Compliance · 6 min read · Updated 2026
An Ontario landlord's core legal obligations, in plain language
Ontario tenancies are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act and administered by the Landlord and Tenant Board. The rules below are the ones owners most often get wrong. This is general information, not legal advice — confirm specifics for your situation.
Use the prescribed forms
Most residential tenancies require the Province's standard lease. Notices — for entry, termination or rent increase — must be given on the Board's prescribed forms and with the prescribed notice period. A defective notice is usually fatal to an application.
Entry requires written notice
Except in an emergency or with the tenant's consent, entry requires twenty-four hours' written notice stating the reason and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Maintenance is not optional
Owners must keep the unit in a good state of repair and fit for habitation, and comply with health, safety and housing standards — regardless of whether the tenant knew of the condition before moving in.
Rent increases follow the guideline
Most units may be increased once every twelve months, on ninety days' written notice, by no more than the annual provincial guideline unless an above-guideline increase is ordered or the unit is exempt.
Deposits
A last month's rent deposit is permitted and must earn interest annually. Damage deposits and key deposits beyond replacement cost are not permitted in Ontario.