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Ontario tenant guides covering leases, rent, deposits, repairs, landlord entry, notices, ending a tenancy and Landlord and Tenant Board processes.

  • Can My Landlord Refuse a Lease Assignment in Ontario?

    OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question #13

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    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: A landlord may refuse a tenant’s request to assign the rental unit in some circumstances. But Ontario law distinguishes between refusing assignment in principle and refusing a particular proposed assignee. The type of refusal can affect whether the tenant may give an N9 notice or apply to the LTB.

    Sections 95 through 98 of the RTA govern assignment and subletting. A tenant must obtain the landlord’s consent before assigning the rental unit. A landlord may refuse consent to assignment generally. If the landlord agrees in principle but refuses a specific proposed assignee, that refusal must not be arbitrary or unreasonable.

    Assignment transfers the tenancy to another person. It is not the same as adding a roommate or temporarily subletting while the original tenant plans to return.

    What happens if the landlord refuses assignment generally?

    A tenant may have a time-limited right to end the tenancy by giving an N9 after a general refusal or after the landlord does not respond within the statutory period. Timing and service rules matter, so use the current form and instructions.

    Can the landlord screen a proposed assignee?

    A landlord may request information reasonably connected to deciding whether to accept the proposed assignee, while following Ontario human-rights rules. A fee should generally be limited to reasonable out-of-pocket expenses connected to the request.

    What if a specific person is refused?

    If the tenant believes a specific assignee was refused arbitrarily or unreasonably, the tenant may be able to apply to the LTB. The evidence may include the application, screening criteria, communications and reasons given.

    What should a tenant do?

    • Ask for assignment in writing and make clear whether you seek general consent or approval of a named person.
    • Keep the date, response and reasons for any refusal.
    • Do not transfer possession before obtaining required consent.
    • Check the current N9 and A2 information promptly because some options are time-sensitive.

    What should a landlord do?

    • Answer assignment requests promptly and in writing.
    • Use consistent, lawful screening criteria and document the reasons for a specific refusal.
    • Distinguish assignment from subletting and from an ordinary roommate.
    • Charge only permitted reasonable expenses connected to consent.

    Example

    A tenant asks, “May I assign my lease?” and the landlord says no to any assignment. That general refusal may open a route to end the tenancy. If the landlord says yes generally but rejects one applicant, the reason for rejecting that person becomes important.

    Official Ontario sources

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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. 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.

  • Can My Landlord Make Me Shovel Snow or Cut the Grass in Ontario?

    OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question #17

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    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: It depends on the property, the area involved and the legal arrangement. Ontario landlords have statutory maintenance obligations, especially for common areas. A simple clause inserted in a lease may not always transfer those duties. Exclusive-use areas and a genuine separate agreement can raise different issues.

    Sections 20 and 26 of the RTA address maintenance and cleanliness. Ontario Regulation 517/06 contains maintenance standards, and municipal property standards may also apply. Courts and the LTB have distinguished a landlord’s statutory maintenance duties from a separate contract for a tenant to perform services.

    The analysis can differ between a shared apartment complex, a single-family home and an area for one tenant’s exclusive use. Safety, insurance and local bylaws remain important.

    What about common walkways and parking areas?

    Landlords are generally responsible for maintaining common areas. Snow and ice on shared stairs, entrances, paths or parking areas can create safety and liability concerns that should not be left ambiguous.

    Does a lease clause make the tenant responsible?

    A clause is not automatically enforceable merely because it is written in a lease. The wording, area, tenancy type, consideration and whether the agreement is genuinely separate can matter. Parties should obtain advice rather than rely on a one-line clause.

    What about a private yard or driveway?

    Exclusive-use areas can be fact-specific. A tenant may have cleanliness or ordinary-use responsibilities, while the landlord retains statutory maintenance duties. The safest approach is a clear, lawful written arrangement and reliable performance—not assumptions.

    What should a tenant do?

