Ontario Tenant Rights Under the 2025 Residential Tenancies Act: A Complete Guide

Understanding your rights under the updated landlord tenant act Ontario is more crucial than ever in 2025. Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord navigating changes in the Ontario residential tenancy act, this comprehensive guide explains new landlord laws Ontario, eviction rules, rent increase procedures, dispute resolution, and more.

Introduction

Renting in Ontario grants both tenants and landlords a suite of rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). As of 2025, updated legislation and several new protections affect how leases, rent increases, and evictions are handled in Ontario. This guide clarifies Ontario tenant rights, renters rights Ontario, and important updates to landlord tenant act Ontario Canada, empowering you to make informed, confident housing decisions.

What Is the Tenant Act in Ontario?

The tenant act Ontario, formally known as the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, sets out all rules for renting housing in Ontario, protecting tenant rights and delineating landlord obligations. The Ontario Residential Tenancy Act applies to most rental scenarios, including apartments, condos, and houses, but excludes situations where tenants share kitchens or bathrooms with the property owner.

• Lease and rental agreement standards
• Legal rent increase limits
• Eviction rules
• Dispute resolution processes via the Ontario tenant board
• Maintenance and repair obligations
• Notice protocols for landlord entry

What’s New in the Ontario Landlord Tenant Law Changes 2025?

2025 brings significant updates under Bill 51 and Bill 97, addressing rent stabilization, landlord and tenant responsibilities, and enhanced eviction safeguards.

Highlights of 2025 Updates

• Rent Increase Guideline: Maximum allowable annual rent increase is capped at 2.5% for most units.
• Above-Guideline Increases (AGIs): Landlords must provide detailed cost breakdowns for repairs; tenants can challenge increases at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
• Anti-Renoviction Measures: Evictions for renovations require permits, detailed documentation, and mandatory tenant compensation and right of return.
• Standardized Forms: New notice forms and periods aim to simplify legal compliance.

Toronto Renoviction Laws Update: Toronto now requires a Rental Renovation Licence for major renovations that could displace tenants, with strict permit and compensation protocols.

Ontario Tenants’ Core Rights in 2025

What Are Tenant Rights in Ontario?

Tenants benefit from a robust legal framework under the Ontario renters act, including:

• Safe, well-maintained home
• Legal rent increase limits
• Protection from unlawful eviction
• Timely repairs and essential services
• Right to remain if the property is sold
• 24-hour advance notice before landlord entry
• Access to dispute resolution through the Ontario landlord tenant board

Ontario Rent Increase Rules 2025

How Much Can a Landlord Increase Rent in Ontario in 2025?

• Annual Guideline: Up to 2.5% increase per year (January 1–December 31, 2025), for most residential leases started before November 15, 2018.
• Exemptions: Units first occupied after November 15, 2018, are generally not bound by rent control.
• Process: Landlord must provide at least 90 days’ written notice, once every 12 months.
• AGIs: Increases above 2.5% require LTB approval and can be challenged by tenants.

Ontario Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities

What Are the Landlord Responsibilities in Ontario?

Ontario landlord responsibilities include:

• Maintaining safety and repair standards for all rental properties.
• Providing essential services: water, heat, electricity, and more.
• Issuing proper notice for entry (minimum 24 hours, except for emergencies).
• Timely address of repair requests.
• Not retaliating against tenants for exercising their rights.

What Are Ontario Tenant Responsibilities?

• Keeping the rental unit clean and undamaged (beyond ordinary wear).
• Paying rent on time.
• Repairing damages caused by tenants or guests.
• Respecting property rules and other residents.

Ontario Standard Lease and Rental Agreements

Where to Find Standard Lease Forms in Ontario?

The standard lease form, mandated since April 30, 2018, must be used for most new agreements. It is available on the Ontario government website. Landlords are required to provide tenants with a copy within 21 days of signing.

Eviction Laws and Processes in Ontario for 2025

How Does Eviction Work in Ontario?

Eviction in Ontario must follow strict legal protocols:

• Valid reason required: Non-payment of rent, substantial damage, interference with enjoyment, landlord’s own use, or major renovations.
• Proper notice using LTB forms: notice periods vary by reason.
• Tenant’s right to dispute at a hearing before the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Average Timeline

Civil eviction processes currently require around 85–138 days and may cost landlords over $11,500 on average.

Can a Landlord Evict Me for Renovations in Ontario?

Not without meeting new requirements:

• Proof of permits and renovation plans is required.
• Tenant must be given the right to return at the same rent post-renovation, plus compensation in some cases.
• These “renoviction” prevention laws are especially strict in Toronto.

