2025 Ontario Landlord-Tenant Law Changes: What Landlords Need to Know
Overview of Ontario’s 2025 Rent Increase Guidelines
Ontario landlords must follow strict rent control guidelines under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). For 2025, the official Ontario Government Rent Increase Guideline sets the maximum allowable rent increase at 2.5%, applying to most private residential rentals.
Key points for landlords:
- Rent increases above this cap require approval from the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
- Rent increases can only occur once every 12 months, with at least 90 days’ written notice.
- New units first occupied after November 15, 2018, may be exempt but require verification.
For more on market conditions, see our Ontario Rental Market Update.
New Eviction and Tenant Protection Rules (Bill 97)
Bill 97 introduces stricter tenant protections and new eviction processes for 2025.
Key Changes for Landlords:
- Detailed evidence required for eviction claims.
- Stronger anti-renoviction measures, including mandatory renovation documentation.
- Expanded tenant relocation assistance in some cases.
- New standardized notice forms and periods.
More insights on these legal changes can be found on Sukh Law’s legislative overview.
Renovictions and Toronto’s New Rental Licensing By-Law
Toronto has introduced a Rental Renovation Licence By-Law to curb renovictions, requiring landlords to apply for permits before conducting renovations that displace tenants.
According to Storeys and Sukh Law:
- Proof of legitimate renovations and permits are now required.
- Tenant compensation and right to return post-renovation are mandatory.
- Stricter review of eviction claims related to renovations.
These rules primarily apply to Toronto but may influence policies in other Ontario municipalities.
Changes to Tenancy Agreements and Notice Periods
2025 brings updates to standard tenancy agreements and notice periods, as noted in Ray White Double Bay.
Updated Tenancy Agreements Must Include:
- Tenant rights and responsibilities.
- Detailed rent breakdown and deposits.
- Maintenance and repair obligations.
Notice Period Updates:
- Longer notice periods for certain evictions (up to 120 days).
- Standardized forms to reduce confusion and disputes.
Using old agreements or notice forms could result in rejected eviction claims. Landlords are encouraged to consult professional resources, such as those listed on our Areas We Serve page.
Final Thoughts: Staying Compliant as a Landlord in 2025
Ontario’s 2025 landlord-tenant law changes — including Bill 97, rent increase limits, and Toronto’s new licensing — emphasize the importance of compliance for landlords.
Adapting to these updates is essential to avoid legal risks and maintain good tenant relationships. For those managing multiple properties, staying on top of new regulations can be challenging.
For landlords seeking support, Blue Anchor Property Management offers fully compliant management solutions. With transparent pricing ranging from $99 to $221 per unit per month, their services help property owners navigate Ontario’s evolving legal landscape. You can contact Blue Anchor to discuss how these changes impact your property.