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Tenancy Rules in Canada: Finding Your Provincial or Territorial Rental Authority
Why rental rules in Canada depend on your province or territory, examples of local rental authorities, and the deposit and notice rules worth checking before you sign a lease.
In Canada, the rules that govern renting a home are set by provinces and territories. Each has its own residential tenancy law and its own office, board or tribunal that explains those rules and helps settle disputes between landlords and tenants. There is no single national tenancy board, so the first step in understanding your rights is finding the rental authority where your unit is located. The button on this page links to Ontario's Landlord and Tenant Board as one example; if you are renting elsewhere, use your own province's or territory's official site.
Visit Ontario's Landlord and Tenant Board →
What a rental authority does
Rental authorities generally do two jobs. They publish information about the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants, and they decide disputes under the local tenancy law. Depending on the province, that can include applications about unpaid rent, repairs, deposits, rent increases and ending a tenancy. CMHC describes the rental authority as the body responsible for overseeing landlord and tenant matters in each province and territory, and notes that in some areas the court plays that role.
Examples across Canada
- Ontario: the Landlord and Tenant Board, part of Tribunals Ontario, resolves disputes under the Residential Tenancies Act and offers guides, forms and information on hearings.
- British Columbia: the Residential Tenancy Branch administers the Residential Tenancy Act and helps landlords and tenants with information and dispute resolution.
- Alberta: the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service offers a way to resolve many landlord and tenant disputes without going to court.
- Quebec: the Tribunal administratif du logement decides residential lease matters and informs people about their rights and obligations.
Other provinces and territories have their own offices. Search for your province or territory's residential tenancy office on its official government website.
Rules worth checking before you sign
Because laws differ, check these points with your local authority:
- Deposits. Ontario allows only a last month's rent deposit and a refundable key deposit, and damage or pet deposits are not permitted. In British Columbia, a security deposit and a pet damage deposit are each capped at half of one month's rent. CMHC notes that in Quebec you are not legally required to pay a deposit.
- The lease. In Ontario, most residential leases signed since April 30, 2018 must use the provincial standard lease. Other provinces have their own requirements.
- Rent increases. In most parts of Canada a landlord must give 90 days' written notice before raising rent, and some provinces limit how much rent can rise each year.
- Entry. Most provinces and territories require a landlord to give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering, with some exceptions.
- Moving out. The notice you must give before leaving varies by province or territory.
Tips and scam awareness
Knowing the rules is one of the best defences against rental scams. If someone asks for a deposit your province does not allow, or wants money before you have seen the unit or signed a lease, treat it as a warning sign. Verify the landlord's identity, keep receipts and keep copies of your lease. If you are a victim of fraud, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and your local police. For disputes about a real tenancy, contact your provincial or territorial rental authority.
Visit Ontario's Landlord and Tenant Board →
Frequently asked questions
Is there a national tenancy board in Canada?
No. Each province and territory has its own tenancy law and rental authority. Check the official site for the province or territory where you are renting.
Can a landlord in Ontario ask for a damage deposit?
No. Ontario landlords may collect a last month's rent deposit and a refundable key deposit, but damage and pet deposits are not permitted.
How much notice is needed for a rent increase?
In most parts of Canada, landlords must give 90 days' written notice, and some provinces also limit the size of annual increases. Check your local rules.
Sources
Disclaimer: This guide is general information only and may not fit your situation or country. Rules, prices and requirements change, so check the details with the official source or a qualified professional before you act. Read our full disclaimer.