Big changes are coming to Ontario’s rental housing landscape. The updated Landlord and Tenant Act aims to strengthen affordability, modernize dispute resolution, and ensure fair treatment for both landlords and tenants. One of the most talked-about updates is the 2026 rent increase guideline, capped at 2.1%, which requires landlords to give tenants written notice at least 90 days in advance.
Stricter rules around evictions are also being introduced to protect tenants during property sales or when a landlord plans to move in. In addition, new maintenance standards and digital reporting tools are being rolled out to improve housing quality and make the complaint process faster and easier. Whether you own a rental property or are currently renting, understanding these changes is key to staying compliant and avoiding costly disputes in 2026 and beyond.
Overview of Changes to the Landlord and Tenant Act of Ontario
The Landlord and Tenant Act of Ontario is undergoing major updates to strengthen the balance between tenant rights and landlord responsibilities. These changes are designed to make renting fairer, safer, and more transparent for everyone involved.
A key focus of the 2026 update is on tenant protection, with stricter rules to prevent unjust evictions. Landlords must now follow clearer, more regulated procedures and provide valid reasons and documentation before ending a tenancy. The new rent increase guideline, capped at 2.1%, also ensures greater housing affordability and financial stability for tenants across Ontario.
The Act introduces higher maintenance and safety standards, requiring landlords to maintain adequate heating, air quality, and timely repairs to keep rental units in safe, livable condition. In addition, digital tools and online platforms will simplify dispute resolution and make it easier for both landlords and tenants to access information and manage documentation.
To promote transparency, the government has also introduced stricter penalties for non-compliance, ensuring that landlords meet their obligations under the updated legislation. These measures, along with expanded access to education and resources, aim to create a more efficient and equitable rental housing system in 2026 and beyond.
Key Aspects of the Landlord and Tenant Act
The Landlord and Tenant Act of Ontario establishes the foundation for residential tenancy law, ensuring that both landlords and tenants understand their rights and obligations. It covers essential topics such as rental agreements, rent control, and tenant protections, providing a fair framework for housing across the province.
The Act outlines how the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) operates, managing disputes and enforcing compliance with Ontario’s rental laws. It defines eviction procedures, ensuring tenants receive fair treatment and due process. Landlords are also responsible for maintaining safe and habitable living conditions, with clear maintenance and repair obligations.
Other critical provisions include rules for rent increases, proper notification timelines, protection from harassment or illegal evictions, and regulations for security deposits and common areas. By promoting clarity and transparency, the Act encourages healthy communication between landlords and tenants.
Rent Increase Guidelines
Ontario has set the maximum rent increase guideline at 2.1%, reflecting the province’s ongoing commitment to housing affordability. Landlords can only increase rent within this limit unless they receive special approval from the Landlord and Tenant Board. They must also provide tenants with written notice at least 90 days before any rent increase takes effect.
These rules apply to most rental properties, but buildings constructed after 2018 remain exempt, allowing market-rate pricing for new developments. Both landlords and tenants must maintain documentation of rent changes to ensure compliance and transparency.
Landlords who fail to follow these procedures risk financial penalties, while tenants can challenge rent increases that do not meet the legal requirements. This balance promotes fairness, predictability, and accountability across Ontario’s rental market.
| Guideline | Details |
| Maximum Allowable Increase | 2.1% for 2026 |
| Notification Requirement | Written notice 90 days prior to increase |
| Exemptions | New buildings built after 2018 |
| Compliance Requirement | Landlords must follow guidelines to avoid penalties |
| Tenant Challenge | Tenants can challenge increases if proper procedures are not followed |
| Documentation | Landlords must maintain documentation of rent increases |
| Calculation Transparency | Tenants have the right to understand how increases are calculated |
| Affordability Focus | Guidelines aim to keep rental housing affordable |
| Financial Consideration | Landlords must consider tenant financial situations when proposing increases |
| Future Changes | Potential for changes as market conditions evolve |
Updates to Eviction Procedures
Theupdates to Ontario’s eviction procedures aim to enhance fairness and tenant protection. New notice periods provide tenants with more time to respond, while documentation requirements for landlords, especially in cases of personal use or property sales, ensure greater transparency.
Before proceeding with an eviction, landlords may need to attend mandatory mediation sessions, offering both parties an opportunity to resolve disputes amicably. Stricter penalties for unjust evictions and improper notices will hold landlords accountable for misuse of the system.
Tenants will receive clearer communication about their rights and can access expanded legal resources for support. These reforms are designed to create a more transparent and balanced eviction process for all parties involved.
Enhanced Maintenance and Safety Standards
The Landlord and Tenant Act of Ontario have imposed tougher maintenance and safety standards to promote healthier living environments. Landlords are now required to meet minimum standards for heating, air quality, and sanitation, ensuring every tenant has access to safe, comfortable housing.
