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Ontario landlord guides covering rental properties, tenant screening, leases, rent, notices, maintenance and Landlord and Tenant Board processes.

  • Can My Landlord Install Security Cameras at My Rental in Ontario?

    OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question #35

    Browse the complete “Can My Landlord / Can My Tenant?” series

    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: Possibly in common or exterior areas for a legitimate purpose, but not as unrestricted surveillance. A landlord should not install a camera inside a tenant’s rental unit or point it into spaces where tenants reasonably expect privacy. Purpose, notice, field of view, data security and audio recording all matter.

    The RTA protects reasonable enjoyment and prohibits harassment. Privacy obligations may also apply depending on the landlord and how personal information is collected, used and disclosed. Cameras should be necessary, proportionate and limited to a defined security purpose.

    Audio recording creates additional legal risk. A video-security system should not collect conversations merely because the technology allows it.

    Where are cameras most defensible?

    Entrances, parking areas and common hallways may support a genuine security purpose when views are limited. Bathrooms, change areas, the inside of units and views into private windows are fundamentally different.

    Does the landlord need to give notice?

    Clear notice supports transparency but does not cure an otherwise excessive installation. Tenants should be told what is collected, why, who can access it and how long it is retained.

    Can footage be posted online?

    Using footage for a new purpose, including public posting, can create serious privacy and safety concerns. Access and disclosure should be tightly controlled.

    What should a tenant do?

    • Ask for the camera’s purpose, field of view, audio status and retention policy.
    • Document cameras that appear to target private areas or individual tenants.
    • Avoid blocking or damaging equipment; raise concerns in writing.
    • Seek privacy or legal advice where surveillance appears intrusive or retaliatory.

    What should a landlord do?

    • Use the least intrusive system that meets a documented need.
    • Avoid audio and mask private windows, doors or exclusive-use areas where appropriate.
    • Post clear notice and restrict access and retention.
    • Do not use surveillance to harass tenants or monitor lawful private activity.

    Example

    A visible camera covers a building entrance and stores silent footage briefly for security incidents. That is different from a hidden camera aimed through a tenant’s window or recording conversations.

    Official sources

  • Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada: Surveillance

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    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. Outcomes depend 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.

  • Can My Landlord Ban Window or Portable Air Conditioners in Ontario?

    OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question #36

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    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: It depends. Ontario’s RTA does not create one universal right to install every air conditioner. A landlord may enforce reasonable safety, installation or building rules, but an absolute ban can require closer review—especially where heat creates a disability-related accommodation need.

    The tenancy agreement, electricity arrangement, building design, municipal standards and human-rights obligations can all matter. A rule should address a genuine concern such as unsafe window installation, electrical capacity, drainage or included utility costs rather than operate as an arbitrary penalty.

    A tenant should not permanently alter a window, wall or electrical system without appropriate permission and qualified work.

    Can the landlord charge an extra seasonal fee?

    A fee is not automatically lawful because an appliance increases electricity use. Whether an agreed charge is permitted depends on the lease, utility responsibility and RTA rules. It should not be imposed unilaterally without a lawful basis.

    What about safety rules?

    Requirements for secure installation, drainage, electrical load and qualified installers can be reasonable. The safest workable alternative—such as a portable unit—should be considered.

    What if the tenant has a medical need?

    The Ontario Human Rights Code may require individualized accommodation to the point of undue hardship. The parties should exchange only information reasonably needed to understand the functional need and possible solutions.

    What should a tenant do?

    • Check the lease and request written installation requirements.
    • Use an appropriate outlet and secure, non-damaging installation.
    • Raise disability-related needs in writing where applicable.
    • Keep records of indoor temperatures and communications during extreme heat.

    What should a landlord do?

    • Base restrictions on documented safety, capacity or property concerns.
    • Offer workable installation standards rather than relying on a vague ban.
    • Consider human-rights accommodation individually.
    • Clarify utility-cost arrangements before the cooling season.

