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Ontario landlord and tenant guides covering leases, rent, notices, rental property responsibilities and Landlord and Tenant Board processes.

  • Tenant Damage vs Normal Wear and Tear in Ontario Rentals

    Tenant Damage vs Normal Wear and Tear in Ontario Rentals

    Featured photo by Luba Ertel on Unsplash.

    In Ontario rentals, tenant damage and normal wear and tear are treated differently: a tenant is not responsible for every sign of aging or ordinary use. The key statutory phrase is undue damage: section 34 of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 makes a tenant responsible for repairing undue damage caused by the wilful or negligent conduct of the tenant, another occupant, or a person the tenant permits in the residential complex.

    General information only: this is not legal advice. Damage disputes are evidence-driven and fact-specific.

    What is normal wear and tear?

    The RTA does not define every example of ordinary wear. In practice, normal deterioration from reasonable residential use and aging is different from undue damage caused wilfully or negligently. Examples that may be consistent with ordinary aging include gradual carpet wear, faded paint, minor surface scuffs and components wearing out through normal use.

    The condition, age, expected life and prior state of the item all matter. A landlord should compare the condition at the end of the tenancy with credible evidence of its condition at the beginning.

    What may qualify as tenant damage?

    Examples that may support a damage claim, depending on the evidence, include:

    • large holes or broken surfaces caused by impact;
    • burns, deep gouges or avoidable water damage to flooring;
    • broken doors, cabinets or fixtures caused by force or misuse;
    • unauthorized alterations that cause actual damage; or
    • other undue damage caused wilfully or negligently by the tenant, occupants or permitted guests.

    The landlord still has to prove that the damage is undue, that the tenant side caused it wilfully or negligently, and that the amount claimed is reasonable.

    Can a landlord claim full replacement cost?

    Not automatically. Section 89 of the RTA allows a landlord to seek the reasonable costs incurred or to be incurred for repair or, where repair is not reasonable, replacement of damaged property where the statutory test is met.

    Age and useful life can be relevant to the actual loss. Ontario Regulation 516/06 contains a useful-life schedule for many building components. For example, the schedule lists ensuite carpet at 10 years, hardwood flooring at 20 years, interior painting at 10 years, refrigerators at 15 years and kitchen/bath cabinets and counters at 25 years. Those figures do not mechanically decide every damage case, but they are relevant context when assessing depreciation and whether a claim for a brand-new replacement reflects the actual loss.

    Why move-in and move-out documentation matters

    A claim is much stronger when there is a reliable before-and-after record. Both landlords and tenants should keep dated photographs and written notes.

    Use the Ontario Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist and Ontario Rental Move-Out Condition Report.

    Landlord evidence checklist

    • Move-in condition records
    • Move-out photographs and video
    • Age and prior condition of the item
    • Repair estimates or invoices
    • Evidence showing why repair is not reasonable if replacement is claimed
    • Relevant tenant communications
    • Inspection records

    Tenant evidence checklist

    • Move-in photographs and videos
    • Copies of reported maintenance issues
    • Evidence of pre-existing defects
    • Move-out photographs taken immediately before possession is returned
    • Cleaning or repair receipts where relevant
    • Written responses to disputed charges

    Can the landlord keep the last month’s rent deposit for damage?

    No. Ontario’s rent deposit is generally restricted to the last rental period and is not a general damage deposit. A landlord who claims compensation for tenant-caused damage must use the applicable legal process rather than unilaterally treating the last month’s rent deposit as a damage fund.

    See Rental Deposits in Ontario.

    How can a landlord pursue a damage claim?

    The RTA allows a landlord to apply to the LTB for reasonable repair or replacement costs where undue damage was caused wilfully or negligently. The Board can consider claims against current tenants and, subject to the statutory requirements, former tenants. Evidence of causation and the amount claimed is essential.

    Preparing for your next tenant?

    Use the free Ontario Tenant Screening Checklist to organize criteria, verification, credit checks, references and documentation.

    Get the free tenant screening checklist →

    Frequently asked questions

    Are nail holes always tenant damage?

    No blanket rule applies to every nail hole. Size, number, method of installation, wall condition and the extent of actual damage can matter.

    Is ordinary cleaning a damage claim?

    Tenants are responsible for ordinary cleanliness under section 33, but ordinary turnover cleaning is not the same thing as proving undue damage under section 34.

    Does an old carpet have the same value as a new carpet?

