Residential Tenancies Act, 2006

Most private tenants in Ontario are covered. Eviction is a Board process, not a padlock.

The RTA sets rules for rent, maintenance, entry, notices, and eviction. The Landlord and Tenant Board applies it. Ontario has been amending the Act (including 2023–2026 bills). Always read the notice you were given and confirm current forms at Tribunals Ontario.

Rights that come up every day

• Maintenance (s. 20) — the unit must be in a good state of repair and fit for habitation, even if it was already broken when you moved in, and even if rent is unpaid.
• Reasonable enjoyment and no harassment — T2 territory.
• Legal entry — 24 hours’ written notice, in a window the Act allows, except true emergencies.
• Vital services — heat, hydro, gas, water cannot be cut to force you out.
• Deposits — last month’s rent, not a damage deposit, for most tenancies.
• Rent increases — guideline, or an AGI order. Illegal increases can be recovered on a T1.
• Eviction — proper notice, then an application, then a hearing, then an order, then the Sheriff. Skip any of those steps and it is often a lockout.

Who is not covered, or covered differently

Shared kitchen/bathroom with the owner; some care homes; some educational residences; some commercial tenancies; some superintendents. Co-ops and social housing have extra statutes. Use the coverage checker.

Official statute: ontario.ca/laws/statute/06r17. Forms: tribunalsontario.ca/ltb.

Confirm the statute and forms in force. This is not legal advice.