Your rights as a tenant in Ontario: a quick guide
By The Truelo Team
Renting in Ontario is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. It sets out what landlords can and can’t do — and you can’t sign those rights away, even if a lease says otherwise.
Deposits
A landlord can collect a rent deposit equal to at most one month’s rent (applied to your last month) and a refundable key deposit. Security and damage deposits are not allowed in Ontario. Your landlord also owes you interest on the rent deposit each year.
The standard lease
Most residential tenancies must use Ontario’s mandatory standard lease form. If your landlord doesn’t provide one when you ask, you may be entitled to withhold rent in specific circumstances.
Where disputes go
Disputes about your tenancy — rent, repairs, eviction — are decided by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), not by any rental platform. This article is general information, not legal advice; for your situation, contact the LTB or a licensed professional.