In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA, 2006) is the cornerstone of landlord-tenant law. It defines what landlords and tenants may and may not do, and how disputes must be settled. If you’re a landlord or tenant (or both), knowing your rights and duties under the RTA can prevent costly mistakes, disputes, and potentially legal consequences. This guide breaks down the key parts you need to know.

1. What the RTA Covers & Why It Matters

• The RTA is a provincial law that regulates most residential tenancies in Ontario.

• It sets rules on rent, maintenance, entry, evictions, and many more foundational areas. 

• Some private agreements or “extra charges” are illegal even if written in a lease—those parts are void or unenforceable. 

2. What Is Illegal for Landlords to Do in Ontario

1. Harass, threaten, or interfere with a tenant’s quiet enjoyment

   • Landlords cannot harass a tenant or interfere with their reasonable enjoyment of the premises. 

   • Examples include repeated unwanted entry, verbal threats, or trying to pressure the tenant to move out. 

2. Enter a unit without proper notice (unless an emergency)

   • Except in emergencies, landlords must provide written notice at least 24 hours in advance and enter between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. 

   • Entry must be for lawful reasons (repairs, inspection, showing unit, etc.).
     
     

3. Withhold vital services or interfere with their supply

   • Services such as heat, water, electricity, gas are “vital services.” Landlords may not withhold, reduce, or interfere with those. 

   • Doing so is an offence under the RTA.
     
     

4. Charge illegal or unauthorized fees

   • Landlords cannot impose extra fees not allowed or agreed under the RTA. 

   • For example: landlord taxes, general cleaning, arbitrary “maintenance” charges, or fees not in the lease may be illegal.
     
     

5. Evict without proper process or without LTB order

   • Landlords must follow the proper notice forms (N-series) and procedures. 

   • They can’t lock someone out or change locks without an eviction order enforced by the Sheriff. 

3. What Landlords Can Charge for Damages – Limits & Rules

• Tenants are responsible for damage beyond normal wear and tear, whether caused intentionally or by negligence. 

• The landlord must prove the damage and provide evidence (photos, receipts, repair quotes) when seeking compensation via the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

• The RTA also requires that anyone claiming damages must take reasonable steps to minimize losses (i.e., you can’t let damage worsen and then charge everything).

• There is no fixed “maximum” set in the RTA for damages—amounts will depend on the actual cost and evidence.
  
  

4. Repair & Maintenance: Who Is Responsible for What?

Landlord’s Duties:

• Maintain the rental unit and all items the landlord provides, in a good state of repair. 

• Ensure the premises comply with health, safety, and housing standards.

• Respond to repair requests and address them within a reasonable time. 

Tenant’s Duties:

• Keep the unit reasonably clean and sanitary. 

• Repair or pay for repair of damage caused by themselves, guests, or co-occupants (beyond usual wear and tear). 

• Inform the landlord of needed repairs in a timely manner. 

5. How Long Does a Landlord Have to Fix Something in Ontario?

• The RTA itself does not specify exact time limits; it uses the term “reasonable time”. 

• What’s reasonable depends on urgency, the nature of the problem, and whether it affects health or safety. 

• For emergencies (burst pipe, no heat in winter, major electrical fault), landlords are expected to act immediately or nearly immediately.

• For non-urgent issues (a broken window, dripping faucet), it might be days to a couple of weeks, depending on circumstances.

• If repairs are delayed, tenants may file a T6 application at the LTB asking for orders or rent abatement. 

Final Summary

Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act lays out a balanced framework between landlords and tenants. Landlords must respect tenants’ rights—no harassment, no illegal fees, proper notice for entry—and maintain properties in good repair. Tenants must pay rent, keep the unit clean, notify the landlord of needed repairs, and only be responsible for damage beyond normal wear. When disputes arise, evidence, documentation, and recourse through the Landlord and Tenant Board are essential. Understanding these rules helps both sides avoid conflict and ensures the tenancy runs smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is illegal for landlords to do in Ontario?

• Harass or threaten tenants or interfere with their peaceful enjoyment

• Enter the unit without proper notice or at improper times (except emergencies)

• Withhold vital services (heat, water, electricity, gas)

• Charge unauthorized or illegal fees

• Evict without following the proper legal process or without an eviction order

2. What is the most a landlord can charge for damages?
There’s no fixed cap. The landlord can charge for the actual costs of repair or replacement, supported by evidence, but must also minimize losses.

3. What repairs are tenants responsible for in Ontario?
Tenants must repair or pay for damage they (or their guests) cause beyond normal wear and tear. They also must notify the landlord of needed repairs.

4. How long does a landlord have to fix something in Ontario?
There’s no fixed timeline in the RTA—repairs must be done within a reasonable time. Urgent issues require prompt action; less urgent ones may take days to weeks depending on circumstances.

5. Can a landlord charge for damages in Ontario?
Yes—if damage is above normal wear and tear, and if they can prove it, a landlord may recover costs through the LTB or as part of termination proceedings.

Discover the Leasing Potential at Riverside Square

Located in Toronto’s vibrant South Riverdale neighbourhood, 25 Baseball Place is one of the standout buildings within the Riverside Square community. Known for its modern design, unbeatable location, and access to transit, it’s quickly becoming a favourite among renters seeking urban convenience and community charm.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s driving rental demand at 25 Baseball Place and why it continues to attract attention in Toronto’s competitive condo market.

1. A Prime Location for Urban Renters

• Close to transit: Easy access to streetcars and the Don Valley Parkway makes commuting seamless.

