Canadian landlord compliance checklist
Canada has no national tenancy law: each province and territory runs its own regime, and Quebec operates under civil law with its own tribunal. The most expensive mistakes come from applying one province's habits in another, especially around deposits and rent increases.
Setting up the tenancy
The lease uses the prescribed form where the province mandates one, such as Ontario's standard lease.
Deposits follow the province. Ontario allows only a rent deposit of up to one month's rent, applied to the last month, with interest paid every year at the guideline rate, and no damage deposit. British Columbia allows a security deposit of up to half a month's rent, and the same again for a pet.
Screening respects the provincial human rights code, including limits on how income information can be used.
Any provincial or municipal rental licensing or registration is in place.
Rent and increases
Rent increases respect the provincial limit, with the prescribed form and notice: in Ontario 2.1 per cent for 2026 with 90 days' written notice, in British Columbia 2.3 per cent for 2026 and 2.2 per cent for 2027 with three full months' notice.
Increase frequency limits are observed, commonly one increase per 12 months.
During the tenancy
Entry follows the provincial notice rules; in Ontario that is 24 hours' written notice, for a permitted purpose, between 8am and 8pm.
Repair and maintenance obligations are met and documented, with vital services never withheld.
Terminations and evictions use the province's prescribed forms and tribunal process, and Quebec's distinct process is respected for properties there.
Records
Deposit interest is calculated and paid where the province requires it.
Tenant personal information is handled in line with PIPEDA or the provincial privacy statute.
This is general information, not legal advice. Requirements vary by province and territory and change; confirm the current rules with the provincial tribunal or a qualified adviser.
Figures checked against the official sources below on .
Official sources
General information, not legal or financial advice.