5 things landlords cannot do in Ontario.

1. Enter the unit without proper notice

Outside a genuine emergency, a landlord must give written notice at least 24 hours before entering, stating the reason and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Showing up unannounced — even to "just check on the place" — isn't permitted, no matter who owns the deed. The main exceptions: the tenant agrees to the entry at the time, or showings to prospective renters after a notice of termination has been given (which still carry their own rules).

2. Collect a damage deposit

Ontario allows a rent deposit of up to one month — and it can only ever be applied to the last month of the tenancy. "Damage deposits," "pet deposits" and similar are not lawful here, and a landlord cannot keep the rent deposit to cover repairs. Landlords also owe interest on that deposit each year. (A refundable key deposit at actual replacement cost is the narrow exception.)

3. Raise the rent however and whenever they like

Rent can generally rise once every 12 months, with at least 90 days' written notice on the proper form. For most units first occupied before November 15, 2018, the increase is capped by the provincial rent-increase guideline unless the Landlord and Tenant Board approves more. Newer units are exempt from the guideline cap — but the 12-month rule and 90-day notice still apply. Always check the current year's guideline figure on Ontario.ca before assuming.

4. Evict without the legal process

No lockouts, no removing doors, no cutting heat or water, no "pack your things by Friday." Ending a tenancy requires the correct notice form for the reason claimed, and — if the tenant doesn't leave — an order from the Landlord and Tenant Board, enforced only by the Court Enforcement Office (sheriff). Self-help evictions can cost a landlord dearly at the Board.

5. Control who visits — or ban pets after move-in

Tenants are entitled to reasonable enjoyment of their home: a landlord can't ban guests, charge for overnight visitors, or dictate who may stay. "No pets" clauses in a lease are void under the RTA once the tenancy begins (a separate wrinkle: condo corporation rules can still validly restrict pets in condo buildings). A landlord's remedy for genuine problems — damage, interference, safety — runs through the Board, not through house rules.

Why we publish this

We work both sides of this market: we lease and manage rentals for Toronto landlords, and we help renters find places worth living in. The landlords who thrive are the ones who run clean, by-the-book tenancies — and the tenants who know their rights make better long-term residents. Forms and current figures live at Tribunals Ontario (LTB).

Sources: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario); Tribunals Ontario — Landlord and Tenant Board. Originally published on this site; rewritten and refreshed June 2026. This article is general information, not legal or financial advice — speak with a Realtor®, or a lawyer where noted, about your situation. NestAbode · Right at Home Realty, Brokerage.