    Usually not. Age and useful life are relevant to actual loss. A claim should reflect reasonable repair or replacement costs in the circumstances, not automatically the full retail cost of a brand-new item.

    Official sources

    Related: Can a Landlord Charge a Tenant for Damage? · Moving Out of an Ontario Rental · Landlord Inspection Log · What to Expect at the LTB

  • Bed Bugs and Pests in Ontario Rentals: Who Is Responsible?

    Bed Bugs and Pests in Ontario Rentals: Who Is Responsible?

    Featured photo by Marlene Céline Nordvik on Unsplash.

    Bed bugs, cockroaches, mice and other pests are generally treated as a rental-housing maintenance issue in Ontario. The legal starting point is the landlord’s duty to maintain the property, combined with the tenant’s duties of ordinary cleanliness and responsibility for undue damage caused wilfully or negligently.

    Common questions about this topic

    Browse all 50 rental questions →

    General information only: this is not legal or pest-control advice.

    What Ontario law says about pests

    Section 20(1) of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 requires landlords to maintain rental properties in a good state of repair, fit for habitation and in compliance with applicable health, safety, housing and maintenance standards.

    Ontario Regulation 517/06 goes further. Section 46 requires a residential complex to be kept reasonably free of rodents, vermin and insects. It also requires extermination methods to comply with applicable law and openings that may permit pest entry to be screened or sealed as appropriate.

    That makes pest control primarily a landlord maintenance obligation. A landlord should investigate and take reasonable corrective steps rather than simply telling a tenant to solve the infestation alone.

    What tenants are responsible for

    Section 33 of the RTA makes tenants responsible for ordinary cleanliness. Section 34 makes tenants responsible for undue damage caused wilfully or negligently by the tenant, another occupant or someone the tenant permits in the complex.

    In a pest situation, tenants should:

    • report sightings promptly;
    • maintain ordinary cleanliness;
    • avoid moving infested belongings through common areas where practical;
    • provide lawful access for inspection and treatment; and
    • follow reasonable preparation instructions from a qualified pest-control provider.

    Those duties do not mean every infestation is automatically the tenant’s financial responsibility.

    What landlords should do after a pest report

    1. Document the tenant’s report and arrange an inspection.
    2. Determine whether one unit or multiple units may be affected.
    3. Engage an appropriate pest-control professional where necessary.
    4. Provide tenants with clear preparation and access instructions.
    5. Seal pest-entry points where required.
    6. Schedule follow-up treatment or monitoring when recommended.
    7. Keep records of treatment dates, reports and tenant communications.

    In multi-unit buildings, coordinated treatment may be necessary because treating one unit in isolation may not address pests that have spread between units.

    Can a landlord enter for pest treatment?

    Yes, where the RTA permits entry, but normal entry rules still apply. In most non-emergency cases, a landlord must provide proper written notice that states the reason, date and time of entry and complies with the statutory timing rules. See When Can a Landlord Enter a Rental Unit in Ontario?.

    Can a landlord charge the tenant for pest treatment?

    Not automatically. The existence of pests does not by itself prove that a tenant caused the infestation through wilful or negligent conduct. If a landlord seeks compensation based on alleged tenant-caused damage or costs, the landlord should be able to prove the conduct, causation and reasonable amount claimed through the applicable legal process.

    A landlord also cannot convert the last month’s rent deposit into a general damage or pest-control deposit. See Rental Deposits in Ontario.

    What if the landlord does nothing?

    A tenant should keep a written record of the report, follow-ups and continuing pest activity. Depending on the property and municipality, the tenant may be able to contact municipal property standards and/or file an LTB Form T6 concerning maintenance.

    The LTB’s T6 instructions permit an application where the landlord has not repaired or maintained the rental unit or complex or has not complied with health, safety, housing or maintenance standards.

    Bed bug documentation checklist

    • Date and location of first sighting
    • Written notice to landlord
    • Photographs where practical
    • Pest-control inspection report
    • Preparation instructions
    • Treatment dates
    • Follow-up sightings
    • Records of adjacent-unit treatment if disclosed and relevant
    • Entry notices and access communications

    Frequently asked questions

    Does a tenant have to pay for bed bug treatment?

    Not merely because bed bugs were found in the tenant’s unit. A charge would require a legal basis and evidence supporting tenant responsibility.

    Can a landlord evict a tenant because there are bed bugs?

    The presence of bed bugs itself is not an automatic ground for eviction. If a landlord alleges separate tenant conduct, such as wilful or negligent damage or serious interference with treatment, the landlord must use the applicable RTA process and prove the allegation.

