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Information for Tenants and Landlords

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Rights and Responsibilities of Tenants and Landlords

In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) sets out the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants of residential properties. It provides rules for increasing rent, evicting a tenant, maintenance duties and more. The Landlord and Tenant Board was created under the RTA to resolve disputes between tenants and their landlords.

Ontario’s RTA applies to most private residential rental units, including those in single and semi-detached houses, apartments, condominiums and secondary units (e.g., basement apartments). However, it does not apply to certain rental types, such as most university and college residences or commercial properties.

In Brampton, landlords are responsible for ensuring their properties comply with all municipal by-laws and standards, including acquiring the required licences and/or registrations to construct and operate a rental unit. Tenants of rental units also share in the responsibility of maintaining the unit, including ensuring it is free from refuse and garbage. For more information, please refer to:

  • Information Guide for Landlords in Brampton (coming soon)
  • Information Guide for Tenants in Brampton (coming soon)
Information Guide for Landlords in Brampton
Information Guide for Tenants in Brampton

Be a Good Neighbour

Landlords and tenants both play an important role in fostering positive relationships and open communication. This can help resolve issues early and promote a living environment based on mutual respect and trust.

Equally important is communication with neighbours. Addressing concerns directly and respectfully can often lead to quick resolutions, preventing small matters from developing into larger disputes. When landlords, tenants and neighbours work together, they contribute to the creation of a safe, inclusive and supportive community for all residents.​​​

Frequently Asked Questions for Tenants

No, the lease remains a private contractual agreement between you and your landlord, regardless of the legality of the rental unit. You should consult with the Landlord Tenant Board with inquiries about how a lease can legally be terminated or visit the Landlord and Tenant Board Guide on How a Landlord Can End a Tenancy​.

Landlords are encouraged to submit an application to register the ARU. However, if the unit does not meet the necessary requirements for registration, or if the landlord decides not to proceed with registration, they may apply for a permit to remove the unit.

If a landlord decides to remove the unit, they must comply with the eviction rules under the Residential Tenancies Act. Tenants also have the right to participate in hearings at the Landlord and Tenant Board before vacating the unit.

You should report the issue to the City by contacting 3-1-1 to ensure it is investigated appropriately and brought into compliance with the requirements of the law.

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The Residential Tenancies Act has specific rules for how and when a landlord can end a residential tenancy and evict a tenant. A landlord who follows the rules in the Residential Tenancies Act and gets an eviction order from the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), can go to the sheriff to have you removed from your unit and get the locks changed if you don't leave. This is a legal eviction.

However, sometimes a landlord will change the locks without getting an LTB eviction order while the tenant is still living in the rental unit. This is an illegal lockout. It is illegal for your landlord to lock you out of your unit. Only a sheriff from the Court Enforcement Office can force you to move out. A sheriff will only force you to move out if your landlord has received an eviction order from the LTB and you didn't move out by the date specified in the order.

Note: A notice of termination is not an eviction order. For more information visit the Landlord and Tenant Board Guide on How a Landlord Can End a Tenancy.

If a landlord doesn't follow the RTA process and locks you out illegally, you can:

  1. Call the Police: If you need immediate assistance, call the police. Having identification and proof of address can help in this situation. The police may be able to assist in allowing you back into your unit.
  2. Contact the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing: You can contact the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s Rental Housing Enforcement Unit. They may contact the landlord and explain the law, potentially resolving the issue. If the landlord does not cooperate, an investigation may be initiated.
  3. Apply to the LTB: You can file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order requiring your landlord to let you back into your unit and continue your tenancy.
  4. Get Legal Advice: Consider consulting a lawyer or a paralegal who can offer advice on what actions to take. You can find legal resources on Tribunal Ontario’s website under “Accessing Our Services – Getting Legal Help”.

No, a bedroom shall not contain equipment or appliances for storing, cooking, or heating food.

Any room used for sleeping must be constructed under a building permit issued by the City of Brampton and constructed in compliance with the Ontario Building Code standards for a bedroom. Rooms cannot be converted into bedrooms without a permit. To verify if a permit was issued, you can contact 3-1-1 or look it up here​.

While the specific arrangement for accommodations is determined by your lease agreement with the landlord, there are occupancy standards in place to prevent overcrowding in shared bedrooms.

For bedrooms shared by three adult occupants, the minimum floor area must be 14 square meters (approximately 150 square feet). For rooms shared by four or more adults, there must be a minimum of 7 square meters (approximately 75 square feet) per occupant.

Frequently Asked Questions for Landlords

Yes, certain types of accommodations, such as short-term rentals and lodging houses, require a licence. Additionally, properties with an Additional Residential Unit (ARU) must be registered with the City. For specific licensing and registration requirements, please contact 3-1-1.

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The lease is a private contract between you and your tenants which does not involve the City. Leases may only be terminated in accordance with the legal requirements under the Residential Tenancies Act.

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All Additional Residential Units (ARUs), including basement apartments, must be registered with the City of Brampton. The registration process may vary depending on the type of ARU. Please refer to the following webpages for more information:​

Yes, landlords are required to use the Ontario Standard Lease for most private residential rental units. This lease covers important details such as rent amounts, payment due dates and tenant rules. It also outlines tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities.​

The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) outlines specific procedures for ending a tenancy and evicting a tenant. For more information, please refer to the Landlord and Tenant Board Guide on How a Landlord Can End a Tenancy.

If an eviction order is issued by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), and the tenant does not vacate the rental unit by the specified termination date, the landlord cannot personally enforce the order (i.e., remove the tenant or change the locks). Only the Court Enforcement Office​ of the Superior Court of Justice (also known as the “Sheriff’s Office”) can enforce an eviction order.

Tenants must obtain your consent to sublet or assign the lease. You cannot unreasonably withhold consent, and you cannot charge a fee for granting it. The Residential Tenancies Act provides the process for requesting and granting consent.

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In Ontario, a landlord must provide at least 24 hours of written notice to the tenant before entering the rental unit. The notice should specify the reason for entry, the date and a time between 8 am and 8 pm This applies to inspections, repairs, or showing the unit to potential buyers. Immediate entry is allowed only in emergency situations.

The City may also request consent to enter and inspect the property from any occupant of the dwelling. The landlord is not required to be present during the inspection, nor is it necessary for the landlord to provide access.

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