Tenant Rights in Ontario – What Every Renter Should Know | JAS Legal Services

Tenant Rights in Ontario – A Must-Know Guide by JAS Legal Services

Renting a home should be a stress-free experience, but too often, tenants in Ontario face unexpected challenges—unfair rent increases, illegal evictions, or landlords ignoring repair requests. Unfortunately, many renters don’t know their legal rights, making them vulnerable to unfair treatment.

At JAS Legal Services, we’re here to empower tenants with the knowledge they need to stand up for their rights and ensure they are treated fairly under Ontario’s rental laws. Whether you're dealing with rent disputes, privacy concerns, or eviction threats, knowing your rights is the first step to protecting yourself.

Key Tenant Rights in Ontario

1. Right to Privacy – Landlord Entry Laws

Your landlord owns the property, but that does not give them the right to enter your unit whenever they please.

✔ A landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering the rental unit.
✔ Entry must be between 8 AM and 8 PM (except in emergencies like fire or flooding).
✔ Landlords cannot harass or repeatedly disturb tenants by showing up unannounced.
✔ If a landlord violates this, tenants can file a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

2. Protection Against Discrimination

✔ Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you based on race, age, religion, gender, family status, disability, or sexual orientation.
✔ This applies even before you sign a lease—if you suspect discrimination, you can file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
✔ Your rights start before you even move in, ensuring a fair renting process.

3. Rent Control & Legal Rent Increases

✔ Ontario has strict rent increase laws to protect tenants from sudden and unreasonable hikes.
✔ As of 2025, the maximum rent increase is 2.5% per year, unless a landlord applies for an exemption.
✔ A landlord must give 90 days’ written notice before increasing rent.
✔ If a landlord raises rent illegally, tenants can dispute it with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

4. Eviction Protections – When Can a Landlord Ask You to Leave?

Eviction is a serious matter and must follow legal procedures. A landlord cannot kick a tenant out without valid reasons and proper notice.

✔ Legal reasons for eviction include non-payment of rent, excessive property damage, or the landlord needing the unit for personal use.
✔ Illegal evictions include forcing a tenant out without notice, changing the locks, or cutting off essential services like heat or water.
✔ If you receive an eviction notice, you have the right to challenge it in court.
✔ Landlords must file an application with the LTB, and tenants have a chance to defend themselves before being removed.

5. Tenant Responsibilities – Know Your Duties

While tenants have many rights, they also have legal responsibilities:

✔ Paying rent on time.
✔ Keeping the rental unit clean and undamaged.
✔ Respecting neighbors and avoiding excessive noise.
✔ Reporting necessary repairs to the landlord in a timely manner.

If tenants fail to meet these responsibilities, landlords may have legal grounds to pursue eviction.

What to Do If Your Tenant Rights Are Violated?

If you face unlawful rent increases, privacy violations, eviction threats, or discrimination, you have options:

✔ File a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
✔ Seek legal advice from JAS Legal Services.
✔ Document everything – Keep copies of emails, notices, and proof of wrongdoing.

At jaslegalservices, we specialize in helping tenants understand their rights and take legal action when necessary. If you’re facing rental issues, we’re here to help!