Direct answer
Most private residential tenancies in Ontario are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and should use Ontario’s standard lease form. Landlords may generally collect a rent deposit of up to one month’s rent (or one week if rent is weekly)—often called last month’s rent—not a separate damage deposit. The rent deposit must be applied to the last rental period and earns interest. For disputes, the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is the usual forum. Upload your lease to Contract Checked for a plain-English reading; this is not legal advice.
Last reviewed November 2026
Points Ontarians often verify before signing
Standard lease
Ontario requires a standard lease for most new private residential tenancies. Extra terms cannot take away rights the RTA guarantees.
Rent deposit only
A rent deposit (last month’s rent) is allowed up to one rent period; a general security/damage deposit is not. Confirm what any “deposit” line item actually is.
Above-guideline increases and guidelines
Rent increase rules and guideline percentages are set under the RTA and related regulations; check current Ministry/LTB guidance for your unit type.
Maintenance and entry
Landlords have repair obligations; entry generally requires notice except in emergencies or with consent—see the LTB guide.
How Contract Checked helps
Upload your document and get a plain-English report: risk ratings on specific clauses, protections that are missing, and the questions to ask before you sign. Then ask follow-up questions about your own document. You see the credit cost before anything runs.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I use Contract Checked for a Canadian lease?
Yes. The analyzer reads any written lease. Pair the report with Ontario’s official LTB materials for local rules.
Is this legal advice?
No. Contract Checked gives general information and an AI reading of your document. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. For a dispute or a decision with a lot of money at stake, talk to a licensed attorney or a local tenant or worker organization.
Can Contract Checked review my document?
Yes. Upload a PDF, Word file, pasted text or a photo. Sign up free for starting credits; you see the credit cost before anything runs. The report is plain English and is not legal advice.