Tenant Rights in Ontario: What Every Newcomer Must Know
Ontario has some of the strongest tenant protections in North America. Here is what you need to know about your rights before signing a lease.
Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act
Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) provides strong protections for tenants — but only if you know your rights. Many newcomers unknowingly accept conditions that are actually illegal under Ontario law.
Rent Increase Limits
Your landlord cannot increase your rent by more than the provincial rent increase guideline. For 2026, the guideline is 2.5%. Any notice of rent increase must be given in writing at least 90 days in advance.
Entry Notice
Your landlord must provide 24 hours written notice before entering your unit, except in genuine emergencies.
Last Month's Rent Deposit
Your landlord may only ask for a last month's rent deposit — they cannot ask for a damage deposit or cleaning deposit.
Eviction Process
A landlord cannot evict you without an LTB order. If they change your locks or shut off utilities illegally, contact the Landlord and Tenant Board immediately.
Our firm at Murugan & Associates handles landlord-tenant disputes alongside our immigration practice.