Posted by: Karim Ali
Coffee with Karim
Your Rights as a Tenant or Landlord in Ontario and Where to Find Them
If you’re a tenant or landlord in Ottawa, you’ve probably heard stories that start with “someone on Reddit said…”
Let’s be clear: when it comes to tenant and landlord rights, social media isn’t your best source. Ontario has clear rules under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), but a lot of people – even experienced landlords – get confused about what’s allowed and what’s not.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what the RTA covers, what to watch for, and where you can turn if things get messy.
1. What the Residential Tenancies Act Covers
The RTA sets out the rules for most rental housing in Ontario. It applies to things like:
- Apartments, condos, houses, basement units
- Rooming houses
- Care homes (with some extra rules)
It does not cover commercial leases, university residences, or people sharing a home with the owner.
The RTA lays out:
- How much notice is needed for changes (like ending a lease)
- How rent increases work
- What counts as maintenance or repairs
- How disputes are resolved
If you’re not sure if your unit is covered, check the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) site. It’s worth knowing up front.
2. Rent Increases: When, How Much, and the Rules Around It
A lot of tenants panic when they get a rent increase notice. But here’s what you need to know:
- Landlords can only raise rent once every 12 months
- They must give 90 days’ written notice
- The increase has to follow the Ontario rent increase guideline, which changes yearly (for 2025, it’s 2.5 percent)
If your unit is newly built or occupied after November 15, 2018, it may be exempt from rent control. This is common in many new condos around Centretown and Little Italy. Always check.
Tenants can challenge illegal increases at the LTB, and landlords who overcharge can be ordered to pay it back.
3. Maintenance and Repairs: Who’s Responsible for What
Tenants are responsible for keeping the unit reasonably clean and not damaging it.
Landlords are responsible for:
- Maintaining the unit in a good state of repair
- Fixing things like heating, plumbing, windows, appliances (if included in the lease)
- Ensuring the property meets health and safety standards
This comes up a lot in older Ottawa buildings – especially Centretown walkups or converted houses – where heating, leaks, or electrical issues are common. If something’s broken, report it in writing to the landlord. If they don’t act, tenants can apply to the LTB or reach out to the city’s Property Standards.
4. Evictions and Notices: When Things Go South
Landlords cannot just evict someone without proper process.
Common reasons landlords can issue eviction notices:
- Non-payment of rent
- Causing damage
- Needing the unit for their own use (or family use)
They must:
- Use proper LTB forms
- Give the required notice period
- File with the LTB if the tenant refuses to leave
For tenants, it’s key to know that verbal evictions or bullying don’t hold up legally. And for landlords, skipping the formal process can cost you big – both time and money.
5. Where to Get Help
You don’t have to figure this all out alone. Here are some great local and provincial resources:
- Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Main body for applications, rules, and forms
- ACORN Ottawa: Tenant advocacy group
- Ottawa Community Legal Services: Legal help for low-income residents
- CMHC Tools: National housing resources and guides
If you’re stuck, these are the places to go before you turn to random advice online.
Neighbourhood Spotlight: Centretown, Sandy Hill, and Beyonds
In neighbourhoods like Centretown or Sandy Hill, old buildings bring unique challenges. Tenants often deal with:
- Heating that doesn’t meet standards in winter
- Poor soundproofing
- Drafty windows or old wiring
Landlords here need to be on top of maintenance, and tenants should document issues early. This reduces disputes and keeps everyone protected.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your rights and responsibilities makes life easier on both sides. Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord, knowing what the law says – and where to turn for help – can save you time, money, and stress.
Skip the Reddit advice. Go straight to the right sources.
Bonus tips before you go
1
Document Everything
Whether you’re a tenant reporting a repair or a landlord issuing a notice, always put it in writing. It creates a record that can help if things go legal.
2
Read Your Lease Carefully
A lot of misunderstandings come from not reading the fine print. Before signing, make sure you know what’s included, what’s not, and any extra rules.
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