The Association of Bhutanese in Ontario (ABO) hosted an online information session on the Residential Tenancies Act 2006 Ontario. The 45-minute session held on March 1, 2026, aimed at sharing the legal protections that are offered by the act with Bhutanese living in the province of Ontario.
The Residential Tenancies Act applies to most rental housing options in the province, including apartments, houses, basement units, mobile homes and some care homes (Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, s.1). The act not only protects the rights of tenants and landlords with regards to rent, evictions, and other services, it also provides a dispute resolution system between landlords and tenants known as the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). The LTB conducts hearings to determine resolution of rent and maintenance disputes, and accepts complaints from both parties.
Under the Residential Tenancies Act, any tenant in Ontario is entitled to a tenancy agreement in writing, which includes the landlord’s legal name, address, and signature. Within 21 days from the start of tenancy, such a written agreement must be provided by the landlord. If the landlord fails to do so, the Residential Tenancy Act allows the tenant to withhold rent.
The ABO informed attendees about the rights of both tenants and landlords, as protected by the act. Tenants have rights to a safe and well-maintained home that is private and free from harassment. It also protects tenants from unlawful rent increases, unlawful eviction, and ensures that the tenant has access to vital services such as heat, water, and electricity.
Landlords have the right to collect rent on time and increase rent as per the province’s guidelines. Rent increases are usually allowed once every 12 months, with a 90 days written notice. Apart from rent protection, landlords have the right to screen tenants before renting out a property, as well as to apply for tenant eviction for legal reasons. However, legal evictions require a proper written notice and an order from the LTB.
It is important to note that the Residential Tenancy Act overrides any private agreements between landlord and tenant.
This advocacy session included information gathered from research on the Residential Tenancies Act 2006 Ontario and related guidelines at the time of presentation and are subject to change. The ABO shares a disclaimer that tenants or landlords with specific circumstances are encouraged to seek advice from appropriate authorities, including the LTB.
The Residential Tenancies Act is an important resource for any Ontario resident and can be found online on the Government of Ontario’s website for reference.