Ontario Renoviction Laws

Toronto’s new Rental Renovation Licence By-law requires:

• Permits for renovations that force tenant displacement
• Mandatory compensation and right of return after renovations.
• Stricter LTB review of renovation-based eviction claims.

Dispute Resolution: Ontario Landlord Tenant Board

What Happens at the Landlord Tenant Board in Ontario?

The Ontario tenant board (Landlord and Tenant Board, LTB) is a tribunal handling disputes related to rental housing:

• Hearing complaints and disputes about rent increases, maintenance, eviction, and tenant/landlord conduct.
• Offering mediation or formal hearings.
• Deciding on legal remedies, such as compensation, rent reduction, or eviction.

How to File a Complaint with the Landlord Tenant Board Ontario

• File an application online or in-person with appropriate forms, available on the LTB website.
• Hearings can take place virtually or at local board offices (e.g., Toronto, Mississauga, Ottawa).

Resolving Landlord–Tenant Disputes in Ontario

Landlord Tenant Dispute Resolution Ontario

Disputes for repairs, rent increases, entry notices, etc. are handled by:

• Direct negotiation/mediation between parties.
• Formal hearing before LTB if needed.
• Legal aid services, now more accessible for AGI applicants (Bill 51).

Rent Control, Lease Rules, and Tenant Protections

In Canada, tenant rights and landlord obligations vary by province, but all regions have rules in place to balance affordability with fair rental practices. Understanding these laws is essential for both landlords and tenants.

1. Rent Control

• Provinces like Ontario and British Columbia have strict rent control regulations that limit how much and how often rent can be increased.
• The annual rent increase guideline is usually tied to inflation and announced by the provincial government each year.
• Some exemptions apply (e.g., new builds in Ontario after 2018 are not subject to rent control).

2. Lease Rules

• Most provinces require landlords to use standard lease agreements that clearly outline rent, responsibilities, and termination terms.
• Fixed-term leases often convert to month-to-month agreements unless both parties agree otherwise.
• Breaking a lease has specific conditions—such as job relocation, health reasons, or landlord breaches of the agreement.

3. Tenant Protections

• Tenants are protected against illegal evictions, harassment, or sudden rent hikes beyond provincial guidelines.
• Each province has a residential tenancy board or tribunal to handle disputes between landlords and tenants.
• In provinces like Quebec, tenant protections are particularly strong, with additional requirements around lease renewals and eviction notices.

For landlords, staying compliant with rent control and tenant protection laws helps avoid disputes and legal challenges. For tenants, knowing your rights ensures you can live securely and confidently in your rental home.

Rent Control Ontario 2025

• Most private rentals have an annual rent increase cap of 2.5%.
• Newer units (first occupied after Nov 15, 2018) are exempt.
• LTB must approve any larger rent hike, and tenants can dispute increases.

FAQ: Ontario Tenant Rights and Rental Laws 2025

‍

The RTA sets the rules for most residential rental agreements, protecting tenant rights and outlining landlord obligations for things like leases, rent increases, and evictions.

What is the maximum rent increase for 2025 in Ontario?

For most rental units, the maximum rent increase is capped at 2.5% for 2025.

Are all rental units in Ontario covered by rent control?

No, units first occupied after November 15, 2018, are generally exempt from the annual rent increase guideline.

How much notice must a landlord give for a rent increase?

A landlord must provide at least 90 days' written notice using the official N1 form before a rent increase can take effect.

Can a landlord evict a tenant simply for renovations?

No, landlords must now provide proof of permits and renovation plans. Tenants also have the right to return to the unit at the same rent once renovations are complete.

What are the main responsibilities of a tenant?

Tenants are responsible for paying rent on time, keeping the unit clean and undamaged (beyond normal wear and tear), and respecting the property and other residents.

What is the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)?

The LTB is a tribunal that handles disputes between landlords and tenants, covering issues like rent, maintenance, and evictions.

How does the eviction process work in Ontario?

Eviction requires a valid legal reason, proper notice using LTB forms, and gives the tenant the right to dispute the eviction at an LTB hearing.

What key changes were introduced in 2025 for tenant rights?

Bill 51 and Bill 97 introduced stronger anti-renoviction measures, enhanced protections for tenants challenging above-guideline rent increases, and standardized notice forms.

How to challenge an above guideline rent increase in Ontario?

Tenants who receive a notice for an Above Guideline Increase (AGI) can file a dispute with the LTB. Under new 2025 rules, legal representation is provided for tenants in these cases to ensure a fair hearing.