    Should a tenant hire an exterminator without telling the landlord?

    Normally, the landlord should be notified first so treatment can be coordinated for the property, especially in a multi-unit complex.

    Official sources

    Related: Repairs and Maintenance Responsibilities · Tenant Resources · Landlord Resources

  • Mould in Ontario Rentals: Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities

    Mould in Ontario Rentals: Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities

    Featured photo by Nataliya Melnychuk on Unsplash.

    Mould in an Ontario rental is primarily a maintenance and moisture-control issue. The legal question is not simply who first noticed the mould, but what caused the condition and whether the landlord and tenant complied with their respective obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA).

    General information only: this is not legal or medical advice. Serious health symptoms should be discussed with a qualified health professional.

    The legal starting point

    Section 20(1) of the RTA requires a landlord to provide and maintain the residential complex and rental units in a good state of repair, fit for habitation, and in compliance with applicable health, safety, housing and maintenance standards. That obligation applies even if a tenant knew about a state of non-repair before moving in.

    Section 33 makes the tenant responsible for the ordinary cleanliness of the rental unit, unless the tenancy agreement requires the landlord to clean it. Section 34 makes a tenant responsible for repairing undue damage caused wilfully or negligently by the tenant, another occupant or a person the tenant permits in the complex.

    Those provisions mean that a landlord cannot automatically characterize mould as a tenant-cleanliness problem, and a tenant cannot assume that every moisture condition is necessarily a landlord breach. The cause matters.

    When mould generally points to a landlord maintenance issue

    A landlord should investigate when mould is associated with conditions such as:

    • roof or plumbing leaks;
    • water penetration through foundations, walls or windows;
    • defective or non-functioning ventilation equipment supplied as part of the property;
    • repeated flooding or unresolved water damage;
    • building-envelope defects; or
    • another condition that leaves the unit or complex in disrepair or contrary to applicable maintenance standards.

    Painting over visible mould without correcting an active moisture source does not resolve the underlying maintenance issue.

    When tenant conduct may become relevant

    Tenant conduct can matter where evidence shows that the tenant wilfully or negligently caused undue damage or failed to maintain ordinary cleanliness. Examples are fact-specific. A landlord should not treat normal residential activities such as showering or cooking as proof of negligence merely because humidity exists.

    Where functioning exhaust fans, windows or other ventilation are available, tenants should use them reasonably and report persistent condensation, leaks or ventilation failures promptly.

    What a tenant should do

    1. Report the condition in writing. Identify the location, when it was first noticed and whether there is an active leak or recurring moisture.
    2. Document the condition. Keep dated photographs, videos and copies of messages.
    3. Allow lawful access for inspection and repairs. Landlord entry must still comply with the RTA. See Ontario landlord entry rules.
    4. Keep a record of follow-ups. Note inspection dates, contractors, recommendations and whether the problem returns.
    5. Escalate through the proper process if necessary. A tenant may be able to use a municipal property-standards process and/or file an LTB Form T6 concerning maintenance.

    The LTB’s T6 instructions state that a tenant can apply where a landlord has not repaired or maintained the unit or complex or has not complied with health, safety, housing or maintenance standards. If the problem has already been fixed, the T6 generally must be filed within one year after it was fixed.

    What a landlord should do

    1. Respond promptly to the written report.
    2. Inspect for both visible mould and the moisture source.
    3. Repair leaks, water intrusion or defective building systems for which the landlord is responsible.
    4. Use an appropriate qualified contractor where the scope requires specialized assessment or remediation.
    5. Document findings, access attempts, repairs and completion.
    6. Reinspect if the condition recurs.

    For broader obligations, see Landlord Repairs and Maintenance Responsibilities in Ontario.

    Can a tenant withhold rent because of mould?

    A tenant should not simply stop paying rent because there is a maintenance dispute. The RTA provides specific remedies through the LTB. A maintenance problem does not by itself cancel the obligation to pay lawful rent. A tenant seeking a rent abatement, repair order or other remedy should use the applicable process.

    What can the LTB order on a maintenance application?

    Depending on the evidence and the remedy requested, the RTA permits the Board to make orders that can include requiring specified repairs or work, authorizing certain repairs, granting a rent abatement, awarding certain reasonable costs, or terminating the tenancy. The appropriate remedy depends on the proven breach and circumstances.