    • Ask who handles each driveway, walkway, stair and lawn before signing.
    • Report hazards promptly and document unsafe conditions.
    • Do not assume a clause removes every landlord obligation.
    • If agreeing to provide a service, clarify scope, equipment, timing, compensation and what happens during illness or absence.

    What should a landlord do?

    • Identify common and exclusive-use areas and check municipal standards.
    • Use a reliable snow and lawn plan with records, especially for shared areas.
    • Obtain legal advice before relying on a lease clause as a transfer of statutory duties.
    • Address urgent hazards promptly even while responsibility is disputed.

    Example

    A tenant in one unit of a triplex is told to clear the shared front steps for everyone. That raises stronger common-area concerns than a clearly documented separate arrangement for work at a detached home.

    Official Ontario sources

    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.

  • Can My Landlord Make Me Pay for Repairs in Ontario?

    OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question #11

    Browse the full “Can My Landlord?” series

    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: Sometimes—but not simply because something needs fixing. A landlord must generally maintain the rental property and keep it fit for habitation. A tenant may be responsible where the tenant, a guest or another occupant wilfully or negligently causes undue damage. Normal wear and tear is different from damage.

    Section 20 of Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) places the basic maintenance and repair obligation on the landlord. That obligation continues even if a tenant knew about a problem before moving in or agreed to accept the unit “as is.”

    Section 34 separately makes a tenant responsible for repairing undue damage caused by the tenant’s wilful or negligent conduct or by someone the tenant permits in the complex. The key questions are what caused the problem, whether it is ordinary deterioration, and what evidence supports the claim.

    Maintenance is not automatically a tenant bill

    A failed furnace, aging roof, worn plumbing component or appliance breakdown is generally a maintenance issue, not automatically a tenant expense. A lease clause cannot erase a landlord’s statutory repair duties.

    What counts as normal wear and tear?

    Ordinary scuffs, gradual carpet wear and aging finishes may occur through reasonable use. By contrast, a broken door caused by force, a burn in flooring or water damage caused by ignoring an obvious leak may support a claim for undue damage. Context, age, condition and useful life all matter.

    Can the landlord simply add the repair cost to rent?

    A disputed damage claim should not simply be relabelled as rent arrears. The landlord should provide an itemized explanation and evidence. If the parties do not agree, the landlord may need to use the appropriate LTB process and prove the claim.

    What should a tenant do?

    • Report repair problems promptly in writing and allow lawful access for inspection or work.
    • Photograph the condition and keep work orders, messages and receipts.
    • Do not admit responsibility or pay an unexplained invoice without asking what caused the damage and how the amount was calculated.
    • If maintenance is not completed, consider the appropriate written request, municipal enforcement route or LTB tenant application rather than withholding rent.

    What should a landlord do?

    • Inspect and document the condition before and after tenancies and when problems are reported.
    • Separate maintenance, normal wear and alleged undue damage in the ledger and correspondence.
    • Keep dated photographs, invoices and evidence about cause, age and condition.
    • Use the correct LTB process for an unresolved damage claim.

    Example

    A ten-year-old faucet fails during normal use. That is likely maintenance. If a tenant or guest deliberately breaks the fixture, the landlord may have a damage claim—but still needs evidence and a lawful process.

    Official Ontario sources

    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.

  • Can My Landlord Take Photos During an Inspection in Ontario?

    OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question

    Browse the full “Can My Landlord?” series

    Last verified: September 12, 2026

    Quick answer: Sometimes. Ontario law does not provide a simple blanket right to photograph everything in a tenant’s home, nor a blanket ban on inspection photos. The entry must be lawful and the photography should be reasonably connected to a proper purpose, such as documenting maintenance or the condition of the unit.

    Start with the right of entry

    A landlord usually needs at least 24 hours’ written notice for a reasonable inspection, repairs or a purchaser showing. The notice must state the reason, date and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Photography does not cure an entry that was unlawful in the first place.

    When may inspection photos be reasonable?

