Renting in Ontario? The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) protects you from unfair landlord practices — but many tenants don't know what's actually illegal. Here are 5 things your landlord absolutely cannot do.
The 5 Illegal Landlord Actions
1. Can't Enter Without Proper Notice — Landlords must provide 24 hours written notice and can only enter between 8am-8pm. Exception: true emergencies like fire or flood.
2. Can't Raise Rent Anytime — Limited to once per 12 months with 90 days notice using the N1 form. Maximum 2.5% for 2025.
3. Can't Evict Without the LTB — No "self-help" evictions. Landlords cannot change locks or remove belongings. Only the Sheriff can enforce an eviction order.
4. Can't Withhold Essential Services — Heat, water, and electricity must stay on even if rent is unpaid. Minimum heat: 20°C from Sept 1 to June 15.
5. Can't Charge Illegal Fees — Only last month's rent deposit and key deposit are allowed. Damage deposits, pet deposits, and application fees are all illegal.
What To Do If Your Rights Are Violated
LTB Forms Quick Reference
Watch: Ontario Tenant Rights Explained
Key Contacts
- LTB Contact Centre: 1-888-332-3234
- Rental Housing Enforcement: 1-888-772-9277 (illegal lockouts)
- Tribunals Ontario: tribunalsontario.ca
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information current as of December 2024 based on Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
