Guides

Renting in Ontario, explained

Short, plain-language guides for renters and landlords. General information, not legal advice.

RentersRenting a room in Ontario: what to know before you move inRenting a room in a shared house in Ontario? Learn when the Residential Tenancies Act applies, what to ask the landlord, and how to protect yourself.EveryoneRent deposits in Ontario: what landlords can and can't ask forOntario rent deposit rules explained: last month's rent, key deposits, interest on deposits, and why damage deposits aren't allowed for most rentals.EveryoneOntario's standard lease: a plain-language guideWhen Ontario landlords must use the standard lease, what happens if they don't, and what you can and can't add to it.EveryoneOntario rent increase guideline: 2026 and 2027The Ontario rent increase guideline is 2.1% for 2026 and 1.9% for 2027. Learn which units it applies to, notice rules and the post-2018 exemption.RentersRenting a basement apartment in Ontario: a checklistWhat to check before renting a basement apartment in Ontario: safety, entrances, ceiling height, utilities, parking and whether the unit is registered.LandlordsScreening tenants in Ontario: a landlord's guide to doing it rightHow Ontario landlords can screen tenants fairly: rental history, credit checks, income information and guarantors, and what the Human Rights Code doesn't allow.LandlordsShort-term rentals in Ontario: rules for hosts in Toronto, Mississauga and BramptonThinking of renting your place by the night in Ontario? Learn the basics of city registration, principal residence rules and what to check before you list.EveryoneEnding a tenancy in Ontario: notice rules for tenants and landlordsHow much notice tenants and landlords must give to end a tenancy in Ontario, which LTB forms to use, and what happens when a landlord needs the unit back.

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