OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question #16
Browse the full “Can My Landlord?” series
Last verified: September 15, 2026
Quick answer: A landlord can generally include a requirement in the tenancy agreement that the tenant maintain liability insurance. Ontario’s standard lease specifically addresses this possibility. Whether a tenant is actually required to obtain coverage depends on the agreement, and any enforcement step must still follow the RTA.
The Ontario standard lease states that a tenant must have liability insurance at all times if the landlord asks for it, and that the landlord may ask to see proof. Tenant insurance often also includes personal-property and additional-living-expense coverage, but those parts protect the tenant and are not the same as the landlord’s property insurance.
A lease requirement does not let a landlord buy any policy they choose, add an arbitrary fee to rent or personally evict a tenant. Disputes must be addressed through lawful processes.
What does tenant insurance usually cover?
Coverage varies. A policy may include personal liability, belongings and additional living expenses if the unit becomes uninhabitable after an insured loss. Tenants should review exclusions, limits and deductibles with a licensed insurer or broker.
Can the landlord ask for proof?
If insurance is required by the lease, requesting reasonable proof is contemplated by the standard lease. Tenants should avoid sharing unnecessary personal financial information and can ask what evidence is required.
Does the landlord’s insurance cover the tenant?
Usually, a landlord’s policy protects the building owner’s interests and does not replace coverage for the tenant’s belongings, liability or temporary living expenses.
What should a tenant do?
- Read the insurance clause before signing and clarify the required liability limit.
- Keep coverage active and retain proof if the lease requires it.
- Compare what the policy actually covers, including exclusions and deductibles.
- Notify the insurer if roommates, business use or other material circumstances change.
What should a landlord do?
- Use a clear clause in the standard lease and request only reasonable proof.
- Avoid representing yourself as an insurance adviser unless licensed.
- Keep your own landlord policy current; tenant insurance does not replace it.
- Address an alleged breach proportionately and through the lawful process.
Example
The signed standard lease requires liability insurance and the landlord asks annually for a certificate showing active coverage. That is different from the landlord adding a monthly “insurance fee” without an agreed lawful basis.
Related OHI guides and tools
Official Ontario sources
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- Landlord and Tenant Board: Renting in Ontario
- Current LTB forms, instructions and filing information
Continue the “Can My Landlord?” series
Browse more plain-language answers to common Ontario rental questions.
General information only: This article discusses Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Some rentals are exempt from all or part of the RTA. The outcome of a dispute depends on the facts and evidence. Rules and forms can change; verify current information with Tribunals Ontario or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.