Renting a place in Canada — whether it’s your first apartment or your tenth — comes with both rights and responsibilities. If you’re a newcomer, student, or just unfamiliar with how renting works here, knowing what you’re entitled to and what’s expected of you can save a lot of stress.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of tenant rights and duties in Canada, plus what varies from province to province.
Your Rights as a Tenant in Canada
While rental laws are handled by each province, there are some basic protections that apply across the country. No matter where you live, you should expect:
✔️ Basic Tenant Rights:
- A safe, livable home with working heat, water, and electricity
- Protection from illegal evictions (your landlord has to follow proper legal steps)
- Privacy — landlords usually need to give 24 hours’ written notice before entering your unit
- Limits on how much and how often rent can be raised (varies by province)
- The ability to file complaints or disputes with a rental board or tribunal
- Protection from discrimination under human rights laws
What You’re Responsible For as a Tenant
Renting also means taking care of the property and being a good neighbor. Here are the main responsibilities that tenants are expected to follow:
📋 Tenant Responsibilities:
- Pay your rent on time, every time
- Keep the space clean and avoid damage
- Let your landlord know if something breaks or needs fixing
- Be respectful of your neighbors and follow any building rules
- Don’t sublet or rent out rooms unless your landlord agrees
- Give proper notice (usually 60 days) before moving out
Snapshot: Tenant Rules by Province in 2025
| Province | Notice Before Entry | Max Rent Increase (2025) | Lease Termination Notice | Tribunal Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 24 hours | 2.5% | 60 days (monthly lease) | Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) |
| British Columbia | 24 hours | 3.5% | 1 month | Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) |
| Alberta | 24 hours | No cap (market-based) | 3 months (annual lease) | Residential Tenancy Dispute Service |
| Quebec | 24 hours | CPI-based | 3 months (annual lease) | Tribunal administratif du logement |
| Nova Scotia | 24 hours | 2.0% | 3 months | Residential Tenancies Program |
Note: Rent control policies and notice periods can change — always check with your local authority for the latest.
Common Rental Issues & How to Deal With Them
| Problem | Your Right or Duty | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Eviction without warning | Landlord must give legal notice | Contact your provincial rental board |
| No heat or broken appliances | Landlord must provide basic services | File a maintenance request or complaint |
| Landlord enters without notice | 24h notice usually required | Keep a record and file a report if needed |
| Rent raised above the limit | Illegal in regulated provinces | File a dispute through the tenancy board |
| Guest causes damage | You’re usually responsible | Fix or pay for repairs promptly |
Where to Get Help: Tenant Support by Province
| Province | Help Line | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 1-888-332-3234 (LTB) | tribunalsontario.ca/ltb |
| British Columbia | 1-800-665-8779 (RTB) | gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant |
| Alberta | Dial 310-0000, ask for RTDRS | alberta.ca/tenancy-disputes |
| Quebec | 1-800-683-2245 (TAL) | tal.gouv.qc.ca |
| Nova Scotia | 1-800-670-4357 | novascotia.ca |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a landlord evict me without warning?
No. Every province requires landlords to give written notice and follow specific legal steps. Sudden evictions are almost always illegal.
2. How much notice do I have to give to move out?
Usually, 60 days for month-to-month leases. If you’re on an annual lease, most provinces ask for 3 months’ notice before your lease ends.
3. Can my landlord raise my rent whenever they want?
No. Rent increases can usually happen only once per year and must follow legal guidelines. Landlords also have to give you advance notice (often 90 days).
4. What if my landlord won’t make repairs?
Document the issue and report it in writing. If nothing is done, contact your local tribunal — some provinces even let you request a rent reduction until it’s fixed.
5. Can I say no if my landlord wants to come in?
Yes, if they haven’t given proper notice (unless it’s an emergency). You can reschedule or report them if they repeatedly enter without permission.
Final Thoughts
Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Canada empowers you to live more confidently and securely — especially if you’re renting in a new city or country. Every province has slightly different rules, but all aim to protect tenants from unfair treatment and unsafe housing.
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to get help from your local tenancy board. It’s free, confidential, and there to make sure your home is a safe and respectful place to live.