Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

It is important that you know your rights as a tenant. Your rights are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act and the Human Rights Code. Your responsibilities include paying your rent on-time, keeping your home clean and not disturbing others.

What Tenants Need To Know About The Law
This booklet describes some important things about the new Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and some ways it is different from the Tenant Protection Act, which it replaced.

Guide to Maintenance and Repairs
Your rent pays for more than the space you live in. It also buys services from your landlord. You have the right to have a home that is well maintained, in a building that is clean and safe.

What are my rights as a tenant?
It is important that you know your rights as a tenant. Your rights are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act and the Human Rights Code.

What are my responsibilities as a tenant?
Your responsibilities include paying your rent on-time, keeping your home clean and not disturbing others.

Can my landlord enter my home?
Your landlord may enter your home in an emergency, to show the home to a prospective tenant, or to fulfill landlord responsibilities.

What can I do if the place I rent needs repairs?
Repairs are the responsibility of the landlord in all types of rental housing.

How often can my landlord increase my rent?
Your landlord can only increase your rent once every 12 months. You must receive 90 days written notice before the increase.

What is a smart meter? Do I have to get one?
A smart meter records how much electricity you use and at what time of day you use it. At this time, you are not required to have a smart meter.

How much notice do I have to give before I move out?
The length of the notice period depends on the kind of rental agreement you have.

How can I end my tenancy early if I've signed a lease?
There are several ways to "break" a lease.

Can my landlord evict me?
In some situations, your landlord can ask you to move out before your lease or tenancy agreement expires.

What can I do if my landlord wants to evict me?
Your landlord can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an eviction order. The Board can hold a hearing to decide whether you can be evicted.

How do I file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board?
If you believe that your rights as a tenant have been violated, you can file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board. You must follow certain steps during this process.

What words do I need to know about renting?
Commonly used words include guarantor, rent deposit, social housing, tenancy period and arrears.

Guide to Tenant Rights
This booklet describes your rights as a tenant under the Residential Tenancies Act. Although it focuses on Toronto, much of the information applies to all of Ontario. It is available in 13 languages, including English.

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

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