Rent increases, deposits, notices, evictions, repairs and the Landlord and Tenant Board — the rules tenants and landlords ask about most in Ontario, updated for the Bill 60 changes that took effect in 2026.
Rent and rent increases
How much can a landlord raise the rent in Ontario in 2026?
By no more than the 2026 rent increase guideline of 2.1% for a rent-controlled unit, and 1.9% in 2027. The landlord must give at least 90 days’ written notice on the proper form and can raise the rent only once every 12 months.
Full guide: Ontario rent increase guideline 2027
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
Which rental units are exempt from rent control in Ontario?
Units first occupied for residential purposes after 15 November 2018 are exempt from the annual guideline, so the landlord can raise the rent by any amount — but still only once every 12 months and with 90 days’ written notice. The test is the unit’s first residential occupancy, not the building’s age.
Full guide: Is my rental rent-controlled?
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
What is an above-guideline rent increase?
An above-guideline increase, or AGI, lets a landlord apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board to raise rent above the guideline for eligible capital work, extraordinary tax or security costs. If approved, the capital-expense portion is capped at 3% above the guideline in any one year, and no more than 9% over three years.
Full guide: Above-guideline rent increases explained
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
How much rent can I charge for my condo in Toronto?
For a new tenancy you can set any rent the market will pay; rent control limits only increases on an existing tenant. Price from recent leases of similar units in your building and area, and remember that a unit first occupied after 15 November 2018 is not capped on later increases either.
Full guide: How much rent can I charge?
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
Deposits and leases
Can a landlord ask for a security deposit in Ontario?
Only a rent deposit, which can be no more than one month’s rent (or one period’s rent if you pay more often) and must be applied to the last month of the tenancy. Damage deposits are not allowed. A refundable key deposit is permitted, and the landlord must pay interest on the rent deposit each year at the guideline rate.
Full guide: Ontario rental deposit rules
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
Does a landlord have to use the Ontario standard lease?
Yes, for most private residential tenancies signed since 30 April 2018. If a landlord does not provide one, the tenant can ask for it in writing, and if it is still not provided within 21 days the tenant may be able to withhold one month’s rent.
Full guide: How to find and screen tenants
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
What happens when a fixed-term lease ends in Ontario?
It automatically becomes a month-to-month tenancy on the same terms; the tenant does not have to leave or sign a new lease. A landlord can only end the tenancy for a reason the Residential Tenancies Act allows, with the right notice.
Full guide: The fixed-term lease month-to-month rule
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
Can a landlord ban pets in Ontario?
A “no pets” clause in a residential lease is void under the Residential Tenancies Act, so a landlord cannot evict just because a tenant has a pet. Condo buildings are the exception: a condo declaration can restrict pets, and that applies to tenants too.
Full guide: Condo rules on pets
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
Can a landlord demand post-dated cheques?
No. A landlord cannot require post-dated cheques or automatic payments as a condition of renting, though a tenant can choose to offer them.
Full guide: Screening tenants the right way
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
Notices and evictions
How much notice does an N4 for non-payment of rent give in Ontario?
Since 21 September 2026 an N4 notice for unpaid rent can set a termination date just 7 days after it is given, after Bill 60 shortened the period. The tenant can void the notice by paying all the arrears before the termination date; if they do not, the landlord applies to the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Full guide: Bill 60 and RTA changes tracker
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
How does an N12 notice for landlord’s own use work in Ontario?
A landlord can end a tenancy if the landlord, a close family member or a caregiver genuinely intends to live in the unit for at least a year. The notice must end on the last day of a rental period or the end of the term, and the landlord must pay one month’s rent in compensation — unless, for notices given on or after 21 September 2026, the notice gives at least 120 days.
Full guide: N12 compensation and the 120-day rule
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
Can a buyer evict a tenant after buying a house in Ontario?
Only through the purchaser’s-own-use process: once the sale is firm, the seller can serve an N12 on the buyer’s behalf if the buyer or a close family member genuinely intends to move in. The 120-day compensation waiver introduced in 2026 applies only to a landlord’s own use, not to a purchaser’s own use, so the buyer should budget for compensation.
Full guide: Tenant rights when a rental is sold
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
What happens if an N12 is used in bad faith?
