Most residential tenancies in Ontario are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, and disputes are decided by the Landlord and Tenant Board rather than the courts.
Rent increases
A landlord can raise the rent once every twelve months, with at least 90 days’ written notice on the province’s official form. For units covered by rent control, the increase cannot exceed the annual rent increase guideline set by the province each year. Units first occupied after 15 November 2018 are exempt from the guideline, which means increases in newer buildings are effectively uncapped. Check the occupancy date of your building, not its age.
Landlords can also apply for an above-guideline increase to recover the cost of major capital work or a large jump in municipal taxes. Tenants can contest these applications at the Board.
Evictions
A landlord cannot evict you by changing the locks or by telling you to leave. Eviction requires a notice on the correct form, and if you do not leave voluntarily, an application to the Board, a hearing, and an order. Only the Sheriff can enforce an eviction.
The most contested notices are N12, where the landlord or a family member says they will move in, and N13, for demolition or major renovation. Both carry compensation requirements and both are frequently misused. If you receive one, do not move out before getting advice.
Where to get help
- Your local legal clinic offers free advice to tenants who meet income criteria.
- The Landlord and Tenant Board publishes all its forms and its interpretation guidelines online.
- Tenant associations exist in many Toronto buildings and neighbourhoods and often have direct experience with your landlord.
Two practical habits
Put everything in writing, including maintenance requests, and keep copies. Pay rent in a traceable way. In a hearing, documentation usually decides the outcome.
This is a general explainer, not legal advice. TDot News is not a law firm; for advice on your own tenancy, speak to a legal clinic or a licensed paralegal or lawyer.
