1. Housing
  2. Landlord & Tenant Rights

Landlord & Tenant Rights

The Landlord:
     

  • Can choose a tenant using their income information, credit checks, references, rent history etc.
     

  • CANNOT select or refuse tenants based on race, ethnic origin, religion, gender, age or sexual orientation, disability or family status.
     

  • Can collect rent the day that it is due, and can collect rent deposit.
     

  • Can enter the unit in order to do repairs or maintenance, in an emergency, and show the unit to new prospective tenants. However, there are some guidelines about entering your tenant’s unit.
     

  • Can increase rent once every 12 months. There are guidelines to follow about rent increases.
     

  • Can evict tenants in certain circumstances. If you want to evict a tenant but they do not agree, you have the right to file an application for a hearing with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
     

  • The landlord has responsibilities as well such as keeping the unit in good condition and providing vital services such as heat. Click here for more details on your responsibilities.
The Tenant:
     

  • Has the right to a safe home that is in good repair.
     

  • Has the right to vital services such as heat, hot and cold water, electricity and fuel. Your landlord cannot shut off these services due to late or unpaid rent. He/she may shut off these services to make repairs.
     

  • Has the right to a heated home. Your landlord must heat your home from September 1 to June 15 and it must be at minimum 20°C.
     

  • Has the right to have children living in the home. Children and family have the right to make a ‘reasonable’ amount of noise.
     

  • Has the right to a hearing with the Landlord and Tenant Board for unlawful eviction. You can be evicted for certain reasons.
     

  • Has the right to privacy. Your landlord can enter your home for certain reasons, and must give you notice in advance.
     

  • Has the right to obtain copies of the documents related to the tenancy, such as the agreement, written notice of your landlord’s name, address as well as rent receipts.
     

  • Your landlord CANNOT refuse to rent to you based on your race, ethnic origin, religious belief, sexual orientation, disability or because you are a newcomer or you have children.
     

  • If you are New to Canada and Facing Discrimination in Housing, click here to read more.
 

Changes to Residential Tenancy Act for Survivors of Sexual and Domestic Violence:

 
New notice allows victims of sexual and domestic violence to end tenancy in 28 days
The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) has changed. Now tenants who are victims
of sexual and domestic violence can end their tenancy in 28 days if they
believe they or a child living with them may be harmed or injured if they
don’t leave the unit. They can give this notice any time during their
tenancy.
 
To give this notice, tenants must give their landlord two documents:
 
1. Tenant’s Notice to End my Tenancy Because of Fear of Sexual or Domestic Violence and Abuse (N15)
 
2. Tenant’s Statement About Sexual or Domestic Violence and Abuse or
 
A copy of a court order (such as a restraining order or a peace bond).
 
A landlord who receives these documents from a tenant must keep the
documents and the information in them confidential.
 
For more information, visit the Social Justice Tribunal of Ontario website
or contact the Landlord and Tenant Board.