Ontario Rental Rule Changes for 2026: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know

Last verified: September 21, 2026

Ontario rental-rule changes already in force

1. The deadline to request an LTB order review is now 15 days

For an LTB order issued on or after July 1, 2026, the deadline to request a review was shortened from 30 days to 15 days. A review is not a general second hearing; the LTB applies specific grounds and procedural rules.

The change also shortened certain related timelines for above-guideline-increase orders. If an order affects you, check the issue date and obtain legal advice promptly rather than relying on the former 30-day period.

2. The LTB Payment Agreement Form is mandatory in certain repayment plans

When a landlord and tenant enter into a repayment plan under section 206 of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, the LTB’s Payment Agreement Form is now mandatory. Both parties should make sure the agreement accurately records the arrears, payment dates and consequences of missed payments before signing.

3. New rules apply to tenant-installed air conditioners

Effective July 1, 2026, tenants may install a window or portable air conditioner when the statutory conditions are met, including written notice, safe installation, compliance with applicable laws and avoiding damage.

If electricity is included in rent, a landlord may be able to charge a seasonal rent increase for the actual or reasonably estimated electricity cost, subject to the new rules. The amount must be removed when the unit is removed or no longer used. Existing lease wording does not necessarily override these rules.

Read OHI’s air-conditioner question and answer for a focused explanation.

4. Maximum fines for RTA offences have doubled

The maximum court fines for offences under section 236 of the RTA increased to:

• $100,000 for an individual, up from $50,000
• $500,000 for a corporation, up from $250,000

These are maximum fines for provincial offences. They are different from compensation, costs or administrative fines that the LTB may order in an individual case.

What changed on September 21, 2026?

The N4 notice period is now 7 days

For an N4 notice given on or after September 21, 2026, the minimum termination period is generally 7 days. The notice is still not an eviction order. If the tenant does not move out or void the notice where permitted, the landlord must apply to the LTB, and only the LTB can issue an eviction order.

Persistent late payment now has a statutory benchmark

Rent paid more than 7 days after it was due on at least 3 occasions within a 6-month period can establish persistent late payment under the updated rules. Other circumstances may also be relevant. See the detailed N8 Notice guide.

Landlord-own-use N12 compensation can depend on notice length

For a landlord-own-use N12 served on or after September 21, 2026, compensation or an acceptable alternative unit is not required where the statutory conditions are met and the termination date is at least 120 days after the notice is given. This exception does not apply to purchaser-use N12 notices.

New N12 bad-faith presumption

For landlord-own-use cases covered by the new rule, the intended occupant must normally take occupancy within the prescribed 60-day period. See OHI’s bad-faith N12 guide for the detailed N12/T5 framework. If that does not happen, a T5 proceeding can carry a rebuttable presumption that the N12 was given in bad faith. The prescribed period is measured from the N12 termination date when the tenant leaves on or before that date, or from the date the tenant actually vacates when they leave later.

Rent-arrears hearings: 50% payment rule for additional tenant issues

For hearing preparation and process context, see Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board: What to Expect.

For a rent-arrears application filed on or after September 21, 2026, a tenant who wants to raise additional issues under section 82 at the landlord’s non-payment hearing—such as maintenance or tenant-rights concerns—must generally pay the landlord 50% of the arrears claimed in the application at least 7 days before the hearing. The payment is made directly to the landlord, not to the LTB in trust, and the existing requirement to provide a description of the issues at least 7 days before the hearing continues. This does not prevent the tenant from disputing the landlord’s arrears claim itself or filing a separate applicable tenant application.

Eviction-order delay and set-aside rules also changed

September 21 changes also restrict when the LTB may delay certain eviction orders and when it may set aside an eviction order issued without a hearing following a tenant notice or agreement to end the tenancy. These rules are fact-specific and should be checked against the current LTB guidance.

N13 renovation and return procedures changed

For a dedicated explanation, see the N13 renovations, demolition and conversion guide.

Where an applicable tenant gives written notice that they intend to return after N13 repairs or renovations, new notification duties apply to the landlord, including estimated-completion updates, notice when the unit is ready and, where applicable, 60 days’ notice to reoccupy. The deadline for certain T5 right-of-first-refusal claims is now two years after the tenant moves out or six months after renovations finish, whichever is later.

Timing matters: notices given before September 21 follow the earlier rules. Notices given on or after that date must use the updated form and instructions applicable at that time. Landlords should not reuse an old saved form, and tenants should not ignore a notice because they believe an older deadline applies.

See OHI’s N4 Notice in Ontario guide, N4 timeline and late-rent answer.

What has not changed?

• A landlord cannot personally evict a tenant, change the locks or remove belongings without following the legal process.
• An N4 is a notice, not an eviction order.
• Tenants remain responsible for paying lawful rent when due.
• Landlords must use the correct current form and calculate notice periods properly.
• Only the Court Enforcement Office, commonly called the sheriff, can enforce an LTB eviction order.
• Many common rights involving repairs, entry, deposits and rent increases still depend on the RTA and the facts of the tenancy.

2026 rent-increase guideline

Ontario’s rent-increase guideline for 2026 is 2.1% for most rent-controlled units. A landlord normally must wait at least 12 months between increases, give at least 90 days’ written notice and use the correct LTB form. Some newer rental units are exempt from the guideline cap, but notice and timing rules still apply.

Read Ontario Rent Increases and Rent Control: 2026 Guide and Ontario Rent Increase Forms Explained.

Practical steps for landlords

• Replace saved LTB forms with the current versions before serving anything.
• Check the effective date of each rule instead of relying on a summary or social post.
• Document repayment arrangements using the required LTB form where section 206 applies.
• Update air-conditioner policies and seasonal electricity calculations.
• Keep proof of service and double-check every termination date.

Practical steps for tenants

• Act quickly after receiving an order because the review deadline may now be 15 days.
• Read every page of an N4 and note whether it was given before or after September 21, 2026.
• Give written notice before installing a window or portable air conditioner and keep a copy.
• Do not assume a notice means you have already been evicted.
• Get legal help promptly if a deadline, arrears amount or notice appears incorrect.

Official Ontario sources

• LTB operational update: September 21, 2026 legislative changes
• LTB rules for air conditioners
• LTB Interpretation Guideline 8: Review of an Order
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
• Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025
• Current LTB forms, filing and fees

General information only: This article explains Ontario residential-tenancy changes in plain language and is not legal advice. Some rentals are exempt from all or part of the RTA. Laws, forms, procedures and effective dates can change. Verify current information with Tribunals Ontario or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.