    Example

    A landlord prohibits an unsecured window unit that could fall over a public walkway but permits a safely installed portable unit. That is more defensible than an unexplained ban during dangerous heat.

    Related OHI guides and tools

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    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. Outcomes depend 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.

  • Can My Landlord Make Me Pay Utilities That Aren’t in the Lease?

    OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question #38

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    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: Generally, a landlord cannot simply announce that a tenant must begin paying a utility that was included in the tenancy. The lease, advertising, established practice and lawful rent all help determine who is responsible. A voluntary change should be documented and may require an appropriate rent adjustment.

    The RTA restricts unilateral changes to lawful rent and services. Withholding or deliberately interfering with vital services can also violate section 21 where the landlord is obligated to supply them.

    Utility responsibility can be changed by a genuine agreement in some situations, but parties should understand metering, allocation, rent consequences and consumer-protection requirements before signing.

    What if the written lease is silent?

    Silence does not automatically answer the question. Advertisements, prior bills, payment history, representations and which party holds the account can help establish the tenancy terms.

    Can the landlord split one bill among units?

    Shared-meter allocation can raise accuracy and compliance issues. The method, required information and applicable regulations should be checked rather than improvised.

    What if the tenant agrees?

    Any agreement should clearly state the start date, accounts, meter, allocation and rent change. A pressured or unclear signature may not resolve a dispute.

    What should a tenant do?

    • Collect the lease, listing, bills and payment history.
    • Ask for the legal basis and calculation before paying a new charge.
    • Do not let a disputed utility replace payment of the undisputed lawful rent.
    • Seek advice before signing a utility-transfer agreement.

    What should a landlord do?

    • Confirm the existing tenancy terms before changing billing.
    • Do not shut off service or use a utility dispute as self-help enforcement.
    • Use clear written agreements and any required rent adjustment.
    • Provide accurate bills and allocation information.

    Example

    Hydro has been included in rent for three years. The landlord cannot normally start forwarding the entire bill next month without a lawful agreement and any required adjustment.

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    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. Outcomes depend 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.

  • Can My Landlord Require Professional Carpet Cleaning in Ontario?

    OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question #37

    Browse the complete “Can My Landlord / Can My Tenant?” series

    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: Not automatically. Ontario tenants are responsible for ordinary cleanliness, but the RTA does not impose a universal requirement to hire a professional carpet cleaner at move-out. A landlord may have a claim where unusual staining, contamination or tenant-caused damage requires extra work.

    Section 33 of the RTA sets the tenant’s ordinary-cleanliness obligation. Section 34 covers undue damage. A lease term cannot override the Act simply by requiring a professional service in every case.

    The carpet’s age, pre-tenancy condition, normal wear and actual cause of staining matter. A landlord claiming costs should be able to prove responsibility and reasonable expense.

    What does ordinary cleanliness mean?

    The unit should be left reasonably clean, without excessive dirt, garbage or tenant-caused contamination. It need not necessarily be restored to brand-new condition.

    Can the landlord demand a receipt?

    A receipt requirement does not decide whether professional cleaning was legally necessary. Evidence of the unit’s actual condition is more important.

    What if a pet stains the carpet?

    Extraordinary cleaning or replacement caused by the tenant or pet may support a damage claim. Depreciation, age and whether cleaning can fix the problem affect the amount.

    What should a tenant do?

    • Clean the carpet reasonably and photograph its condition.
    • Keep move-in records showing pre-existing wear or stains.
    • Ask for evidence and an itemized invoice if costs are claimed.
    • Do not assume a pre-set professional-cleaning fee is automatically enforceable.

    What should a landlord do?

    • Record carpet age and condition at move-in.
    • Distinguish ordinary turnover cleaning from tenant-caused remediation.
    • Use actual reasonable costs and account for age and condition.
    • Pursue unresolved claims through the proper LTB route.

