Who makes the rules?
The relationship between tenants and landlords is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). The RTA is the law that sets the rules for rent increases, evictions, repairs and many other issues.
If you have an issue with your landlord and you think they're violating the RTA in some way, you can make a complaint to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). The LTB is like a court, but less formal. For example, if your landlord is refusing to do necessary repairs to your apartment, you can the issue to the LTB.
Your landlord can also apply to the LTB if you do something wrong, like cause damage or refuse to pay rent.
When you make a complaint to the LTB, they'll schedule a hearing where you and your landlord can each present your case. After hearing each side of the story, the LTB will make a ruling and resolve the dispute.
What should I know before I move in?
Before you pack your bags, make sure you know what you're entitled to.
Discrimination
Your landlord has to treat you with respect and fairness. It's illegal for them to discriminate against you because:
- of your race, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, colour, nationality, religion or the country you were born in;
- you have disability;
- you receive social assistance; or
- you have children living with you.
It can be hard to figure out if you're being discriminated against. Some ways a landlord can be discriminating is if they:
- refuse to rent to a tenant because you don't have a credit rating
- refuse to put in a ramp for a tenant who uses a wheelchair
- try to enforce strict rules about noise that are harder for people with children to follow
If you think you're being treated unfairly, you can make a complaint to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario by calling 416-326-1312 or 1-866-598-0322.
Tenancy agreements
Once you're ready to settle into a new place, you must have a tenancy agreement (a lease or a rental agreement) with your landlord. A tenancy agreement outlines everything from how much rent you owe to what to do when you're ready to move out. Starting April 30, 2018, all landlord and property management companies must use a standard lease when renting out their property to a tenant.
Your landlord also has to give you a brochure from the Landlord and Tenant Board called Information for New Tenants. The brochure tells you more about your rights and responsibilities.
Rent and other charges
Finally, in addition to rent, your landlord can ask you to put down a security deposit, or ask you to pay for certain utilities and services. Learn about what you owe by reading our article on what your landlord can (and can't) ask you to pay for.
What are my rights while I'm renting?
While you're living in your place, you're entitled to live peacefully and safely. Here are somethings you shouldn't be afraid to ask for.
Repairs, maintenance and vital services
Your landlord must provide you with:
- Hot and cold water
- Fuel
- Electricity
- Gas and heat
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Minimum temperature of 20 C from September 1 to June 15
The lease should specify who pays for these services.
In addition, your landlord must keep your place in good condition. They're responsible for making sure that appliances are in working order, and that common areas (like parking lots, elevators and hallways) are clean and safe.
If you have a maintenance or a repair problem, follow these steps in order:
- Write a letter to your landlord to let them know of the issue. Make sure to keep a copy of the letter for yourself.
- If your landlord refuses to do the repair or doesn't respond, contact your municipal government and ask for an inspection.
- If the issue persists, make a complaint to the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Privacy
The place you're renting is your home, so your landlord has to respect your privacy.
Your landlord must give you a 24 notice in writing before coming by, and they can only come between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
The only exceptions are:
- If you're moving out and your landlord needs to show your place to a new tenant. They must make a reasonable effort to let you know when they'll be coming, and it must be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- If there's an emergency.
- If your rental agreement says that your landlord gives you cleaning services.
The locks cannot be changed unless you get new keys. Also, you cannot change the locks without the consent of the landlord.
Guests and Pets
Your landlord cannot stop you from having guests, or ask you to notify them, get permission provide a fee for visitors.
Your landlord also cannot stop you from having a roommate or subletting our your unit. Subletting is when you move out for a period of time and someone else takes your place and pays rent for that period. To sublet, you'll need to get consent from your landlord. They have to let you sublet, but if they say no you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board.
If you own a pet, your landlord cannot prohibit animals from living with you in your unit. But if your pet is making too much noise, causing damage to the unit, or causing other tenants to have allergic reactions then your landlord can apply to evict you. Also, some condominiums have their own rules restricting pets that you have to follow.
Safety
It's illegal for your landlord to harass you. Harassment can be hard to prove, so try to keep a record of your interactions with your landlord.
Harassment can look like:
- cutting off important services, like heat and electricity
- knocking on your door or calling you at unreasonable times
- taking your property because you owe rent
- entering your home without proper notice
- changing your locks without giving you a key
- making sexual advances
- trying to stop you from being active in a tenants' association
- threatening you
If you're being harassed, you can:
- Make a complaint to the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit by calling them at 1-888-772-9277.
- Calling your local police department. Use their non-emergency number unless someone's life or safety is in danger.
- Apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board.
What are my responsibilities while I'm renting?
- Pay your rent on time. If you're late or you only pay the partial amount, your landlord can take action against you and try to evict you.
- Keep your home clean. Your landlord has to make sure your unit is healthy, safe and properly maintained, but you're responsible for making sure it's generally clean.
- Repair damage that you cause. Fix anything that you or your guests damage or break. If the damage is major, notify your landlord before you make any repairs.
- Be reasonably quiet: Do not disturb others who live in your building.
- Honour your lease or tenancy agreement. You have to follow the terms in your lease, but some leases have illegal terms that break the rules of the Residential Tenancies Act. You don't have to follow anything in the lease that's illegal, like "no pets."