🍁 Provincial Law Guide • Updated January 2025
Ontario Landlord Tenant Laws 2025
Ontario rental laws are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and enforced by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). Here's what landlords need to know.
2.5%
2025 Rent Guideline
LMR only
Deposit Allowed
90 days
Rent Increase Notice
Required
Standard Lease
Ontario Rent Control
Ontario has rent control for most residential units. The annual guideline limits how much landlords can increase rent without LTB approval.
2025 Rent Increase Guideline: 2.5%
- 90 days written notice required using Form N1
- 12 months must pass since last increase or tenancy start
- Above-guideline increases require LTB application
Exemption: Units first occupied after November 15, 2018 are exempt from rent control. Landlords can increase rent by any amount with 90 days notice.
Deposits in Ontario
Ontario does NOT allow security/damage deposits. Only a Last Month Rent (LMR) deposit is permitted.
- Last Month Rent: Maximum of one month's rent
- Key deposit: Allowed, but only for actual cost of keys
- Interest: Must pay tenant interest annually at guideline rate
- Application: LMR must be applied to final month of tenancy
Common LTB Forms
| Form | Purpose | Notice Period |
|---|---|---|
| N1 | Rent increase notice | 90 days |
| N4 | Non-payment of rent | 14 days |
| N5 | Interference/damage | 20 days (first notice) |
| N12 | Personal use by landlord | 60 days + 1 month compensation |
| N13 | Demolition/renovation | 120 days + compensation |
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