    Example

    A five-year-old carpet shows ordinary traffic wear after a tenancy. That differs from extensive pet contamination requiring specialized remediation.

    Related OHI guides and tools

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    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. Outcomes depend 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.

  • Can My Landlord Remove My Vehicle From the Property in Ontario?

    OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question #39

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    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: Sometimes, but not arbitrarily. A landlord may enforce lawful parking terms and address an unauthorized, unsafe or abandoned vehicle. Whether towing is permitted depends on the tenancy agreement, posted rules, condominium requirements, municipal bylaws and the landlord’s authority over the property.

    Parking can be part of the tenancy

    Parking supplied with a tenancy may be an included service. Removing access, imposing a new fee or towing a vehicle can affect reasonable enjoyment and services included in rent.

    When may removal be justified?

    A vehicle blocking a fire route, accessibility space or another tenant’s assigned space may require action. An unlicensed or inoperable vehicle may also breach a clear lease, condo, insurance or property-standard rule. The landlord should identify the authority and follow applicable notice and towing requirements.

    Can parking be removed permanently?

    If parking is part of the tenancy, removing it may support an LTB remedy or rent reduction. A tow should never be used as punishment for an unrelated dispute.

    Example

    Towing a vehicle repeatedly parked in a marked fire route after warnings differs from towing a properly permitted vehicle from its assigned space over a rent disagreement.

    What should a tenant do?

    • Keep the lease, parking addendum, permits and payment records.
    • Follow assigned-space, licensing and safety rules.
    • Respond promptly to warnings and document conflicting instructions.
    • Request towing records from the operator or municipality.

    What should a landlord do?

    • Confirm control of the area and applicable municipal rules.
    • Use clear signs, permits and consistent warnings where appropriate.
    • Document authorization or safety issues before towing.
    • Consider RTA consequences before removing an included service.

    Related OHI guides and tools

    Official sources

    General information only: This is Ontario educational information, not legal advice. Verify current requirements with Tribunals Ontario or a licensed Ontario legal professional.

  • Can My Landlord Refuse to Renew My Lease in Ontario?

    OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question #40

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    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: A landlord does not have to offer another fixed-term lease, but that usually does not end the tenancy. When an Ontario fixed term expires, the tenancy generally continues month to month on the same terms unless it is lawfully terminated.

    What happens after a fixed term?

    Section 38 of the Residential Tenancies Act generally continues the tenancy. The landlord cannot evict merely because the fixed term expired or because they prefer not to renew.

    Can rent still increase?

    Yes, but only through the ordinary lawful notice, timing and guideline rules. Lease expiry does not authorize an immediate increase.

    Can the landlord require another fixed term?

    The parties may agree to one, but the tenant generally need not sign a new fixed term simply to preserve an existing month-to-month tenancy.

    How can the tenancy end?

    A lawful tenant notice, voluntary N11, or a statutory landlord ground with the correct notice and LTB process may end it. “No renewal” is not a substitute.

    Example

    A one-year lease ends June 30 and neither side lawfully terminates it. The tenancy normally continues month to month on July 1.

    What should a tenant do?

    • Do not assume the expiry date is a mandatory move-out date.
    • Keep the lease and renewal communications.
    • Review any notice for the correct form and reason.
    • Do not sign an N11 unless you genuinely agree.

    What should a landlord do?

    • Plan around automatic month-to-month continuation.
    • Use the correct statutory process for a genuine ground.
    • Do not pressure tenants into a fixed term or N11.
    • Apply rent increases through lawful notice rules.

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    General information only: This is Ontario educational information, not legal advice. Verify current requirements with Tribunals Ontario or a licensed Ontario legal professional.

  • Can My Tenant Add a Spouse or Partner to the Rental in Ontario?

    OHI | Can My Tenant? · Ontario rental question #41

    Browse the complete “Can My Landlord / Can My Tenant?” series

    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: A tenant can often have a spouse or partner move in as an occupant without making that person a tenant on the lease. The landlord is not automatically required to add the person as a named tenant. Overcrowding, condominium rules and the true nature of the arrangement may matter.