    Evidence checklist

    • Dated photographs and video
    • Written notice to the landlord
    • Maintenance requests and follow-up messages
    • Inspection reports
    • Contractor invoices or findings
    • Records of lawful access notices and appointments
    • Municipal inspection or property-standards records, if any
    • Medical documentation only where relevant to a specific claim and appropriately obtained

    Use the Ontario Landlord Communication Log and Ontario Landlord Inspection Log to keep records organized.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is mould always the landlord’s responsibility?

    No. The landlord’s statutory repair and maintenance duties are broad, but responsibility for a particular condition depends on the cause and evidence. Tenant wilful or negligent conduct can also be relevant under section 34 of the RTA.

    Can a lease make the tenant responsible for all mould?

    A lease cannot contract out of the landlord’s statutory obligations under the RTA. A clause does not erase section 20 maintenance duties.

    What if the landlord does not respond?

    Keep written records, follow up, review municipal property-standards options and consider the LTB’s T6 maintenance process.

    Official sources

    Related: Ontario Tenant Resources · Ontario Landlord Resources · What to Expect at the LTB

  • Best Tenant Screening Services in Ontario: Free & Paid Options

    Best Tenant Screening Services in Ontario: Free & Paid Options

    ONTARIO HOME INTEL · LANDLORD GUIDE · Updated September 2026

    Tenant screening can help Ontario landlords verify an application before signing a lease, but no database or credit score should be treated as an automatic approval or rejection system. This guide compares useful free research tools and paid Canadian screening services, then explains how to use them within a consistent, non-discriminatory screening process.

    Quick Comparison: Ontario Tenant Screening Resources

    Resource Cost Useful For Important Limitation
    OpenRoom Free court-order search Searching available LTB and other court/tribunal orders Not a complete tenancy history; name matches require verification
    CanLII Free Published Canadian court and tribunal decisions Not every tenancy matter or person will appear
    SingleKey From $29.99/report Credit, application, public-record, income/employment and ID verification Paid service; verify current features and pricing before ordering
    FrontLobby Individual products from about $10.99; bundles vary Equifax credit screening, background checks and tenant records Products and membership pricing vary; check current Canadian pricing

    Pricing and product features can change. The figures above reflect provider information reviewed in September 2026. Ontario Home Intel is not affiliated with or compensated by these providers unless expressly disclosed.

    1. OpenRoom: Free Ontario Court-Order Research

    OpenRoom provides a searchable collection of court and tribunal orders. Its court-order search is free and its database includes many Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board orders as well as some other tribunal and court records.

    Search OpenRoom Court Orders

    This can be useful as one supplementary verification step, but it should not be treated as a tenant blacklist. A person not appearing in the database does not prove that they have no tenancy disputes, and a name match should not be assumed to belong to an applicant without appropriate verification and context.

    2. CanLII: Free Legal-Decision Search

    CanLII is a free Canadian legal-information database. Landlords can use it to research published decisions and better understand how courts and tribunals have dealt with tenancy issues. It is primarily a legal research resource rather than a purpose-built tenant credit-screening service.

    Search CanLII Decisions

    3. SingleKey: Credit and Tenant Screening

    SingleKey currently advertises a single-bureau tenant report for $29.99 and a dual-bureau report for $44.99. Its advertised reports can include an Equifax or TransUnion credit check, online rental application, public-record/eviction search, income and employment verification, and ID/document verification.

    For a small landlord who wants several verification steps consolidated into one workflow, this can be more convenient than manually assembling separate checks.

    Visit SingleKey Tenant Screening

    4. FrontLobby: Credit, Background and Tenant Records

    FrontLobby offers Canadian landlord screening products using Equifax credit information along with background-check and Landlord Credit Bureau tenant-record products. Its current Canadian pricing page lists individual screening products and bundled options, including an applicant-pay option.

    The appropriate product depends on what the landlord actually needs to verify. Paying for more data does not remove the obligation to assess applicants consistently and lawfully.

    Visit FrontLobby Tenant Screening

    What Should an Ontario Landlord Actually Check?

    • Confirm the applicant’s identity using a reasonable verification process.
    • Review the completed rental application for inconsistencies.
    • Obtain consent before obtaining a credit report.
    • Review credit information in context rather than relying only on the numerical score.
    • Verify rental references where available.
    • Verify employment or income information when legitimately relevant.
    • Use public-record searches only as supplementary information and verify potential matches.
    • Apply the same core screening process to applicants consistently.
    • Document objective, tenancy-related reasons for the decision.
    • Protect the applicant’s personal information.