    Tribunals Ontario’s tenant-rights interpretation guidance discusses photographs taken during authorized entry for a proper inspection purpose. Examples may include documenting a leak, damaged flooring, a safety concern or the condition of an item that needs repair.

    The closer the image is tied to the stated purpose, the stronger the justification. A focused image of a broken fixture is different from sweeping photographs of personal papers, family photos, medication or computer screens.

    Can inspection photos be used to advertise the unit?

    That is a different purpose. Photos intended for a listing or virtual tour may expose the tenant’s belongings and personal information. A landlord should not assume that notice to enter for an inspection automatically authorizes broad advertising photography. Consent, necessity and privacy should be addressed separately.

    What should landlords do?

    • Explain in the notice or advance communication if photos are expected.
    • Photograph only what is reasonably necessary.
    • Avoid personal documents, people and identifying details where possible.
    • Store images securely and limit who receives them.
    • Obtain clear consent before using interior images for marketing where privacy is affected.

    What should tenants do?

    • Ask what will be photographed and why.
    • Put privacy concerns in writing before the entry.
    • Move highly sensitive documents or items out of view where practical.
    • Document photography that appears unrelated or excessive.
    • Seek legal advice if images are misused or entry rules are repeatedly ignored.

    Can the tenant stop every photo?

    Not necessarily. A tenant cannot automatically block a landlord from reasonably documenting a legitimate repair or inspection during lawful entry. At the same time, the landlord’s actions can be challenged if they substantially interfere with reasonable enjoyment or privacy.

    OHI guides and tools

    Frequently asked questions

    Can a landlord photograph the tenant?

    Photographing a person is more intrusive than documenting a repair. Landlords should avoid capturing tenants or visitors unless genuinely necessary and legally justified.

    Can a tenant request copies?

    A tenant can ask what was photographed, why, how it will be used and whether copies can be provided. Whether disclosure is legally required may depend on the circumstances and applicable privacy law.

    Official Ontario sources

    General information only: This article concerns Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Some rentals are exempt from all or part of the RTA. Verify current rules and forms with Tribunals Ontario or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.

  • Can My Landlord Evict Me Because They’re Selling the Property in Ontario?

    OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question

    Browse the full “Can My Landlord?” series

    Last verified: September 12, 2026

    Quick answer: No—not simply because the property is listed or sold. A sale normally transfers the tenancy to the buyer. An N12 for purchaser’s own use may be available only after an agreement of purchase and sale exists and the statutory requirements are met.

    Does listing the property end the lease?

    No. A landlord can sell a tenanted property, but listing it does not cancel the tenancy. The tenant generally continues under the existing terms unless the tenancy ends through a valid agreement, tenant notice or lawful LTB process.

    When may purchaser-own-use apply?

    For a property with no more than three residential units, a landlord who has entered into an agreement of purchase and sale may give an N12 if the purchaser, the purchaser’s spouse, a qualifying parent or child, or a caregiver genuinely requires the unit for residential occupation. Condominium units may also qualify under the RTA.

    The proposed occupant must genuinely require the unit for residential occupation. The purchaser-use ground is distinct from the landlord-use ground, which expressly requires at least one year of occupation. Vacant possession simply because a buyer prefers an empty property is not enough.

    What notice and compensation are required?

    An N12 generally requires at least 60 days’ notice with a termination date at the end of a rental period or fixed term. The landlord must also pay one month’s rent as compensation or offer another acceptable unit by the required deadline.

    Does the tenant have to move on the N12 date?

    An N12 is a notice, not an eviction order. If the tenant does not move, the landlord must apply to the LTB. The tenant may dispute the application and raise concerns about eligibility or good faith. Only the Sheriff can enforce an LTB eviction order.

    What about showings?

    A sale can create lawful entries for buyer showings, but the landlord must follow Ontario’s entry rules. Proper written notice is usually required for purchaser showings while the tenancy continues.

    What both sides should keep

    • The lease and any amendments
    • The N12 and proof of service
    • Proof of compensation
    • Showing notices and communications
    • Evidence relevant to the proposed occupant and good-faith intention

    OHI guides

    Official Ontario sources

    General information only: This article concerns Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Some rentals are exempt from all or part of the RTA. Verify current rules and forms with Tribunals Ontario or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.