    The RTA does not automatically convert a roommate, spouse or partner into a tenant. LTB Interpretation Guideline 21 explains that payments by an occupant do not alone determine status. Adding a person to the tenancy agreement generally requires agreement.

    If the original tenant leaves and transfers possession, the situation may instead be an assignment, sublet or unauthorized occupancy.

    Does the landlord have to approve the occupant?

    Ordinary additional occupancy is generally different from assignment or subletting. A landlord should focus on lawful occupancy standards and actual conduct rather than an arbitrary guest ban.

    Does the partner become responsible for rent?

    Not automatically to the landlord. Their responsibilities may arise from an agreement with the tenant unless the landlord accepts them as a tenant or the LTB determines otherwise.

    Can rent be increased?

    An additional occupant does not itself authorize an unlawful rent increase or new occupancy fee.

    What should the tenant do?

    • Tell the landlord where required by a lawful condo or building process.
    • Keep responsibility for rent and occupant conduct clear.
    • Do not promise lease rights the landlord has not agreed to.
    • Check occupancy standards and insurance.

    What should the landlord do?

    • Identify whether the named tenant remains in possession.
    • Avoid accidentally representing an occupant as a tenant without understanding the effect.
    • Address actual overcrowding, damage or interference through the correct process.
    • Document any agreement to add a person to the lease.

    Example

    A tenant remains in the unit and their partner moves in. That is generally an occupant situation. If the tenant moves away and the partner takes over the entire unit, the legal analysis changes.

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    General information only: This article discusses Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Other laws, bylaws and condominium rules may also apply. Rules and forms change; verify current information with the responsible authority or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.

  • Can My Tenant Deduct Repair Costs From the Rent in Ontario?

    OHI | Can My Tenant? · Ontario rental question #43

    Browse the complete “Can My Landlord / Can My Tenant?” series

    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: Generally, not without a clear agreement or legal authority. A tenant who hires someone and subtracts the bill from rent may create rent arrears even if the landlord failed to repair. Maintenance remedies and rent-payment obligations should be handled separately.

    Section 20 of the RTA requires landlords to maintain the property. Tenants can pursue a T6 application and request remedies such as repair orders, abatements or reimbursement. They should not assume they can grant themselves those remedies.

    Emergencies can create difficult facts, but written notice, efforts to contact the landlord, necessity and reasonable cost will matter.

    What if the landlord agrees?

    A written agreement can authorize a specific repair and credit. It should state the contractor, maximum cost, receipts and how the credit applies.

    What if the repair is urgent?

    Protect life and property first and contact the landlord and appropriate emergency service. Keep evidence of the problem and every attempt to reach the landlord.

    Can the tenant stop paying all rent?

    Generally no. Withholding or deducting can support an N4. The tenant should seek the proper order instead.

    What should the tenant do?

    • Report problems in writing and allow lawful repair access.
    • Obtain written authorization before arranging non-emergency work.
    • Keep photographs, estimates, invoices and contact attempts.
    • Use municipal enforcement, a T6 or legal advice rather than unilateral deductions.

    What should the landlord do?

    • Respond promptly and triage urgent reports.
    • Put any tenant-arranged repair credit in writing.
    • Maintain accurate rent and repair ledgers separately.
    • Do not retaliate against lawful maintenance complaints.

    Example

    A landlord emails approval for a plumber up to $250 and agrees to credit the receipt against next month’s rent. That differs from a tenant replacing a fixture and subtracting an unapproved amount.

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    General information only: This article discusses Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Other laws, bylaws and condominium rules may also apply. Rules and forms change; verify current information with the responsible authority or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.

  • Can My Tenant Install an Electric-Vehicle Charger in Ontario?

