Know Your Tenant Rights in Ontario (2025)

Whether you're leasing a condo in Mississauga, a home in Oakville, or an apartment in downtown Toronto, understanding your rights as a tenant is essential. This 2025 guide breaks down the key protections and responsibilities you need to know—clear, current, and built for Ontario renters.

1. You Have the Right to a Safe and Livable Home

Under Ontario law, your landlord must maintain the home in good repair, including:

• Heating, plumbing, and electricity

• Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

• Proper doors, windows, and locks

This is true even if your lease says otherwise.

2. You Must Receive a Standard Lease

As of 2018, landlords must provide a Standard Ontario Lease Agreement for all new leases. This protects tenants by:

• Making the terms clear

• Preventing hidden fees

• Avoiding confusion about rules

If you're a tenant and weren’t given a standard lease, you can request one. If your landlord doesn’t provide it within 21 days, you can legally withhold one month’s rent.

3. Evictions Must Follow Legal Steps

You cannot be evicted just because your landlord says so. They must:

• Give you proper notice (using an official LTB form)

• Provide a valid reason (e.g., owner move-in, major repairs)

• Get an eviction order from the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)

If you're unsure, ask a realtor who understands tenant protections in Mississauga and Oakville before you move out.

4. Rent Increases Are Regulated

Landlords can only raise your rent if:

• It's been 12 months since the last increase

• You receive 90 days' written notice

• The increase matches or is below Ontario’s annual guideline (2.5% for 2025)

  • Note: Residential buildings and units that were first occupied for residential use after November 15, 2018, are exempt from the rent increase guideline cap

Looking to verify if a rent increase is legal? Ask a realtor with rental experience in Oakville and Mississauga for help.

5. Tenants Have the Right to Privacy

Your landlord must give 24 hours’ notice to enter the unit (unless it’s an emergency). They can only enter:

• Between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

• For repairs, showings, inspections, or emergencies

You have the right to peaceful enjoyment of your home, and that includes privacy.

Quick Tips from The Fisher Group

• Always ask for written communication (email or text)

• Use the LTB website to verify forms like N4 or N12

• Document everything—including photos of unit condition and rent receipts

• Don’t sign anything you don’t understand—consult a top realtor for help.

Renting in the GTA?

Being informed helps you avoid stress and costly mistakes.

Whether you're a student, a newcomer, or a family renting long-term, our real estate team is here to support you every step of the way.

Contact The Fisher Group—your trusted Oakville real estate experts.

Fisher Yu
📱 647.598.8488
📞 877.539.3229
✉️ [email protected]
🔗 Thefishergroup.ca

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