Plain-English guides for small Ontario landlords
For people renting out a room, a basement or a single unit in Ontario. Every guide is written in plain English, updated for the September 21, 2026 LTB changes, and linked to the official source so you can check it yourself.
- Sept 21, 2026 LTB Changes: What Ontario Landlords Must Do Now
The Sept 21, 2026 LTB changes for Ontario landlords: 7-day N4, half-arrears rule, persistent late payment, N12 120-day option, N13 duties, new forms by Nov 30. With official links.
- How to Serve an N4 in Ontario (2026 7-Day Rule)
Step-by-step guide to the Ontario N4 notice after Sept 21, 2026: the 7-day termination date, how to count days, mail and courier rules, and when you can file the L1.
- Ontario Rent Increase Guideline 2027: 1.9%
Ontario's 2027 rent increase guideline is 1.9% (2026 was 2.1%). How to calculate it, the 12-month and 90-day notice rules, exempt post-2018 units, and deposit interest.
- Ontario Rent Receipt Rules + Free Rent Receipt Template
Do Ontario landlords have to give rent receipts? Yes, free, on request, including for former tenants within 12 months. What to include, plus a free printable template.
- Renting Rooms in Your Home in Ontario: When Does the RTA Apply?
The Ontario RTA exemption for shared kitchens and bathrooms only applies when the renter shares with the owner or close family who live there. Scenarios, pitfalls and what still applies.
- How to Screen Tenants from Kijiji & Facebook Messages (Ontario)
A small Ontario landlord's practical method for screening rental inquiries from Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace: first-message signals, fair questions, scams, and Human Rights Code limits.
- Ontario Move-In Inspection Checklist for Landlords (2026)
Ontario doesn't require a move-in inspection report, but it's your best evidence at move-out. A room-by-room checklist, photo tips, and safety items to test at every move-in.
- N12 Notice Ontario: Landlord's Own Use Guide (2026 120-Day Rule)
How an Ontario landlord gives an N12 to move in themselves or a family member: who qualifies, 60 vs 120 days' notice, compensation, worked dates, the L2 and bad-faith risks.
- Last Month's Rent Deposit in Ontario: Rules + Interest (2026/2027)
Ontario landlords can collect only a last month's rent deposit, not a damage deposit. The limits, yearly interest at the guideline rate (2.1% in 2026, 1.9% in 2027), top-ups and a worked example.
- Ontario Standard Lease (Form 2229E): A Small Landlord's Guide
When Ontario landlords must use the standard lease, which version, how to fill in each section for a basement unit, what additional terms are void, the 21-day rule, and what to use for a shared room.
Quick answers and tools
- Free N4 Date Calculator Ontario 2026 (7-Day Rule)
Free Ontario N4 termination date calculator: pick hand, courier or mail and a date to get the earliest termination date and L1 filing date under the LTB's 7-day rule.
- How Many Days Is an N4 in Ontario in 2026? (7 Days, Plus Delivery)
An N4 given on or after Sept 21, 2026 needs a termination date at least 7 days out, plus 5 days for mail or 1 business day for courier. Worked dates and the LTB rule.
- Which LTB Forms Change on November 30, 2026? (The 10 Old Forms)
Ten LTB forms were replaced on Sept 21, 2026 and the old versions are not accepted as of Nov 30, 2026: N5, N6, N8, N12, N13, L1, L2, L9, L10 and T5. What to do now.
- N12 Compensation in Ontario (2026): Do I Pay? The 120-Day Rule
Since Sept 21, 2026, an N12 for your own use needs no compensation if the termination date is at least 120 days out. Otherwise you owe one month's rent. Worked dates.
- How Do I Serve an N4 by Mail in Ontario? (Add 5 Days)
Yes, you can mail an N4 in Ontario. Add 5 days for delivery, then count 7. Mailed Mon Nov 2, 2026 means a termination date of Sat Nov 14 at the earliest. The steps.
- How Much Can I Raise Rent in Ontario in 2027? (1.9% Guideline)
Ontario's 2027 rent increase guideline is 1.9% (down from 2.1% in 2026). Dollar examples, the 12-month and 90-day rules, which units are exempt, and the forms.
- Persistent Late Rent Ontario 2026: 3-in-6-Months Rule and N8
Since Sept 21, 2026, rent received more than 7 days late at least 3 times in 6 months counts as persistent late payment. What counts, a worked example, and the N8 notice dates.
Not legal advice. This site is general information written by a small Ontario landlord, based on official Ontario and Tribunals Ontario sources as of October 23, 2026. Laws and LTB forms change; check the linked official source before you act, and talk to a lawyer or licensed paralegal (or call the LTB at 1-888-332-3234) about your situation. Not affiliated with the Government of Ontario, Tribunals Ontario or the Landlord and Tenant Board. Full disclaimer.