    Ontario Human Rights Rules Still Apply

    The Ontario Human Rights Commission states that landlords may request rental history, credit references and credit checks. A lack of rental or credit history should not be viewed negatively. Income information can also be requested, but the OHRC places restrictions on how it is considered, and arbitrary rent-to-income cutoffs such as a blanket 30% rule should not be used.

    Read the Ontario Human Rights Commission rental-housing policy before designing a screening process.

    Free vs. Paid Tenant Screening: Which Is Better?

    They serve different purposes. Free databases such as OpenRoom and CanLII can help with public-record research, but they do not replace a credit report, identity verification, reference checks or a completed rental application. Paid services can consolidate several checks into one report, but their results still require judgment, verification and lawful use.

    For many small Ontario landlords, a practical workflow is to start with a consistent application and reference process, obtain consent for a reputable credit check, verify income/employment where appropriate, and use public-record research as an additional—not decisive—step.

    Tenant Screening FAQ

    Can an Ontario landlord run a tenant credit check?

    Credit checks can form part of an Ontario rental application process. Obtain the applicant’s consent and apply the screening criteria consistently and without discrimination.

    Is OpenRoom free?

    OpenRoom currently states that its court-order search is free. Its records should be treated as supplementary public-record research rather than a complete tenant history.

    Is CanLII a background-check service?

    No. CanLII is primarily a free legal-information database containing published Canadian court and tribunal decisions. It can assist with research but is not a replacement for a tenant credit report or verification process.

    Can I reject someone because they have no Canadian credit history?

    A lack of rental or credit history should not automatically be treated negatively. This is particularly important when screening newcomers, young applicants and others who may have limited Canadian history.

    Should I use a 30% rent-to-income rule?

    No blanket rent-to-income cutoff should be used as an automatic screening rule. Review the Ontario Human Rights Commission guidance on permissible rental criteria.

    Free Ontario Tenant Screening Checklist

    Turn the screening process into a consistent workflow with our printable 6-page checklist covering criteria, verification, references, privacy and move-in preparation.

    Get the Free Checklist →

    Continue Your Tenant Screening Process

    General information only: Screening decisions can raise human-rights, privacy and tenancy-law issues. This article is not legal advice and does not endorse or guarantee any third-party screening service. Verify current provider pricing and features directly and obtain professional advice where appropriate.

  • N11 Agreement to End a Tenancy in Ontario: What Landlords & Tenants Should Know

    N11 Agreement to End a Tenancy in Ontario: What Landlords & Tenants Should Know

    Ontario N11 Guide · Updated for 2026

    The N11 — Agreement to End the Tenancy — is used when an Ontario landlord and tenant mutually agree that the tenancy will end on a specific date. It is fundamentally different from a notice such as an N4, N12 or N13 because it depends on agreement by both parties.

    An N11 Is a Mutual Agreement

    An N11 should reflect a genuine agreement to end the tenancy. A landlord cannot simply complete an N11 alone and treat it as a unilateral eviction notice. Likewise, a tenant should understand the termination date and practical consequences before signing.

    When Might an N11 Be Used?

    • The landlord and tenant both want the tenancy to end on an agreed date.
    • The parties negotiate an early end to a fixed-term tenancy.
    • A broader settlement resolves a tenancy dispute.
    • The tenant has another housing arrangement and the landlord agrees to release them from the tenancy.

    The appropriate form and process depend on the actual circumstances. An N11 should not be used to disguise a different statutory termination ground.

    Read Before Signing

    Both parties should confirm the rental-unit address, names and agreed termination date. Any separate promises about compensation, moving expenses, rent adjustments, keys or property condition should be documented clearly rather than left to memory.

    Do Not Confuse N11 With N12

    An N12 is a prescribed termination notice for qualifying landlord, purchaser or family occupation situations and carries specific statutory requirements. An N11 is an agreement. The legal consequences and procedural paths are different.

    Read our N12 and purchaser-use guide.

    What Happens After an N11 Is Signed?

    The parties should retain copies and prepare for the agreed move-out date. Depending on what happens afterward, an application to the Landlord and Tenant Board may still become relevant. Do not assume that signing a document allows a landlord to personally change the locks or remove a tenant without following the lawful process.

    Practical N11 Checklist

    • Use the current Tribunals Ontario form.
    • Confirm both parties are agreeing voluntarily.
    • Check the correct rental-unit address and party names.
    • Confirm the exact termination date.
    • Put any related financial or move-out agreement in writing, including how any belongings left behind will be handled under applicable Ontario rules.
    • Keep signed copies and related correspondence.
    • Use the lawful LTB process if a dispute later arises.

