Residential Tenancies Act
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) was proclaimed and came into effect on January 31, 2007, to create a rental housing system that protects tenants, helps landlords and promotes investment in Ontario’s rental housing market.
This legislation affects approximately 1.4 million renter households in Ontario, representing 28 per cent of Ontario’s households. The Ontario government listened to this group, along with landlords and housing experts, to develop legislation that is fair and balanced.
This webpage provides access to information about the legislation and its benefits:
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- Rental Fairness Act, 2017 , legislation to amend the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- Ontario's standard leaseOntario's standard lease will be mandatory for most residential leases signed on or after April 30, 2018. Learn more about the standard lease and how it affects landlords and tenants.
- Regulatory Amendments under the Residential Tenancies Act to support the Climate Change Action PlanTo help reduce the impact of carbon costs on tenants, Ontario amended O.Reg 516/06 (General) under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 to remove carbon costs from above guideline rent increases for utility charges.
- The Landlord and Tenant BoardVisit this website for information about resolving landlord and tenant disputes, rent increases in residential rental units, and landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act.
- GeneralResidential Tenancies Act, 2006 - General (O.Reg. 516/06)
- Maintenance StandardsResidential Tenancies Act, 2006 - Maintenance Standards (O.Reg. 517/06)
- Suite Meters and Apportionment of Utility CostsResidential Tenancies Act, 2006 - Suite Meters and Apportionment of Utility Costs (O. Reg. 394/10)
If you have a concern with your tenant/landlord or you would like information about residential landlord and tenant issues please contact the Landlord and Tenant Board at (416) 645-8080 (from within the Toronto calling area), or 1-888-332-3234 from outside Toronto or visit their website.
As an alternative, if you believe that your landlord or tenant has committed an offence under the RTA, please contact this ministry’s Rental Housing Enforcement Unit (RHEU). The RHEU can be reached by telephone at 416-585-7214 (from within the Toronto calling area), or toll-free at 1-888-772-9277 or visit their website.