• Walkable lifestyle: Cafés, grocery stores, and the Queen East strip are all within minutes.

• Riverside & Leslieville appeal: These neighbourhoods are known for their local culture, walkability, and community vibe—perfect for young professionals and small families.

2. Competitive Rental Rates with High Value

The units at 25 Baseball Place offer modern layouts and finishes without the sky-high prices often found downtown.

• One-bedroom suites typically start around mid-$2,000s/month.

• Two-bedroom units cater to professionals or couples seeking more space, averaging in the low $3,000s range.

• Renters appreciate in-suite laundry, large windows, and private balconies, making it a strong value proposition.

3. Amenities That Attract Long-Term Tenants

Renters are drawn to lifestyle perks that rival high-end downtown buildings:

• Rooftop pool and terrace with city skyline views

• Fully equipped gym and yoga studio

• Concierge and secure underground parking

• Party room, co-working lounges, and visitor parking

These amenities not only increase appeal but also help units retain long-term tenants, reducing turnover.

4. Market Demand and Leasing Trends

Rental demand remains strong in the East End condo market, with Riverside Square seeing steady occupancy rates above 95%.

• Proximity to major employers and transit routes boosts appeal.

• Tenants are increasingly looking for work-from-home-friendly spaces, which 25 Baseball Place delivers through open-concept layouts.

• Investors enjoy low vacancy risk and consistent rent growth year over year.
  

5. How to Register or Lease at 25 Baseball Place

Interested in leasing or investing in this property?
You can explore details or listings through the page here:
👉 Riverside Square – 25 Baseball Place

Registering ensures you receive early access to available units, updates, and rental opportunities within the Riverside community.

Final Summary

25 Baseball Place stands as a top pick for renters and investors alike — offering location, lifestyle, and long-term value. With its blend of modern amenities and Riverside’s signature community feel, it’s no surprise leasing trends remain strong in this part of Toronto.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the average rent at 25 Baseball Place?
One-bedroom units typically range from $2,400–$2,800 per month, while two-bedroom layouts average between $3,000–$3,300.

2. Are there furnished rentals available at 25 Baseball Place?
Yes, some investors and landlords offer fully furnished units for short-term or corporate leases.

3. Is 25 Baseball Place pet-friendly?
Most units in Riverside Square are pet-friendly, though restrictions and fees can vary by landlord.

4. What amenities are available for renters?
Residents enjoy a rooftop pool, gym, concierge service, party room, underground parking, and co-working spaces.

5. How can I apply for a rental at 25 Baseball Place?
You can register or view listings directly through the Riverside Square portal to be notified of available suites.

Scoring an affordable home in today’s heated real estate market may feel like a moonshot—but it's absolutely within reach. With rising prices and tight competition, finding value requires strategy, insight, and a willingness to explore less obvious opportunities. Here’s your friendly, step-by-step guide to beating the odds—and owning a home that won’t break your bank.

1. Look Beyond the Usual Neighbourhoods

• Surprisingly, some areas of Toronto that sound upscale on paper—like Rockcliffe-Smythe and Eglinton West—actually offer much greater affordability compared to the city average. Detached homes there are over $600K below typical prices.

• Other budget-friendly zones include Rexdale, Kipling, Malvern, Rouge, and Dorset Park—worth exploring if you want value without sacrificing access.

2. Tap into Condo Affordability

• If single-family homes feel out of reach, consider condos in eastern neighbourhoods like West Hill, Centennial Scarborough, Malvern, and Rouge—where average prices can start around $253K to $365K.

3. Go Beyond Toronto: Ontario Offers Value Elsewhere

• Some of the most affordable cities to buy in Ontario include Windsor, London, Barrie, Kanata, and Guelph. Their home-to-income ratios make ownership much more attainable.

• For even deeper affordability, towns like Sarnia, Thunder Bay, and Deep River offer a fantastic blend of low housing costs and high livability.

4. Know How Affordability Is Defined (Ownership-Wise)

• In Ontario, for housing to be considered affordable, it must meet one of two criteria:
  

  1. Total housing costs stay below 30% of the household's gross income.

  2. Purchase price is at least 10% below the regional resale average.

• This definition aligns with both financial prudence and real-world access—making it easier to identify genuine value.
  
  

Final Summary

In a competitive market, affordable homes still exist—but they're often off the beaten path, in under-appreciated neighbourhoods or outside the GTA. Think east-end Toronto condos, balanced suburbs, or affordable small towns. By combining smart location hunting with a clear understanding of affordability metrics, you can find a home that fits both your lifestyle and your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most affordable place to live in Toronto?
Rockcliffe-Smythe, Rexdale/Kipling/Clairville, and Malvern/Rouge stand out for offering detached homes well below the city’s average price—making them top choices for affordability.

What is considered affordable housing in Toronto?
Affordable housing must either keep total shelter costs under 30% of gross household income, or be priced at least 10% below the regional resale average.

Where is the most affordable place to buy a house in Ontario?
Windsor, London, Barrie, Kanata, and Guelph are among the most affordable cities for homebuyers based on home-to-income ratios. For smaller towns, Sarnia, Thunder Bay, and Deep River top the charts.

What is the affordability income for a house in Toronto?
As of mid-2025, a household likely needs between C$199K and C$214K annually to qualify for an average home in Toronto—far above the city's median income (~C$98K–129K).

Where is the lowest cost of living in Ontario?
Many smaller towns outside the GTA—like Deep River, Rainy River, and Englehart—offer the lowest cost of living in the province, with housing prices often under C$250K.