    Find the current form through our Ontario LTB Notice & Form Finder. If the parties are considering alternatives before signing an N11, see how to break or assign a lease in Ontario and our assignment vs. subletting guide. After an agreement is reached, the Ontario rental move-out checklist and Move-Out Condition Report can help document the transition. Also review our Ontario LTB Notices overview.

    Open the LTB Form Finder Open the Move-Out Condition Report

    General information only: This guide is not legal advice. The enforceability and consequences of an agreement can depend on the facts, communications between the parties and current law. Verify current requirements with Tribunals Ontario or an appropriate legal professional before acting.

  • Ontario Eviction Notices Explained: N4, N5, N7, N8, N12 & N13

    Ontario Eviction Notices Explained: N4, N5, N7, N8, N12 & N13

    Ontario LTB Notice Guide · Reviewed September 2026

    Current-form reminder: LTB forms and procedures changed during 2026. Use this overview to understand the pathways, then confirm the current form, instructions, service rules and filing method with Tribunals Ontario.

    Ontario landlords and tenants encounter several prescribed Landlord and Tenant Board notices. The form number matters because each notice is designed for a particular situation and has its own grounds, timing and procedural requirements.

    A termination notice is not the same as an eviction order. If a tenant does not leave voluntarily, a landlord generally needs to follow the applicable Landlord and Tenant Board process and obtain an order before an eviction can be legally enforced.

    N4 — Non-Payment of Rent

    The N4 is used when rent is owing. For notices given on or after September 21, 2026, the minimum termination period is generally 7 days. OHI tracks the related reforms in its Ontario Rental Rule Changes for 2026 overview. The notice can become void if the tenant pays the amount required under the applicable rules before the deadline. Accuracy in the rent calculation and service date is important.

    Read the N4 guide.

    N5 — Interference, Damage or Overcrowding

    An N5 can apply to certain allegations involving substantial interference, damage or overcrowding. Some N5 situations include an opportunity to correct the conduct within a specified period, while repeat situations can operate differently.

    Read the N5 guide.

    N6 — Illegal Acts or RGI Income Issues

    The N6 addresses specific statutory grounds involving alleged illegal acts and certain misrepresentation of income in rent-geared-to-income housing. It is not interchangeable with the N5 or N7, and the current official instructions should be checked before acting.

    Read the N6 guide.

    N7 — Serious Problems

    The N7 is reserved for particular serious allegations identified by the Residential Tenancies Act and LTB form instructions. It should not be treated as a general-purpose notice for ordinary tenancy disputes.

    Read the N7 guide.

    N8 — Ending a Tenancy at the End of the Term

    The N8 can apply to specified circumstances such as certain persistent late-payment situations and other grounds set out in the legislation. Its termination-date requirements differ from notices that can end a tenancy earlier.

    Read the N8 guide.

    N12 — Landlord, Purchaser or Family Use

    An N12 may be used in qualifying circumstances when the landlord, purchaser or specified family member genuinely requires the rental unit for residential occupation. Notice timing, compensation and good-faith requirements are important, and purchaser-use rules have additional statutory conditions.

    Read the N12 and selling-a-tenanted-property guide.

    N13 — Renovation, Demolition or Conversion

    An N13 is used for specified demolition, conversion or repair/renovation situations. The required notice period is generally longer than many other notices, and compensation or a tenant’s right of first refusal can arise depending on the circumstances.

    Read the N13 guide.

    What About N11?

    An N11 is different because it records a mutual agreement between landlord and tenant to end a tenancy. It is not a unilateral eviction notice. Both parties should understand the agreement before signing it.

    Read the N11 guide.

    Tenant Notices: N9 and N15

    N9 is a tenant notice to end a tenancy and has its own termination-date requirements. N15 is a separate tenant pathway for qualifying fear of sexual or domestic violence and abuse and uses specific supporting documentation. These are not landlord eviction notices.

    Read the N9 guide. · Read the N15 guide.

    Before Serving or Responding to a Notice

    • Use the current form from Tribunals Ontario.
    • Read the current instructions for that form.
    • Confirm the legal ground actually matches the facts.
    • Calculate the termination date carefully.
    • Follow the permitted service methods.
    • Keep a complete copy and proof of service.
    • Remember that receiving a notice does not necessarily mean an eviction has already been ordered.

