Since April 2018, most residential landlords in Ontario must use the government-mandated Standard Lease form. This was a significant consumer protection win — but it doesn't mean every lease you'll see complies, or that all additional terms landlords include are enforceable. Landlords can and do add extra clauses in the 'Additional Terms' section of the Standard Lease. Some of these are valid. Many are not — and they rely on tenants not knowing the difference. Understanding what the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) actually says gives you real leverage.
What is a Standard Lease?
The Ontario Standard Lease is a mandatory lease form prescribed by regulation under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA). It applies to most private residential tenancies in Ontario, including apartments, condos, houses, and rooms in a house (with limited exceptions like co-ops and care homes). The form covers rent amount, deposit rules (only last month's rent deposit is permitted), maintenance obligations, and tenant/landlord rights. Any additional terms that conflict with the RTA are void and unenforceable, even if the tenant signed them.
Red flags to watch for
The RTA only permits a last month's rent deposit. Security deposits, damage deposits, and pet deposits are illegal in Ontario. Any clause requiring them is void — and you can file with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) to recover amounts paid.
Under Section 14 of the RTA, no-pet clauses are void and unenforceable in Ontario. A landlord cannot evict you for having a pet unless the pet is causing damage, allergies to other tenants, or is inherently dangerous.
You have the right to reasonable enjoyment of your rental unit, which includes having guests. Blanket bans on overnight visitors are unenforceable under the RTA.
For most units in Ontario, rent can only increase once per year by the provincially set guideline amount (2.5% for 2025). Clauses allowing larger increases are void unless the unit is exempt from rent control (first occupied after November 15, 2018).
The RTA prohibits landlords from requiring post-dated cheques. You must be allowed to pay by at least one method that doesn't require a bank account.
If your landlord refuses to provide the Standard Lease, you can request it in writing. If they don't provide it within 21 days, you can withhold one month's rent. This right is established under O. Reg. 9/18.
Your legal rights
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) is the primary legislation governing residential tenancies in Ontario. Key protections include: illegal charges are void (s. 134); tenants can apply to the LTB for return of illegal charges; rent increases are capped by the annual guideline (s. 120); eviction requires proper notice and an LTB order (s. 37-83); maintenance obligations are mandatory for landlords (s. 20); and tenants have the right to assign or sublet (s. 95-98). The Standard Lease is mandated by O. Reg. 9/18 under the RTA.
Questions to ask before you sign
- 1Is this the government-mandated Ontario Standard Lease form?
- 2Is this unit exempt from rent control (first occupied after November 15, 2018)?
- 3What is the exact amount of the last month's rent deposit, and will interest be applied?
- 4Are there any additional fees beyond rent (parking, storage, utilities)?
- 5What is the process for requesting maintenance and repairs?
- 6Can I assign or sublet the unit if my circumstances change?
- 7What are the landlord's entry notice requirements?
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contract law varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified legal professional before making decisions based on this information.