This guide provides renters in Ontario with key information about the three stages of their tenancy: at the start, during, and at the end.
It also includes a list of top 10 tips that all renters should know.
In the guide, you will find information about:
Starting a tenancy
- Ontario laws that govern different types of tenancies
- Ontario laws that govern social and rent-geared-to-income housing
- Defining “a tenant” under the Residential Tenancies Act
- Defining “a landlord” under the Residential Tenancies Act
- Discrimination during the application process
- Rules when entering into a rental agreement:
- Rent deposits
- Pets
Maintaining a tenancy
- Rules during a tenancy:
- Rent and rent increases
- Guests
- Pest control and management
- Heating and air conditioning
- Landlords entering a unit
- Addressing issues at the Landlord and Tenant Board
- Landlord obligations during a tenancy:
- Accommodating tenants’ needs related to a disability
- Repairs and maintenance
Ending a tenancy
- Preventing an eviction
- Getting out of a lease
- Moving out:
- When escaping violence or abuse
- When a rental unit is being sold
- When a landlord or their family member occupies the rental unit
- When a landlord wants to renovate
- Landlord and Tenant Board hearings:
- The hearing process
- Missing a hearing
Top 10 tips:
- Only provide deposits that landlords are allowed to request.
- Request accommodations for your needs.
- Do not accept a rent increase that is above the maximum amount allowed.
- Hold your landlord accountable for repairs and maintenance.
- Connect with your neighbours to resolve issues with your landlord.
- Document interactions with your landlord.
- Do not withhold your rent.
- Do not move out immediately just because you received an eviction notice.
- Do not move out immediately if your unit is sold.
- Seek help when facing challenges in your housing.
Learn more about Ontario renters’ rights and landlord responsibilities:
This resource was produced under the project entitled Housing Providers Implementing the Right to Housing in the Supportive Housing Sector. This project received funding from the National Housing Strategy’s Demonstrations Initiative. However, the views expressed are the personal views of the author and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) accepts no responsibility for them.