Renting in Oakville

Does my landlord have to use the Ontario Standard Lease?

Yes, for almost all private residential tenancies signed on or after April 30, 2018. The Standard Lease is a form set by the Province that sets out the rent, what is included, and both parties' responsibilities in plain language. If a landlord does not give you one within 21 days of a written request, you may be able to withhold one month's rent.

A few tenancies are exempt, including most co-op, care-home and social housing units. The guide lists them.

Source: Government of Ontario, Guide to the Ontario Standard Lease

How much of a deposit can a landlord ask for?

At most one month's rent (or one rent period, for weekly tenancies), and it can only be used as the last month's rent, never for damage. A landlord cannot charge a separate damage deposit, a pet deposit, or interest on late rent. A key deposit is allowed but only up to the actual cost of replacing the key.

The landlord must pay you interest on the last-month's-rent deposit each year, at the rent increase guideline rate.

Source: Government of Ontario, Renting in Ontario: your rights (deposits)

Who pays for utilities, and how do I know?

Whatever the lease says. Section 6 of the Standard Lease is where the landlord and tenant record who pays for electricity, heat and water, and any separate charges for parking, a locker or air conditioning. Read it before signing. If you pay your own electricity or gas, you set up those accounts yourself; who supplies each utility in Oakville is on our utilities page.

Source: Government of Ontario, Guide to the Ontario Standard Lease (services and utilities)

How much can my rent go up each year?

For most units, no more than the province's annual rent increase guideline: 2.1% for increases taking effect in 2026 and 1.9% in 2027. The guideline is capped at 2.5%. Rent can be raised only once every 12 months, and the landlord must give 90 days' written notice on the Board's Form N1.

Units first occupied as a residence on or after November 15, 2018 are exempt from the guideline, so the landlord can raise the rent by any amount with 90 days' notice. Much of Oakville's newer rental stock, including new purpose-built and condo units north of Dundas, falls under this exemption.

Source: Government of Ontario, Rent increase guideline

Can a landlord raise rent above the guideline?

Only with the Landlord and Tenant Board's approval, through an Above Guideline Increase application, which is allowed for specific reasons such as major capital work or a large rise in municipal taxes. The tenant is notified and can dispute it at the Board.

Source: Tribunals Ontario (Landlord and Tenant Board), Landlord and Tenant Board

Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance?

The landlord must keep the unit and building in a good state of repair and fit to live in, and must comply with health, safety and maintenance standards, even if the tenant knew about a problem before moving in. The tenant is responsible for ordinary cleanliness and for repairing damage they or their guests cause.

Source: Government of Ontario, Renting in Ontario: your rights (maintenance and repairs)

Do I need tenant insurance?

The law does not require it, but most leases do, and the building's insurance does not cover your belongings or your liability if, say, a burst pipe starts in your unit. Tenant (contents) insurance is inexpensive and worth having; check what your lease requires.

Source: Government of Ontario, Renting in Ontario: your rights

Where do I park, and can I park on the street?

Parking that comes with the unit is described in the lease. On-street parking in Oakville is limited to three hours by default and banned overnight from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. between November 15 and April 15; north of Dundas Street some streets allow an overnight permit. See the Town's parking rules for permits and exemptions.

• Oakville parking rules and permits

Source: Town of Oakville, Parking permits

How does garbage and recycling work for a rental?

Halton Region collects waste for houses and small buildings on a weekly schedule by address; larger apartment buildings arrange their own collection. If you are in a house or townhouse, look up your collection day and the cart and bag-tag rules on the Region's tool.

• Garbage and recycling in Oakville

Source: Halton Region, Recycling and waste

How much notice do I give to move out?

For a month-to-month tenancy, 60 days' written notice ending on the last day of a rental period, on the Board's Form N9. A fixed-term lease ends on its end date, but if neither party acts it automatically continues month to month on the same terms; you still give 60 days' notice to leave.

Source: Government of Ontario, Renting in Ontario: your rights (ending a tenancy)

Can a landlord just evict me?

No. A landlord can only end a tenancy for reasons set out in the Act, must serve the correct notice, and, if the tenant does not agree or leave, must apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board and get an order. Only the Sheriff can enforce an eviction. A notice is not an eviction.

Source: Tribunals Ontario (Landlord and Tenant Board), Landlord and Tenant Board

Where do I go with a problem?

The Landlord and Tenant Board resolves disputes between most residential landlords and tenants and can order repairs, rent abatements or eviction. For advice on your situation, a community legal clinic can help; this page cannot give legal advice.

Source: Tribunals Ontario (Landlord and Tenant Board), Landlord and Tenant Board