    OHI | Can My Tenant? · Ontario rental question #48

    Browse the complete “Can My Landlord / Can My Tenant?” series

    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: Not unilaterally in most cases. An EV charger can alter the electrical system and parking area, so the tenant should obtain the landlord’s written agreement and any required condominium, electrical, utility or municipal approvals before installation.

    The RTA does not give residential tenants a general right to alter rental-property electrical infrastructure. Electrical work must comply with Ontario safety requirements and may require notification, inspection and a licensed electrical contractor.

    Condominium legislation provides processes for owners in some EV-charging situations, but a tenant is not the unit owner and should coordinate through the landlord.

    Who pays?

    The parties should agree on feasibility studies, installation, electricity, network fees, maintenance, insurance, removal and restoration. A charger should not create an unclear rent or utility charge.

    Can the landlord simply say no?

    A landlord may have legitimate capacity, cost, parking, insurance or condo concerns. Disability-related accommodation or an existing contractual commitment may require a more individualized analysis.

    What approvals are needed?

    Depending on the property, approvals may include the owner, condominium corporation, Electrical Safety Authority, utility and municipality. Manufacturer instructions are not a substitute.

    What should the tenant do?

    • Request approval before purchasing or installing equipment.
    • Provide charger specifications, contractor details and a cost proposal.
    • Clarify parking rights and electricity metering.
    • Do not use unsafe extension-cord charging.

    What should the landlord do?

    • Obtain an electrical-capacity and insurance review.
    • Check condo and utility processes.
    • Use a written installation, cost, access and removal agreement.
    • Ensure qualified permitted work and inspection.

    Example

    A tenant proposes a dedicated Level 2 charger installed by a licensed contractor with separate metering and written removal terms. That is different from wiring a charger into a common panel without approval.

    Related OHI guides and tools

    Official sources

  • Electrical Safety Authority: EV charging systems

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    General information only: This article discusses Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Other laws, bylaws and condominium rules may also apply. Rules and forms change; verify current information with the responsible authority or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.

  • Can My Tenant Move Out Without Giving 60 Days’ Notice in Ontario?

    OHI | Can My Tenant? · Ontario rental question #45

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    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: Sometimes. Sixty days is the common notice period for monthly and fixed-term tenancies using an N9, with additional termination-date rules. Different periods or routes may apply to daily or weekly tenancies, assignment refusal, mutual agreements, domestic or sexual violence, landlord notices and LTB orders.

    Section 44 of the RTA contains the ordinary tenant-notice rules. A fixed-term N9 generally cannot end the tenancy before the last day of the term. Form instructions and statutory exceptions must be followed carefully.

    A tenant can leave physically at any time, but that does not necessarily end rent responsibility. The landlord must take reasonable steps to minimize loss.

    Can the parties agree to less notice?

    Yes. A voluntary N11 can set a mutually agreed termination date. Neither party should be pressured to sign.

    What if assignment is refused?

    A general refusal or failure to respond to an assignment request may create a shorter, time-limited N9 option. Exact dates matter.

    What about safety-related termination?

    The N15 process can allow qualifying tenants experiencing sexual or domestic violence and abuse to end a tenancy with a shorter notice period and confidentiality protections.

    What should the tenant do?

    • Identify the tenancy type and correct termination date.
    • Use the current form and service method.
    • Keep assignment requests, responses and any N11.
    • Do not assume returning keys alone ends liability.

    What should the landlord do?

    • Check the form, date and service before treating notice as valid or invalid.
    • Document reasonable re-rental efforts.
    • Do not seek double rent after a replacement tenancy begins.
    • Respect N15 confidentiality requirements.

    Example

    A monthly tenant ordinarily gives at least 60 days ending on the last day of a rental period. A tenant using a valid statutory assignment route may have a different deadline.

    Related OHI guides and tools

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    Continue the series

    Browse more Ontario rental questions and answers.

    General information only: This article discusses Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Other laws, bylaws and condominium rules may also apply. Rules and forms change; verify current information with the responsible authority or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.