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Ontario Tenant Rights

Plain-English guides to your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act.

Bill 60: What Ontario Tenants Need to Know

Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, makes major changes to Ontario tenant rights — and the RTA amendments now have an in-force date: September 21, 2026. Here is what changes and what to do now.

|Residential Tenancies Act, 2006

Is a Security Deposit Legal in Ontario?

Damage deposits and pet deposits are illegal in Ontario. The only deposit a landlord can collect is a rent deposit for the last rental period. Here is what the RTA actually allows.

|Residential Tenancies Act, 2006

Can My Landlord Ban Pets in Ontario?

No-pet clauses in Ontario leases are void under section 14 of the RTA. Your landlord generally cannot evict you just for having a pet — but there are real exceptions worth knowing.

|Residential Tenancies Act, 2006

Ontario Rent Increase Guide 2026

The 2026 rent increase guideline is 2.1%. Learn the 90-day notice rule, the 12-month rule, which units are exempt from rent control, and what makes an increase void.

|Residential Tenancies Act, 2006

What to Do When You Get an N12 Notice

An N12 means your landlord says they, a family member, or a purchaser needs your unit. You have more rights than the notice suggests — including compensation and a bad-faith remedy.

|Residential Tenancies Act, 2006

Is My Landlord Required to Use the Standard Lease?

Most Ontario residential tenancies signed since April 30, 2018 must use the government standard lease form. If yours does not, the RTA gives you a written-demand remedy with teeth.

|Residential Tenancies Act, 2006

Can My Landlord Enter Without Notice in Ontario?

Only in an emergency or with your in-the-moment consent. For everything else, the RTA requires 24 hours' written notice, a lawful reason, and entry between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

|Residential Tenancies Act, 2006

How to File a T2 Application at the LTB

The T2 is the tenant rights application: illegal entry, harassment, lockouts, and withheld vital services. Here is what it covers, what it can win you, and how to file it properly.

|Residential Tenancies Act, 2006

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