As the prices of homes in Ontario continue to soar, more people are turning to renting as their method of housing. If you’re a new tenant or have been renting for a while, it’s essential to be sure you’re keeping up to date on your rights as a tenant. Unfortunately, the world of renting can be challenging to understand. Due to this, it can be easy for landlords with bad intentions to take advantage of you as a new or seasoned renter. We’ve covered everything you need regarding your tenant rights in Ontario.
What is the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)?
Before entering your Ontario tenant rights, we must discuss the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). The Government of Ontario created this act to lay out the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants renting residential properties. The RTA sets out a process and enforces it through law. If either party breaks these rules, they will be committing an offence.
The rules under the Residential Tenancies Act cover both landlords and tenants of most types of residential rental units. A rental unit can come in many different forms. It can be a house, apartment, room, or boarding house. With this being said, it is essential to remember that the RTA does not apply when the landlord shares a kitchen or bathroom with the tenant. On top of this, most rules do not apply to non-profit housing, public housing, or university and college residences.
What are your rights as a tenant?
As a tenant in Ontario, you have legal rights. These rights are explained through the Residential Tenancies Act, as mentioned above, and the Ontario Human Rights Code. The Human Rights Code was first enacted in 1962 and prohibits actions that discriminate against people based on protected grounds. The Human Rights Code applies to every person in Ontario, while the Residential Tenancies Act applies to most people renting their homes.
Let’s look at some of the most crucial rights you have as a tenant in Ontario.
Tenant rights in Ontario kick in before you rent.
Your rights as a tenant come into play before you even begin renting a unit. This is because part of your rights come into play when applying for a space to rent. While searching, your landlord cannot discriminate against you based on the following:
- Race, place of origin, or ethnic origin
- Age
- Religion
- Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression
- Family or marital status
- Disabilities
For example, a landlord cannot, under any circumstances, refuse to rent to someone because they have children or are a newcomer to Canada. Once you move into the home, your rights continue. Let’s look at your Ontario tenant rights once you move into a rental home.
A safe home for you and your family
Your landlord must provide you with a safe home in good repair. This is the case, even if you were aware of problems before you agreed to rent the home. As time goes on and things need repairing, the landlord must ensure the home is kept safe and in good living condition.
Vital services
As a tenant, you have the right to a home that has access to basic vital services. These vital services include heat, electricity, hot and cold water, and fuel, such as natural gas. None of these services can be shut off by your landlord, even if your rent has yet to be paid. This is the case whether you pay for said services or not. The only instance where a landlord can shut off said services is for a short period to make repairs.
Heating
Between September 1st and June 1st, a landlord must supply you with heat. This heat must be at 20 degrees Celsius or more. Some cities within Ontario may have a higher heat standard or a slightly different date. You can check with your municipality to learn about the minimum heat standards. Whether or not you pay for heating, these rules must be obeyed.
Central air conditioning
Though not all units will have central air conditioning, some rules may be applied if they do. Your municipality may require your landlord to maintain a maximum temperature of no more than 26 degrees Celsius. This temperature must be maintained between June and September. Check with your municipality to learn more about the minimum central air conditioning standards.
Privacy and your Ontario tenant rights
Unfortunately, your landlord cannot enter your home unless you provide a reason. These reasons include fixing or checking something that doesn’t work or ensuring the home is safe. If your landlord decides to enter your home, they must send you a written notice stating they wish to enter the premises. On top of this, they need to provide you with a 24-hour notice, and you can only enter the unit between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Unlawful evictions
You are protected from unlawful evictions as part of your Ontario tenant rights. There are only specific reasons in which a landlord can evict you. Some of these reasons include frequently missing rent payments or conducting illegal activities in your unit. A landlord can also evict you for causing excessive damage to the rental property. On top of this, a landlord can evict you if they wish to use the unit for their own use or if they wish to make extensive repairs that require the unit to be empty long-term.
Controlled rent increases
Your landlord is allowed to raise your rent only once within 12 months. This is a very important tenant right. With that said, it has to be within legal limits. There are certain circumstances in which a landlord can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board to raise more than the given yearly limit. The current rent increase guideline is capped at 2.5%.
Tenant Rights and Insurance
No matter your tenant type, you are entitled to Tenant Insurance. Though not mandatory, Tenant Insurance will give you the peace of mind that your belongings are covered if something occurs. Like a homeowner’s policy, your policy will provide you with both contents and liability coverage. If you own a home or are renting, please make sure to get in touch with isure for all of your insurance needs. We offer some of the best premiums in the province and customer service you can always rely on. Contact us or request a quote today!
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