Tenant Rights in Ontario: What Every Renter Should Know in 2025
Whether you’re renting for the first time or have been a tenant for years, knowing your tenant rights in Ontario ensures you’re protected and treated fairly. With rising housing costs and evolving regulations, it’s more important than ever for renters to understand what they’re entitled to under the law.
This guide breaks down your legal rights as a tenant, outlines what to do if things go wrong, and connects you with resources available right here in Windsor.
Understanding Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)
The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) is the law that governs most rental housing in Ontario. It outlines the responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, ensuring fair practices and balanced relationships.
Under the RTA, tenants have the right to:
Live in a safe, well-maintained unit
Know when and how much rent can be increased
Receive proper notice before being asked to move out
Challenge unfair practices at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)
If you’re living in Windsor and renting an apartment, house, or basement suite, this law protects you. Being familiar with the RTA helps renters across the province—and especially those understanding their tenant rights in Ontario—navigate situations with confidence.
Your Rights as a Tenant: Rent Increases, Maintenance, and Eviction
Understanding your tenant rights in Ontario means knowing how and when landlords can act—and when they can’t.
Rent Increases
Landlords can only raise rent once every 12 months.
Rent increases must follow the annual guideline set by the Ontario government. For 2025, that amount is capped at 2.5%.
You must receive 90 days’ written notice of the increase.
Maintenance and Repairs
Your landlord is responsible for keeping the unit in good repair, even if you knew about an issue when you moved in.
Heat, electricity, water, and other vital services must always be working.
You can submit repair requests in writing, and the landlord must address them in a reasonable timeframe.
Evictions
Landlords cannot evict you without cause and must go through the proper legal channels.
Valid reasons include non-payment of rent, illegal activity, or the landlord needing the unit for personal use.
Tenants must receive written notice, and the process must go through the LTB.
How Richmond Property Management Supports Tenants in Windsor
Understanding your tenant rights in Ontario is essential—but having a responsive and supportive property manager makes all the difference. At Richmond Property Management, we’re committed to making sure you feel heard, respected, and safe in your home.
Here’s how we help:
24/7 Tenant Support
Our 24-hour hotline is here to support you any time—day or night. Whether it’s a leaking pipe, broken heat, or an urgent concern, our team is ready to listen and take action. We’ll either dispatch a Richmond technician directly or connect you with one of our vetted local partners to resolve the issue promptly.
In-Office Assistance During Business Hours
Prefer to speak in person? Visit our office during regular business hours for direct support, lease questions, or help with maintenance requests. Our knowledgeable team is happy to assist you.
Visit us
Reliable, Legal, and Ethical Management
We follow the Residential Tenancies Act to the letter, ensuring all rent increases, maintenance, and tenant interactions are handled fairly and legally. You won’t have to guess where you stand—we keep communication transparent and professional.
Fast, Transparent Maintenance
We don’t just take requests—we respond. Every issue you report is logged and tracked until it’s resolved, so nothing slips through the cracks.
If you’re looking for a rental in Windsor and want a team that takes your needs seriously, Richmond Property Management is here to help. Because tenant rights in Ontario matter—and so does having a property manager that respects them.
Reach out today to find a place where you’re supported from day one.
