Ontario legal news
Legal news for landlords, tenants and drivers.
Changes to Ontario tenancy law, Small Claims Court and provincial offences that affect your rights and deadlines, explained briefly, with a link to the official source for each item.
LTB · DeadlineOld LTB forms will not be accepted after November 30
As part of the September 21 changes, the LTB replaced the N5, N6, N8, N12, N13, L1, L2, L9, L10 and T5 forms. Earlier versions will not be accepted after November 30, 2026. Landlords and tenants should download forms fresh from the LTB website instead of reusing saved copies.
Official source
LTB · RTA amendmentN4 notice period for unpaid rent cut to 7 days
For N4 notices given on or after September 21, 2026, the termination date can be as early as the seventh day after the notice is given (previously 14 days). Tenants can still void the notice by paying the arrears. A new N4 form applies.
Official source
LTB · RTA amendmentN12 own-use evictions: no compensation with 120 days' notice
An N12 given on or after September 21 that provides at least 120 days' notice no longer requires one month's rent compensation (purchaser notices excepted). The landlord or other specified person must normally move in within 60 days of the date in the notice; if not, bad faith is presumed in a T5 application.
Official source
LTB · HearingsTenants raising issues at arrears hearings must first pay 50%
For rent arrears applications filed on or after September 21, a tenant who wants to raise maintenance or other issues at the hearing must pay the landlord directly half of the claimed arrears at least 7 days before the hearing, keep a receipt, and give the landlord and the LTB a written description of the issues.
Official source
LTB · AccessLTB makes its final orders easier for the public to access
From July 24, 2026, the LTB began posting final orders on the Ontario government's Open Data Catalogue, starting with orders issued from January to May 2026, and plans to add orders back to 2021 in phases. Orders for which confidentiality was granted are excluded. Parties should expect final orders to be easier for others, including future landlords, to find.
Official source
Rent2027 rent increase guideline set at 1.9%
Ontario set the 2027 guideline at 1.9%, down from 2.1% in 2026. It applies to most rent increases taking effect between January 1 and December 31, 2027, with at least 90 days' written notice. Units first occupied after November 15, 2018 are generally exempt.
Official source
LTB · DeadlineLTB review requests now due within 15 days
A request to review an LTB order must be filed within 15 days after the order is issued, down from 30. The LTB may extend the time if it considers an extension just. Calendar this date the day an order arrives.
Official source
TenanciesTenants may install air conditioners where none is provided
Where the landlord does not supply air conditioning, a tenant may install a window or portable unit after notifying the landlord in writing, provided it is installed safely and securely, causes no damage and complies with by-laws. If the landlord supplies electricity, rent may rise by no more than the actual (or reasonably estimated) electricity cost, and the increase comes off when the unit is not used for the season.
Official source
Small Claims CourtSmall Claims Court limit is now $50,000
The monetary limit rose from $35,000 to $50,000 on October 1, 2025, and the minimum amount for an appeal to the Divisional Court rose from $3,500 to $5,000. Costs (other than disbursements) remain generally capped at 15% of the amount claimed.
Official source