  • Can My Landlord Ask for a Damage Deposit in Ontario?

    OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question

    Browse the full “Can My Landlord?” series

    Last verified: September 12, 2026

    Quick answer: Generally, no. For tenancies covered by Ontario’s RTA, a landlord can usually require a rent deposit for the last rental period and a refundable key deposit limited to expected replacement cost—not a separate damage, security or pet deposit.

    What deposits are normally allowed?

    The rent deposit cannot exceed one month’s rent or one rental period, whichever is less, and must be applied to the last rental period rather than held as a general damage fund. The landlord generally owes annual interest on that deposit.

    A refundable key, remote or access-card deposit may be permitted if it is no more than the expected direct replacement cost.

    Why is a damage deposit different?

    A damage deposit gives the landlord money in advance to cover a future claim that may never arise. Ontario’s standard-lease guidance says tenants do not have to provide other forms of deposit such as pet or damage deposits.

    Renaming it a “security deposit,” “cleaning deposit” or “move-out deposit” does not necessarily make it lawful.

    Who pays for actual damage?

    The deposit rule does not eliminate tenant responsibility. A tenant may be responsible for undue damage caused wilfully or negligently by the tenant, an occupant or a guest. Normal wear and tear is different. If the parties cannot agree, the landlord can use the appropriate LTB application rather than simply treating an unlawful deposit as automatic compensation.

    What if the tenant already paid the deposit?

    A tenant who believes an illegal charge was collected may be able to seek repayment through the LTB, commonly using a T1 application. Limitation periods apply, so the tenant should check the current form instructions promptly.

    Practical checklist

    • Get a receipt for every deposit or payment.
    • Identify in writing what the money is for.
    • Complete a move-in condition record with dated photos.
    • Keep repair invoices and communications.
    • Do not deduct disputed amounts without understanding the legal process.

    OHI guides and tools

    Frequently asked questions

    Can a landlord use last month’s rent for damage?

    The rent deposit is intended for the last rental period, not as a general damage deposit.

    Can the key deposit be hundreds of dollars?

    It must be refundable and not greater than the expected direct replacement cost, so the amount should be supportable.

    Official Ontario sources

    General information only: This article concerns Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Some rentals are exempt from all or part of the RTA. Verify current rules with official Ontario sources or obtain advice from 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.

    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 Tenant List the Rental on Airbnb in Ontario?

    OHI | Can My Tenant? · Ontario rental question #50

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

    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: Not automatically. A short-term rental listing can breach the lease, condominium rules, municipal licensing or zoning requirements, insurance terms, and the RTA’s subletting or unauthorized-occupancy provisions. A tenant should obtain written landlord consent and verify every applicable rule before listing.

    A legal RTA sublet requires the landlord’s consent and has specific characteristics. Nightly hosting may not fit neatly within an ordinary sublet and can create separate municipal and condominium issues. Ontario law also restricts a tenant from charging a subtenant more than the lawful rent on a proportional basis.

    Many municipalities limit short-term rentals to a principal residence, require registration, or prohibit them in certain properties. Condominium rules may be stricter.

    What if the tenant remains in the unit?

    Renting a room while remaining may differ from transferring the whole unit, but local business, licensing, insurance, guest-conduct and lease rules still apply.

    Can the landlord evict over Airbnb?

    Potential grounds may include unauthorized transfer, illegal activity, substantial interference or breach-related conduct. The landlord must identify the correct ground, serve the proper notice and prove the case at the LTB.

    Who is responsible for guest damage?

    The tenant can remain responsible for people they permit on the property. Platform protection is not necessarily equivalent to landlord or tenant insurance.

    What should the tenant do?

    • Obtain written landlord consent before listing.
    • Check municipal registration, zoning and principal-residence rules.
    • Review condo declarations, lease terms and insurance.
    • Understand guest conduct, taxes, income reporting and emergency access.

