Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
The statute is a floor. A lease cannot lower it.
Most private houses, apartments, condos, and basement units in Ontario are covered. A clause that says you waive repairs, guests, the LTB, or human rights is generally void. Rights and responsibilities travel together — but a missed rent payment does not erase the rest of the Act.
You generally have the right to
- A unit kept in a good state of repair and fit for habitation
- Vital services the landlord is obliged to supply (often heat, electricity, water, gas)
- Privacy — 24 hours’ written notice, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., lawful reason — except true emergencies or your consent
- Freedom from harassment and from illegal lockouts
- Proper notice and a Board process before eviction
- A standard lease in most new private tenancies, and a copy of whatever you signed
- Have only lawful deposits collected
You are generally responsible for
- Paying the lawful rent when it is due
- Ordinary cleanliness of the unit
- Repairing damage you or your guests cause, beyond wear and tear
- Not interfering with the reasonable enjoyment of others
- Following lawful terms of the tenancy
Rent & deposits · Leases · Repairs · Entry · Eviction