Landlord's guide to renting out your property

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1. The Law:
Rentals are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). It covers most rental homes and apartments, except shared-owner units, co-ops, or student residences.

2. Starting a Tenancy:

• Use the Ontario Standard Lease form.
   
• Screen tenants fairly (income, credit, references only).
   
• Follow the Human Rights Code — no discrimination.
   

3. Rent Rules:

• Rent can be set freely for new tenants.
   
• Increases: once every 12 months, with 90 days’ notice (Form N1).
   
• Follow the annual rent increase guideline.
   

4. Maintenance & Entry:

• Landlords must keep units safe and in good repair.
   
• Entry allowed only with 24 hours’ written notice (8 a.m.–8 p.m.), consent, or emergencies.
   

5. Ending a Tenancy:

• Tenants give 60 days’ notice (Form N9).
   
• Landlords may end tenancy only for legal reasons (e.g., non-payment, owner move-in) and must apply through the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
   

6. Key Resources:

• Standard Lease: ontario.ca/standard-lease
   
• LTB: tribunalsontario.ca/ltb
   
• Rent Increase Guideline: ontario.ca/rent-increase-guideline