    Use our Ontario LTB Notice & Form Finder to reach current official forms and instructions. For the tribunal process after a notice or application, see what to expect at the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board. If the issue is unpaid rent, the Ontario Rent Arrears Ledger and N4 Planning Worksheet can help organize the underlying records before using the official forms.

    Find the Correct LTB Notice or Form Learn What to Expect at the LTB

    General information only: This overview is not legal advice and does not determine whether a notice is valid in a particular case. Ontario LTB forms, service requirements and procedures can change. Verify the current form and instructions with Tribunals Ontario and obtain legal advice where appropriate.

  • Renting Your First Home in Ontario: A Tenant Guide

    Renting Your First Home in Ontario: A Tenant Guide

    Ontario First-Time Renter Guide · Updated for 2026

    Renting your first home in Ontario involves more than finding a unit and signing a lease. Before paying a deposit or moving in, understand what information to verify, which documents to keep and how Ontario’s residential-tenancy rules affect deposits, rent, repairs, entry and ending a tenancy.

    Before You Apply

    • Confirm the full monthly rent and what utilities or services are included; see our guide to who pays for heat, hydro and water.
    • Ask about parking, laundry, storage and other recurring charges.
    • Confirm who the landlord or property manager is.
    • Review the unit carefully and document important representations in writing.
    • Be cautious about sending money before verifying the rental and the person offering it.

    Use our Ontario Rental Application Checklist to organize documents without supplying unnecessary sensitive information.

    Understand the Ontario Standard Lease

    Most private residential tenancies covered by Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act use the Ontario Standard Form of Lease. Read the full lease, confirm the rent and included services, and keep a signed copy. Additional terms cannot remove rights established by the legislation.

    Read our Ontario Standard Lease guide.

    Know the Deposit Rules

    Ontario places limits on deposits. A rent deposit is generally applied to the last rental period rather than held as a general damage deposit. Key deposits may be permitted in limited circumstances when they are refundable and tied to replacement cost.

    Read the Ontario Rental Deposits guide.

    Document the Unit at Move-In

    Photograph the condition of walls, floors, appliances, fixtures and any existing damage. Record keys, meter readings and unresolved repairs. Save the photos and written records somewhere you can access later.

    Use the Move-In Inspection Checklist.

    Rent, Receipts and Rent Increases

    Keep records of every rent payment. A landlord must provide a rent receipt when requested in circumstances covered by the Residential Tenancies Act. Rent increases are also subject to timing and notice requirements, and the annual guideline does not apply to every rental unit.

    Learn about Ontario rent increases and rent control.

    Repairs and Landlord Entry

    Landlords have statutory maintenance obligations, while tenants are responsible for ordinary cleanliness and certain damage they cause. Ontario law also regulates when a landlord may enter a rental unit and when advance written notice is required.

    Before You Move Out

    Do not assume you can leave on any date simply because you want to move. The required notice and termination date depend on the tenancy and circumstances. Use current LTB instructions before giving notice.

    First-Time Renter Checklist

    • Verify the landlord and rental unit before sending money.
    • Read the full lease and keep a signed copy.
    • Confirm rent, utilities, parking and included services.
    • Understand legal deposit rules.
    • Document move-in condition with photos.
    • Keep receipts and payment records.
    • Consider tenant insurance and understand what it may and may not cover.
    • Keep repair and entry communications in writing.
    • Use the correct notice and timing when moving out.

    Explore the full Ontario Tenant Resources centre.

    General information only: This guide is not legal advice. Ontario tenancy rules can be fact-specific and may change. Verify current requirements with the Government of Ontario, Tribunals Ontario or an appropriate legal professional.

  • Snow Removal and Lawn Care in Ontario Rentals: Who Is Responsible?

    Snow Removal and Lawn Care in Ontario Rentals: Who Is Responsible?

    Ontario Rental Maintenance Guide · Updated for 2026

    Snow removal and lawn care are frequent sources of confusion in Ontario rentals. Responsibility can depend on the type of property, the tenancy agreement, municipal standards and whether the work relates to common areas or exclusive-use areas.

    Landlord Maintenance Duties

    Ontario landlords have statutory obligations to maintain the residential complex in a good state of repair and comply with applicable maintenance standards. Common walkways, stairs, entrances and other shared areas require particular attention.

    Can a Tenant Agree to Do Snow or Lawn Work?

    Parties sometimes make separate arrangements for a tenant to perform maintenance work, but a lease term cannot simply eliminate statutory landlord obligations. Any arrangement should be clear, lawful and documented.

