What Are Your Rights as a Tenant in Ontario?
Are you renting a home in Ontario? It's essential to understand your rights as a tenant to ensure a smooth renting experience. We guide you through key aspects such as eviction rules, standard leases, rent increase limits, and where to get help.
Eviction Rules in Ontario
In Ontario, your landlord can only evict you under specific conditions. They must provide written notice using a form from the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), which explains the reason for eviction. Even with this notice, you don't have to move out immediately. Your landlord must apply to the LTB for an eviction order, giving you the chance to attend a hearing and state your case.
Protection Against Wrongful Evictions
New rules under the Protecting Tenants and Strengthening Community Housing Act, 2020, and existing rules under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, enhance tenant protections. Fines for offenses under the Residential Tenancies Act can be as high as $50,000 for individuals and $250,000 for corporations.
Eviction for Personal Use
If your landlord wants to use the unit for themselves, their family, or a buyer, they must give you one month’s rent or offer another unit.
Renovictions
For evictions due to renovations, landlords must compensate you and offer the first right of refusal to return after the renovations. If they fail to do so, you have up to two years to file a claim with the LTB. "First right of refusal" means you have the first chance to move back into your rental unit after temporary relocation, ensuring you're offered the space before it's offered to others.
Bad Faith Evictions
Landlords must genuinely intend to use the rental unit for the stated purpose. If the LTB finds a landlord acted in bad faith, they can order the landlord to pay significant compensation, including up to 12 months' rent.
Repayment Agreements
For tenants who are facing rent arrears, landlords are encouraged to negotiate repayment agreements. Even with an eviction order, tenants can request a hearing to present their circumstances.
Easy-to-Understand Leases
Ontario requires most private residential rentals to use a standard lease template. This lease is written in plain language and covers essential information like rent amount, included utilities, and rules about the rental unit.
If your landlord hasn't provided a standard lease, you can request it in writing. If they don’t comply within 21 days, you can withhold one month’s rent. Special rules allow you to end your lease early if the standard lease isn't provided.
Who’s Protected by Rental Rules?
The Residential Tenancies Act covers most private residential units, including houses, apartments, condos, and basement apartments. However, it doesn’t apply to university residences and commercial properties.
Rent Increase Limits
For 2024, the rent increase guideline in Ontario is 2.5%. This limit applies to most rented houses, apartments, condos, and care homes. There are exceptions, so it's important to understand how the guideline affects your situation.
Where to Get Help
The LTB resolves disputes and provides information about your rights and responsibilities. You can contact them online or by phone. For legal advice, community legal aid clinics offer free or low-cost services. If you use choose to use our services, we'll be there to help and answer any questions you might have about your lease.
Understanding your rights as a tenant in Ontario can help you navigate your rental experience with confidence and ensure you’re protected under the law.
