Renting in Toronto is governed by Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), and disputes go to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), part of Tribunals Ontario. The essentials: most new leases must use the Province’s standard form, a landlord cannot evict you without an LTB order, and deposits are limited to last month’s rent. Several rules changed in 2026, especially for unpaid rent and family move-in evictions. Here is what tenants need to know.

Key facts

• Standard lease: required for most written tenancies signed on or after April 30, 2018.
• Deposit: maximum one month’s rent, used only for the last month; landlord pays yearly interest.
• Entry: generally 24 hours’ written notice, except emergencies or with your consent.
• Eviction: only with an LTB order, enforced by the Sheriff.
• LTB contact: 416-645-8080 or 1-888-332-3234.
• New since Sept. 21, 2026: 7-day N4 notice for unpaid rent; no N12 compensation when the landlord gives 120 days’ notice.

The standard lease

For most residential tenancies starting on or after April 30, 2018, landlords must use Ontario’s Residential Tenancy Agreement (Standard Form of Lease). It sets out the rent, what is included (parking, utilities), and the rules both sides agreed to. The landlord must give you a copy within 21 days of signing. If your landlord does not provide a standard lease after you ask in writing, you may have the right to withhold one month’s rent under the conditions set by the RTA. Clauses that break the RTA, such as “no pets” in most rental housing or “no guests,” are not enforceable even if you signed them.

Deposits and what landlords can ask for

• A landlord can ask for a rent deposit of no more than one month’s rent (or one week for weekly tenancies).
• It must be used for the last month’s rent and cannot be kept for damages.
• The landlord must pay interest on it every year, at the rent increase guideline rate.
• Damage deposits and “security deposits” beyond this are not allowed. A refundable key deposit is permitted.
• Landlords cannot require post-dated cheques or automatic withdrawals, though they can suggest them.

Rent increases

Rent can go up only once every 12 months, with 90 days’ written notice. In most older units, the increase is capped by the provincial guideline: 2.1% in 2026 and 1.9% in 2027. Units first occupied after November 15, 2018 are not capped. Full details are in our Ontario rent increase guideline article.

Repairs, maintenance and vital services

Your landlord must keep the unit and building in good repair and meet health, safety and maintenance standards, even if you knew about a problem when you moved in. Put repair requests in writing and keep copies. In Toronto, you can also contact 311 to have the City’s RentSafeTO or municipal standards officers inspect property standards issues.

Landlords cannot shut off or interfere with heat, electricity, gas, or hot and cold water, except temporarily for repairs. Tenants, for their part, must keep the unit reasonably clean, pay rent on time and repair damage they or their guests cause. You cannot change the locks without the landlord’s permission.

Privacy and entry

A landlord generally needs to give 24 hours’ written notice, stating the reason and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., to enter your unit, for example for repairs or inspections. Exceptions include emergencies and when you agree to let them in. Once you or the landlord has given notice to end the tenancy, the landlord can show the unit to prospective tenants with reasonable effort to tell you first.

Evictions: how they actually work

A notice from your landlord (an “N” form) does not mean you have to leave. The landlord must apply to the LTB, you have the right to a hearing, and only the Sheriff can enforce an eviction order. A landlord who changes the locks or removes your belongings without an order is breaking the law.

What changed in 2026

Bill 60 and related changes amended the RTA in two stages:

• July 1, 2026: the deadline to request a review of an LTB order dropped from 30 to 15 days.
• September 21, 2026: for N4 notices (unpaid rent) on monthly tenancies, the notice period dropped from 14 to 7 days. A tenant who wants to raise maintenance or other issues at an arrears hearing must now pay 50% of the claimed arrears at least seven days before the hearing.
• N12 (landlord or family move-in): if the landlord gives at least 120 days’ notice, they no longer have to pay one month’s compensation. With shorter notice, compensation still applies. If the person does not move in within 60 days, bad faith is presumed in a tenant’s claim.
• Persistent late payment is now defined as paying more than seven days late at least three times in six months.
• N13 renovictions: landlords must keep tenants updated on completion dates for the right of first refusal.
• The LTB replaced several forms; old versions are not accepted after November 30, 2026.

Ending your tenancy

To move out, a tenant on a monthly lease generally gives at least 60 days’ written notice (using the LTB’s N9 form or a signed letter), ending on the last day of a rental period. You cannot end a fixed-term lease early on your own unless the landlord agrees, but you can ask to assign the lease to someone else. If the landlord refuses an assignment request, you may be able to end the tenancy.

Using the Landlord and Tenant Board

Applications are filed through the Tribunals Ontario portal. Tenants use “T” forms, such as the T2 (tenant rights, harassment, illegal entry), T6 (maintenance) or T1 (rebate of money owed). Hearings are mostly held by video. Free help is available from Toronto community legal clinics and Legal Aid Ontario’s services. If you are new to the city, add a renter’s insurance policy and these contacts to your moving checklist, and register for OHIP early with our OHIP guide.

FAQ

Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because I have kids?

No. The Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination in housing based on family status and other grounds.

Does a “no pets” clause apply?

In most rental housing, a no-pets clause in a lease is void. Condo corporation rules may differ.

I received an N12. Do I have to leave by the date on the notice?

No. The landlord must still apply to the LTB and get an order. Check whether you are owed compensation, which depends on how much notice was given.

General information, not legal advice. Rules depend on your tenancy; contact the LTB or a community legal clinic for advice.

Last updated: November 2026