    What should the landlord do?

    • Investigate the actual hosting arrangement and preserve listings and dates.
    • Check municipal, condo and insurance requirements.
    • Communicate a clear policy in the standard lease where lawful.
    • Use the correct LTB process rather than lockouts or utility interruption.

    Example

    A tenant lists the entire condo nightly while living elsewhere, contrary to the condo declaration and municipal licensing rule. That is very different from an occasional permitted arrangement that satisfies every written approval.

    Official sources

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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 Use Last Month’s Rent Deposit for Their Final Month?

    OHI | Can My Tenant? · Ontario rental question #44

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

    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: Yes—the rent deposit is generally intended to be applied to the last rent period before the tenancy ends. But the tenant must still end the tenancy lawfully. Calling a month “the last month” does not shorten a fixed term or replace required notice.

    Sections 105 and 106 of the RTA govern rent deposits. A landlord may collect no more than one rent period and must apply it to the final rent period. The deposit is not a damage or cleaning fund.

    The landlord generally owes annual interest at the applicable guideline rate and may request a lawful top-up after rent increases.

    Can it cover an ordinary missed month?

    No. While the tenancy continues, the deposit is not a revolving rent fund. Using it early can leave the final period unpaid.

    What if the tenant gives insufficient notice?

    The deposit can still be applied to the actual last rental period, but the tenant may owe additional rent or losses depending on notice, mitigation and re-rental.

    Can the landlord deduct damage?

    The rent deposit should not be diverted to damage or cleaning claims. Those claims follow separate agreement or LTB processes.

    What should the tenant do?

    • Give the correct notice and identify the lawful termination date.
    • Confirm in writing that the deposit will be applied to the final rent period.
    • Keep proof of the deposit and rent increases.
    • Ask for the interest calculation.

    What should the landlord do?

    • Apply the deposit only to the final rent period.
    • Track required interest and lawful top-ups.
    • Keep damage and cleaning claims separate.
    • Clarify when notice is defective without misusing the deposit.

    Example

    A monthly tenant gives valid notice ending June 30. The deposit is applied to June rent. It cannot automatically be applied to May simply because the tenant says they plan to leave later.

    Official sources

    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.

  • Can My Tenant Put a Satellite Dish or Antenna on the Property?

    OHI | Can My Tenant? · Ontario rental question #49

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

    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: A tenant generally should obtain written permission before attaching a satellite dish or antenna to the roof, wall, balcony, railing or grounds. Installation can alter the property, penetrate the building envelope, create safety risks or affect common elements. Freestanding indoor equipment may be different.

    The RTA does not grant a general right to alter the landlord’s structure. Tenants can be responsible for undue damage, while landlords retain maintenance duties. Condominium declarations, municipal bylaws and provider requirements may impose additional limits.

    A landlord should assess a concrete proposal rather than rely on assumptions, particularly where communications access relates to a protected human-rights need.

    Can it be placed on a balcony?

    A balcony may be an exclusive-use common element rather than tenant-owned space. Condo approval and rules may apply even without drilling.

    Who is responsible for leaks or removal?

    A written agreement should address installation, damage, insurance, maintenance, removal and restoration. Professional installation may be required.

    Can the landlord remove it?

    The landlord should not discard tenant property without authority. Give notice, identify the rule and allow a reasonable correction where appropriate.

    What should the tenant do?

    • Submit the exact location, mounting and installer proposal.
    • Check condo and municipal rules.
    • Do not drill or attach equipment before written approval.
    • Keep removal and restoration obligations clear.

    What should the landlord do?

    • Assess structural, waterproofing, safety and insurance effects.
    • Check ownership of balconies and common elements.
    • Respond in writing with reasons and workable alternatives.
    • Use lawful remedies rather than immediate disposal.

    Example

    A freestanding indoor antenna causes no alteration. A roof-mounted dish penetrating shingles presents structural, leak and ownership issues requiring approval.

    Official sources

    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.