    Exclusive-Use Areas

    A single-family rental with a private driveway and yard may raise different practical issues from a multi-unit property with common walkways. The lease, property configuration and applicable standards should all be reviewed.

    Municipal Property Standards

    Municipal bylaws may set standards for snow, ice, grass, weeds and exterior property maintenance. Landlords and tenants should check the municipality because local requirements vary.

    Practical Checklist

    • Identify common versus exclusive-use areas.
    • Review the lease and any separate maintenance agreement.
    • Check municipal property standards.
    • Document snow and ice complaints promptly.
    • Keep invoices and maintenance records.
    • Avoid lease wording that attempts to waive statutory duties.

    Related Resource

    See our Repairs and Maintenance guide and Ontario municipality guides.

    Common questions about this topic

    Browse all 50 rental questions →

    General information only: Responsibility can depend on the facts, lease structure and local standards. Verify current requirements before relying on a maintenance clause.

  • Noise Complaints in Ontario Rentals: What Landlords and Tenants Should Do

    Noise Complaints in Ontario Rentals: What Landlords and Tenants Should Do

    Ontario Rental Noise Complaint Guide · Updated for 2026

    Noise disputes are common in rental housing, but not every sound is a tenancy-law violation. The key questions are usually whether the conduct substantially interferes with another tenant’s reasonable enjoyment and whether the landlord has taken reasonable steps after receiving a credible complaint.

    Reasonable Enjoyment

    Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act protects a tenant’s reasonable enjoyment of the rental unit and residential complex. Landlords should investigate persistent, serious or recurring complaints rather than ignoring them.

    Document the Pattern

    • Date and time of each incident
    • Duration and type of noise
    • Where it appears to originate
    • How it affected use of the unit
    • Any communications with the other party or landlord
    • Municipal bylaw or security reports where applicable

    Landlord Response

    A landlord should assess the complaint, communicate with the parties, review lease and building rules, and consider whether a warning or formal tenancy-law step is appropriate. The response should be proportionate to the evidence.

    Ordinary Living Noise vs Serious Interference

    Apartment and multi-unit living involves some ordinary noise. Footsteps, plumbing, children, doors and daily activities are not automatically grounds for termination. Frequency, volume, timing and impact matter.

    Municipal Bylaws

    Municipal noise bylaws can operate alongside tenancy law. A bylaw complaint can be useful evidence, but an LTB case is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act and the evidence before the Board.

    Related Resources

    See our N5 Notice guide and Landlords & Tenants Resource Centre.

    Common questions about this topic

    Browse all 50 rental questions →

    General information only: Noise disputes are fact-specific. Keep objective records and obtain advice before serving or responding to formal notices.

  • Smoking and Cannabis in Ontario Rentals: Landlord and Tenant Rules

    Smoking and Cannabis in Ontario Rentals: Landlord and Tenant Rules

    Ontario Smoking & Cannabis Rental Guide · Updated for 2026

    Smoking and cannabis issues in Ontario rentals can involve the tenancy agreement, condominium rules, municipal bylaws, provincial smoke-free legislation and a tenant’s reasonable enjoyment of the property.

    Can a Lease Restrict Smoking?

    A tenancy agreement can include smoking rules. The Ontario Standard Lease has a section for smoking terms. Landlords should state restrictions clearly rather than relying on informal expectations.

    Cannabis Is Not Automatically Treated Differently

    Legal cannabis does not create an unrestricted right to smoke anywhere. Lease restrictions, condominium rules, smoke-free laws and interference with other occupants can still matter.

    Smoke and Reasonable Enjoyment

    Where smoke or odour substantially interferes with another tenant’s reasonable enjoyment, the landlord may need to investigate. Documentation should focus on dates, duration, location and impact rather than assumptions about the source.

    Medical and Human-Rights Issues

    Some situations can engage disability-related accommodation obligations. That does not necessarily mean every requested smoking method or location must be accepted, but landlords should avoid making decisions without considering applicable human-rights duties.

    Practical Steps

    • Put smoking rules in the lease.
    • Provide applicable condominium rules.
    • Document complaints objectively.
    • Investigate ventilation and building issues where relevant.
    • Consider accommodation obligations before taking enforcement action.

    Official Resources

    Review the Ontario Standard Lease guide and current provincial and municipal smoke-free rules.

    General information only: Smoking, cannabis and accommodation disputes can be fact-specific. Verify current legal requirements before acting.