Tenants can submit repair requests that landlords must address promptly. Failure to comply could lead to inspections or penalties, particularly in older buildings that fall short of new safety expectations.
Enhanced focus on pest control, emergency repairs, and shared space maintenance will further strengthen habitability standards. These measures ensure that tenants live in secure, well-maintained properties that meet evolving building codes and public health standards.
Digital Transformation of the Landlord and Tenant Board
The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is undergoing a major digital transformation to make rental dispute resolution faster and more accessible. New online portals allow landlords and tenants to file complaints, track cases, and attend virtual hearings without needing to visit an office.
This move toward digital efficiency reduces paperwork, speeds up response times, and promotes transparency throughout the rental process. Training resources will also be made available to help both landlords and tenants navigate these digital tools effectively.
Although challenges like digital literacy and access remain, these upgrades are expected to streamline communication and improve accountability across Ontario’s rental housing system.
New Protections Against Renovictions
Landlords in Ontario will now face stricter requirements when evicting tenants for renovation purposes. They must provide clear evidence that supports their claims, including documentation of renovation plans. If a tenant is displaced due to renovations, they are entitled to mandatory compensation, ensuring that they are not left without support. The definition of what constitutes a renovation that requires eviction has also been tightened, preventing landlords from misusing renovation claims as a pretext for eviction. Tenants will have the right to challenge eviction notices that seem unjustified, providing an additional layer of protection.
In addition, once the renovations are complete, tenants have the right to return to their units at the same rental rate, maintaining their housing stability. The new regulations also introduce increased penalties for landlords who misuse renovation claims and establish clear guidelines on the process landlords must follow. Ongoing monitoring of renovation-related evictions will ensure compliance and protect tenants from being wrongfully evicted.
Implications for Landlords and Tenants
Landlords must stay informed and compliant with the new regulations to avoid potential legal repercussions. Understanding the updated processes is crucial for both parties. Tenants should be aware of their rights and know how to respond to notices they receive. This includes recognizing valid notice periods and what constitutes proper communication from landlords.
Documentation is essential for landlords and tenants alike. Keeping detailed records can prevent disputes over agreements or communications. For example, tenants should keep copies of their lease agreements and any correspondence with their landlords. Landlords, on the other hand, should maintain records of rent payments and repair requests.
Increased communication between landlords and tenants is encouraged by these changes. Proactive discussions can help address issues before they escalate into disputes. Landlords may need to adjust their budgets to accommodate the improved maintenance standards, while tenants may find more security in their housing due to stronger protections against unjust evictions and renovations.
Ultimately, both parties benefit from understanding their rights and responsibilities under the updated Act. This knowledge can lead to a more harmonious rental experience.
Preparing for Ontario’s New Rental Era in 2026 and Beyond
As Ontario moves toward 2026, the changes to the Landlord and Tenant Act signal a new era of balance, fairness, and modernization in the province’s rental housing landscape. These updates, ranging from the 2.1% rent increase guideline to enhanced eviction and maintenance rules, aim to create a more transparent system where both landlords and tenants can thrive.
For landlords, staying compliant means more than following new regulations; it’s about building trust through clear communication, proper documentation, and timely maintenance. For tenants, understanding your rights ensures you can live with greater confidence and stability, knowing that the law supports fair treatment and safe housing.
At Found Spaces, we’re committed to helping both landlords and renters stay informed and prepared for these evolving regulations. Whether you’re looking to navigate Ontario’s rental laws, manage property agreements, or find reliable housing, staying ahead of these changes will protect your investment and peace of mind.
To learn more about your rights and responsibilities under the Landlord and Tenant Act of Ontario 2026, explore our latest guides on rental laws and tenant rights, and stay connected as the province ushers in a smarter, fairer, and more transparent rental future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main changes in the 2026 Landlord and Tenant Act in Ontario?
The 2026 changes focus on reducing landlord power, increasing tenant rights, and addressing issues like rent control and repairs.
How will the new laws affect my current lease agreement?
The new laws may not affect existing leases directly, but they could change how future agreements are structured and what tenants can expect.
Will landlords still be able to evict tenants under the new regulations?
Yes, landlords can still evict tenants, but the process may be stricter, requiring more reasons and documentation.
Are there new rules about how much rent landlords can charge?
Yes, there are updates to rent control regulations that may limit rent increases more than before.
How can tenants make sure their rights are protected under the new law?
Tenants should stay informed about their rights, document issues, and consider reaching out to tenant advocacy groups for help.
TL;DR Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Act is set for significant changes in 2026, focusing on tenant protections and landlord compliance. Key updates include a rent increase guideline of 2.1%, stricter eviction procedures, improved maintenance standards, enhanced digital tools for the Landlord and Tenant Board, and new protections against ‘renovictions.’ Both landlords and tenants need to stay informed and prepare accordingly.
