an illegal deposit: you don't have to pay it. Ask for a receipt for every dollar you hand over and get the request in writing if you can. If you already paid one, apply to the LTB on a T1 for an order getting it back — charging an illegal deposit is an offence under the RTA, and the LTB can order a refund plus a penalty. Never pay cash without a signed receipt.

The Ontario standard lease

Most tenancies must use the province's standard form of lease, which states the rent, the deposit, and each side's basic rights in plain language. A lease clause can't override the RTA, so a "no pets" or "tenant pays for all repairs" clause has no legal force even if you signed it. Ask for the standard lease before paying anything and keep your signed copy.

Rent control: the annual guideline

For 2026, the maximum most Ontario landlords may raise rent without LTB approval is 2.1%. Set yearly from the Ontario Consumer Price Index and legally capped at 2.5%, it applies to increases taking effect in calendar year 2026. A landlord must give at least 90 days' written notice on the official Form N1, and rent can generally be raised only once every 12 months.

The guideline covers only units first occupied for residential purposes on or before November 15, 2018. Newer buildings, additions, and most new basement apartments are exempt: the landlord may raise rent by any amount with 90 days' written notice. When a unit becomes vacant, the landlord may also set whatever rent the next tenant agrees to — rent control protects you while you stay, not between tenancies.

A landlord wanting an increase above the guideline must first get LTB approval (an above-guideline increase). If your covered unit's rent was raised above the guideline without an LTB order, apply for a rebate on a T1.

Evictions: your landlord cannot evict you — the LTB can

The single most important rule: a notice from your landlord does not evict you. Only an LTB eviction order ends your tenancy, and you get a hearing first.

N12 — landlord's own use. At least 60 days' notice, with the termination date on the last day of a rental period or fixed term; the landlord, a family member, or a caregiver must genuinely intend to live in the unit. Traditionally the landlord also owed you one month's rent as compensation by the termination date — but since September 21, 2026, an N12 served with at least 120 days' notice for the landlord's own use no longer requires it. Shorter notices and purchaser-use N12s still require compensation. If you don't leave, the landlord must apply to the LTB (Form L2) within 30 days after the termination date. A bad-faith N12 can be challenged on a T5, and the LTB can order substantial compensation.

N11 — agreement to end the tenancy. A voluntary mutual agreement. Never sign one under pressure or because a landlord calls it "just paperwork" — it waives your right to a hearing.

N4 — non-payment of rent. Written notice to pay or leave; since September 2026 the notice period is 7 days. Pay everything you owe before the termination date and the notice is cancelled.

Your rights at a hearing: attend, bring evidence and witnesses, be represented by a friend, paralegal, or clinic worker, and raise relevant issues such as harassment or disrepair. If the landlord's application is defective — wrong form, short notice, unpaid compensation — the LTB can dismiss it.

Maintenance, vital services, and entry

Your landlord must keep the unit and building in a good state of repair and meet health, safety, and housing standards. You handle ordinary cleanliness and must avoid damage beyond normal wear. Report problems in writing; if the landlord won't fix them, apply to the LTB on a T6 — but never simply stop paying rent, since withholding rent without an LTB order can itself lead to eviction.

The landlord may never cut off vital services — heat, hot and cold water, electricity, or fuel — or change the locks without your consent or an LTB order. A lockout or utility shut-off is illegal; document it and apply to the LTB (T2). Entry to your unit requires at least 24 hours' written notice stating the reason, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. — except in a genuine emergency.

A newcomer's checklist

Get the standard lease in writing, photograph the unit on move-in day, and get a receipt for every payment. Keep all communication in writing (text or email counts). If a landlord asks for anything beyond first and last month's rent plus a small key deposit, treat it as a red flag. Two free resources: Ontario 211 for community services, and your local community legal clinic for free tenancy advice.

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