If the landlord or buyer does not actually move in, the former tenant can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board, which can order compensation — up to twelve months of the last rent plus other costs — and fines. The intention to occupy has to be real.
Full guide: The N12 notice explained
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
What is an N13 renoviction notice and what does Toronto require?
An N13 ends a tenancy for demolition, conversion or repairs so extensive the unit must be vacant. In Toronto, since 31 July 2025, a landlord must apply for a rental renovation licence within 7 days of serving an N13, pay $700 per unit, and provide temporary housing or rent-gap payments plus moving costs; penalties run up to $100,000 for serious breaches.
Full guide: Toronto’s renoviction licence
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
What is an N11 and is cash for keys legal?
An N11 is an agreement in which the tenant and landlord both agree to end the tenancy on a set date. Paying a tenant to leave — cash for keys — is legal if the tenant freely agrees, but a tenant is never obliged to sign.
Full guide: N11 and cash for keys
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
Can a landlord change the locks or remove a tenant’s belongings?
No. Only a Sheriff can enforce an eviction order from the Landlord and Tenant Board; a landlord who changes the locks or removes belongings without an order is breaking the law, and the tenant can apply to the Board for remedies.
Full guide: Tenant rights applications (T2)
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
Repairs, entry and rights
How much notice does a landlord need to enter in Ontario?
At least 24 hours’ written notice stating the reason and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. No notice is needed in an emergency, or to show the unit to prospective tenants after a notice of termination has been given, as long as the landlord makes a reasonable effort to tell the tenant and comes between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Full guide: Landlord entry and showings
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
What repairs is an Ontario landlord responsible for?
The landlord must keep the unit and building in a good state of repair and fit to live in, and comply with health, safety and maintenance standards — even if the tenant knew about a problem when they moved in. Tenants are responsible for damage they or their guests cause. A tenant can apply to the Board with a T6 if repairs are not made.
Full guide: Landlord maintenance obligations
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
What temperature must a landlord keep a Toronto rental?
Under Toronto’s by-law, a landlord who supplies heat must keep the unit at a minimum of 21°C from 15 September to 1 June.
Full guide: Landlord maintenance obligations
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
What can a tenant do about a landlord who will not make repairs?
Put the request in writing first, then file a T6 application with the Landlord and Tenant Board, which can order the repairs, a rent abatement or other remedies. Tenants should keep paying rent while the case is heard.
Full guide: The T6 tenant maintenance application
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
What happens to tenants when a rental property is sold in Ontario?
The tenancy continues on the same terms with the new owner as landlord; a sale on its own does not end a lease. The buyer can end it only through the purchaser’s-own-use rules, and the tenant must allow reasonable showings with proper notice while the property is for sale.
Full guide: Tenant rights when a rental unit is sold
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
Being a landlord
How do I screen tenants legally in Ontario?
You can ask for a credit check with consent, income and employment verification, and landlord references, and you can consider rental history. You cannot refuse a tenant on grounds protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code, such as race, family status, disability or receiving public assistance.
Full guide: How to find and screen tenants
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
Do I pay tax on rental income in Canada?
Yes. Net rental income — rent minus deductible expenses such as mortgage interest, property tax, insurance, repairs and condo fees — is taxed as ordinary income and reported on form T776. Capital cost allowance can be claimed but may be recaptured when you sell.
Full guide: Rental income tax and the T776
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
Should I use a property manager or manage my rental myself?
Self-managing saves the fee but makes you responsible for tenant screening, repairs, notices and Board proceedings; a property manager typically charges a percentage of rent and handles all of it. Distance, number of units and your tolerance for calls decide it more than cost.
Full guide: Property manager vs self-managing
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
Can I rent my home on Airbnb in Toronto?
Only if it is your principal residence, and only after registering with the City. Toronto allows short-term rentals of under 28 days in your own principal residence; investment properties cannot be used for short-term rentals, and many condo corporations ban them entirely.
Full guide: Toronto short-term rental rules
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
What insurance does a landlord need in Ontario?
A landlord policy, not a standard homeowner policy, covering the building or your unit improvements, rental income loss and liability. Many landlords also require tenants to carry their own tenant insurance as a lease term.
Full guide: Landlord insurance in Ontario
Last reviewed October 2026 · Jatin Dua, Broker of Record
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Jatin Dua · Broker of Record · RE/MAX Quantum Realty · Toronto and the GTA