Renting in Ontario? The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) protects you from unfair landlord practices — but many tenants don't know what's actually illegal. Here are 5 things your landlord absolutely cannot do.
The 5 Illegal Landlord Actions
1. Can't Enter Without Proper Notice — Landlords must provide 24 hours written notice and can only enter between 8am-8pm. Exception: true emergencies like fire or flood.
2. Can't Raise Rent Anytime — Limited to once per 12 months with 90 days notice using the N1 form. Maximum 2.5% for 2025.
3. Can't Evict Without the LTB — No "self-help" evictions. Landlords cannot change locks or remove belongings. Only the Sheriff can enforce an eviction order.
4. Can't Withhold Essential Services — Heat, water, and electricity must stay on even if rent is unpaid. Minimum heat: 20°C from Sept 1 to June 15.
5. Can't Charge Illegal Fees — Only last month's rent deposit and key deposit are allowed. Damage deposits, pet deposits, and application fees are all illegal.
What To Do If Your Rights Are Violated
- Document everything — dates, times, photos, screenshots
- Send written notice to your landlord (email creates a paper trail)
- File with the LTB — T2 for rights violations, T1 to recover illegal fees
- Keep records ongoing — rent receipts, all communication
LTB Forms Quick Reference
Watch: Ontario Tenant Rights Explained
Key Contacts
- LTB Contact Centre: 1-888-332-3234
- Rental Housing Enforcement: 1-888-772-9277 (illegal lockouts)
- Tribunals Ontario: tribunalsontario.ca
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information current as of December 2024 based on Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
