Leasing in Ontario | Guide for Landlords and Tenants
Updated: February 2026
Written by the Keith & Françoise Real Estate Team, Ontario Realtors®, with hands-on experience structuring, reviewing, and enforcing residential leases across the GTA and Niagara Region.
Key Takeaway
Residential leasing in Ontario is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act and the Ontario Standard Form of Lease. A signed lease does not override the law. This page explains how leasing works at a framework level and directs landlords, tenants, and buyers to the correct Ontario-specific rules before issues escalate.
Start here: how to use this leasing guide
This page is the central reference for residential leasing in Ontario. It explains how the leasing system works at a high level and directs you to the correct, topic-specific rules based on your situation.
- If you are a landlord: Start with lease structure, deposits, and screening rules before listing or signing.
- If you are a tenant: Focus on enforceable clauses, access rules, and termination rights.
- If you are buying or selling a tenanted property: Review tenancy continuation, access for showings, and termination limits early.
Each section below introduces a major leasing issue and links to a dedicated article that covers that topic in depth.
Table of contents
- Lease structure in Ontario
- Tenant screening and applications
- Deposits, rent, and rent control
- Responsibilities during the tenancy
- Condo rentals and special property types
- Ending a tenancy in Ontario
- Selling a property with a tenant
Lease structure in Ontario
Most residential rentals in Ontario must use the Ontario Standard Form of Lease. Realtor® forms document business terms, but tenancy rights and obligations come from provincial law.
Lease clauses that conflict with the Residential Tenancies Act may be unenforceable even when signed. This is one of the most common sources of Landlord and Tenant Board disputes.
For clause enforceability and outcomes, see:
- Illegal Lease Clauses in Ontario
- Ontario Lease Clauses That Hold Up at the Landlord and Tenant Board
Tenant screening and application rules
Tenant screening is permitted in Ontario, but it must be applied consistently and without discrimination. Many disputes begin before a lease is signed due to incomplete screening or inconsistent standards.
Screening practices should be documented and applied uniformly, regardless of market conditions.
For permitted screening methods and documentation requirements, refer to:
Deposits, rent, and rent control
Ontario tenancy law limits what landlords can collect upfront. Common permitted amounts include first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a refundable key deposit equal to replacement cost.
Rent control depends on when the unit was first occupied for residential use. This should be confirmed before expectations are set at the start of a tenancy. Once a lease is signed and financial terms are set, most disputes arise during the day-to-day tenancy.
Responsibilities during the tenancy
During a tenancy, disputes most often arise around maintenance, utilities, access, and shared responsibilities such as snow removal.
Lease wording can clarify responsibilities but cannot remove statutory obligations under Ontario law.
For common conflict areas and how they are handled in practice:
Condo rentals and special property types
Condo rentals are governed by both the Residential Tenancies Act and the condominium corporation’s declaration, bylaws, and rules. Tenants must comply with condo rules even when they are not restated in the lease.
Basement apartments and multi-unit homes require additional care. Lease clauses do not replace municipal compliance or insurance requirements.
For property-type-specific guidance:
Ending a tenancy in Ontario
In Ontario, a lease does not automatically end when the fixed term expires. Most tenancies continue on a month-to-month basis unless properly terminated.
Notice periods, forms, and compensation requirements depend on the reason for termination.
For termination rules and common mistakes:
Selling a property with a tenant
Selling a tenanted property does not automatically end a tenancy. This misunderstanding creates risk for landlords, buyers, and sellers.
Showing protocols, notice requirements, and post-sale obligations must be handled carefully.
For a full breakdown:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Most residential leases in Ontario must use the Ontario Standard Form of Lease.
No. Clauses that conflict with the Residential Tenancies Act can be unenforceable even if signed. See Illegal Lease Clauses in Ontario.
No. Most tenancies continue month to month unless properly terminated. See How Residential Leases End in Ontario.
Yes. Condo tenants must comply with the corporation’s declaration, bylaws, and rules. See Renting a Condo in Ontario
No. Even if both parties sign, clauses that conflict with the Residential Tenancies Act or the Ontario Standard Lease can be unenforceable. The Landlord and Tenant Board focuses on substance, not consent.
Leasing rules are often misunderstood in Ontario
Leasing rules in Ontario are often misunderstood, and small mistakes can lead to long delays or disputes. We help landlords, tenants, and property owners understand the leasing process, obligations, and risks before decisions are made.
Disclaimer: This page is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Ontario tenancy rules depend on specific facts and current legislation. For authoritative guidance, refer to the Residential Tenancies Act and Tribunals Ontario, or consult a qualified Ontario lawyer or paralegal.