The rental market in Ontario operates under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). This law defines the rights and obligations for both property owners and tenants to ensure fair housing practices. Understanding these rules helps you maintain a stable and professional rental relationship.

For landlords, success begins with thorough tenant screening. You must verify income, check credit histories, and contact references to protect your investment. Landlords must provide 90 days’ notice before raising the rent and can only do so once every 12 months. They must also follow the provincial rent increase guideline. Maintaining the property in a good state of repair is a legal requirement that prevents disputes at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

Renters gain security through standard lease agreements. In Ontario, landlords cannot collect security or damage deposits; they may only ask for the first and last month’s rent. Tenants must keep their units clean and pay rent on time to avoid eviction notices. Under recent updates to Bill 60, the grace period for non-payment of rent is seven days before a landlord can file an eviction application.

We assist both parties in navigating the local market in Orangeville and Caledon. We help landlords find qualified tenants and help renters secure homes that fit their budgets. Use the articles below to learn about lease terms, maintenance responsibilities, and the latest LTB procedures.

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How Long Can You Be Late on Rent in Ontario?

How Long Can You Be Late on Rent in Ontario?

Question: How Long Can You Be Late on Rent in Ontario? Answer: In Ontario, rent is late the day after it’s due; there is no legal grace period. Your landlord can immediately serve an N4 notice, which gives you 14 days to pay the arrears. Paying within this period cancels the notice and stops the […]
What Repairs are Landlords Responsible for in Ontario?

What Repairs Are Landlords Responsible for in Ontario?

Question: What Repairs Are Landlords Responsible for in Ontario? Answer: Repairs that landlords are responsible for include maintaining the rental unit in a good state of repair, complying with health and safety standards. This includes vital services like heat and water, plumbing, electrical systems, appliances provided with the unit, and structural components like the roof, […]
Can a Landlord Increase Rent on a Month-To-Month Lease in Ontario?

Can a Landlord Increase Rent on a Month-To-Month Lease in Ontario?

Question: Can a Landlord Increase Rent on a Month-to-month Lease in Ontario? Answer: Yes, a landlord can increase rent on a month-to-month tenancy. They must provide at least 90 days’ written notice using the correct form. Rent can only be increased once every 12 months and is usually limited by the annual provincial rent increase […]
What are My Rights as Tenant in Ontario?

What Are My Rights as a Tenant in Ontario?

Question: What Are My Rights as a Tenant in Ontario? Answer: Your rights, as a tenant in Ontario, protected by the Residential Tenancies Act, include a safe, well-maintained home and reasonable enjoyment. You are protected from illegal rent increases and unlawful evictions, and your landlord must provide 24-hour written notice before entering your unit. Understanding […]
What a Landlord Cannot Do Ontario?

What a Landlord Cannot Do Ontario?

Question: What a Landlord Cannot Do Ontario? Answer: In Ontario, a landlord cannot enter your unit without 24-hour written notice, evict you without an LTB order, increase rent above the guideline without approval, collect a damage deposit, or discriminate against you. They must also maintain the property and not interfere with your reasonable enjoyment. What […]
What are the Rules for a Month-To-Month Lease in Ontario?

What Are the Rules for a Month-To-Month Lease in Ontario?

Question: What Are the Rules for a Month-to-month Lease in Ontario? Answer: The rules for a month-to-month lease in Ontario are as follows: A fixed-term lease automatically converts to a month-to-month tenancy with the same terms. Tenants must provide 60 days’ notice to end their tenancy, while landlords must have a valid reason and provide […]
How Do I Complain About a Landlord in Ontario?

How Do I Complain About a Landlord in Ontario?

Question: How Do I Complain About a Landlord in Ontario? Answer: To complain about a landlord in Ontario, you must file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). This is the formal process for addressing issues like maintenance neglect, harassment, or illegal entry and seeking a legal remedy under the Residential Tenancies Act. […]
Can a Tenant Change the Locks in Ontario?

Can a Tenant Change the Locks in Ontario?

Question: Can a Tenant Change the Locks in Ontario? Answer: No, tenants in Ontario cannot unilaterally change the locks in Ontario. The Residential Tenancies Act requires tenants to obtain the landlord’s consent before altering the locking system. If consent is given, the tenant must provide the landlord with a new key for the altered lock. […]