Whether you’re renting a home or leasing yours out, a few Ontario rules matter most. Checked October 3, 2026 on ontario.ca.
The standard lease
Most residential tenancy agreements signed on or after April 30, 2018 must use Ontario’s standard lease form. Exceptions include care homes, mobile home parks and land lease communities, most social and supportive housing, and co-operative housing.
Deposits
A landlord can ask for a rent deposit and a key deposit, and the law limits both. A rent deposit can’t be used as a damage deposit, and deposits the law doesn’t allow, such as damage or pet deposits, are void.
Rent increases
- The rent increase guideline is 2.1% for 2026 and 1.9% for 2027.
- Rent can usually go up only once every 12 months, with at least 90 days’ written notice on the proper form.
- Units first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018 (the date anyone first lived in the unit, not the date you moved in) are exempt from the guideline.
- When a unit is rented to a new tenant, the landlord and the new tenant agree on the rent.
Disputes
Disputes go to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): 416-645-8080 or 1-888-332-3234.
Looking for a rental, or a tenant? See renters and landlords.
Sources (official pages, checked October 3, 2026)
- Ontario – Guide to Ontario’s standard lease
- Ontario – Residential rent increases (2026 guideline 2.1%)
- Ontario – Renting in Ontario: your rights (2027 guideline 1.9%)
Programs and limits change, often at budget time. Confirm the current rules on the official page before you rely on them.
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General information only – not financial, legal or mortgage advice. Please consult a licensed professional about your own situation.