Ontario Residential Lease Agreement — 2026

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) and Ontario Regulation 9/18 (the Standard Lease Regulation), landlords in Ontario are required to use the government-mandated standard lease form for most private residential rentals. Our template is fully compliant with the 2024 version of Form 2229E, incorporating all mandatory schedules and prescribed language. Whether you are a first-time landlord or manage a portfolio of units, this template ensures your tenancy agreement meets all current statutory requirements, reduces your exposure to Landlord and Tenant Board disputes, and protects your rights under Ontario law. It covers every mandatory disclosure, from rent payment provisions to pet rules and tenant rights summaries.

Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17 — O. Reg. 9/18

Legal Requirements in Ontario

  • Mandatory use of the government-issued standard lease form (Form 2229E) for most private residential rentals entered into on or after April 30, 2018
  • Rent increase guideline: 2.5% for 2025 — increases above guideline require Landlord and Tenant Board approval
  • Landlord disclosure obligations: contact information, name of property manager (if any), and any known deficiencies
  • Entry notice requirement: minimum 24-hour written notice required for most entries, except in emergencies
  • N Forms overview: N4 (rent arrears), N5 (interference/damage), N8 (end of tenancy), N12 (owner's own use) — each has strict procedural timelines
  • Last month's rent deposit: permitted, but cannot exceed one month's rent. Must be applied to the last rental period of the tenancy
  • Void clauses: provisions that waive tenant rights under the RTA are automatically void even if signed by the tenant

What's Included in This Template

  • All mandatory RTA provisions (Form 2229E compliant)
  • Landlord and tenant information section
  • Rent amount, due date, and accepted payment methods
  • Services and utilities included in rent (Schedule A)
  • Smoking and cannabis provisions with customizable restrictions
  • Pet provisions in compliance with the RTA (no blanket pet bans)
  • Tenant's rights summary (Schedule included as required)
  • Additional terms section for lawful customization

How to Complete This Document

  1. Enter complete landlord legal name, mailing address, and contact information in Section 1.
  2. Specify the full civic address and unit description of the rental property in Section 2.
  3. Set the agreed monthly rent amount and the day of the month it is due in Section 4.
  4. Check all services and utilities that are included in the rent (heat, hydro, water, parking, etc.) in Schedule A.
  5. Complete the additional terms schedule with any lawful rules specific to the unit (no additional terms may waive RTA rights).
  6. Both landlord and tenant sign two copies in person; each party retains one fully signed original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this template compliant with the 2024 Ontario standard lease?

Yes. Our template is based on the current Form 2229E issued by the Ontario government and incorporates all mandatory schedules and prescribed language required under O. Reg. 9/18. We verify compliance with every legislative update.

Can I use this for a basement apartment?

Yes, for most basement apartments that are rented as private residential units. The Residential Tenancies Act applies to the majority of rental units in Ontario, including legally permitted basement apartments. Exemptions exist for certain shared-accommodation arrangements where the landlord also resides in the unit and shares kitchen or bathroom facilities.

What if the tenant won't sign the standard lease?

Under the RTA, if a landlord fails to provide the standard lease within 21 days of a written request, the tenant may withhold one month's rent. If still not provided within 30 days after that, that withheld rent need not be repaid. Landlords should always provide the standard lease at or before move-in.

What is the maximum rent deposit I can collect?

The maximum permitted deposit is one month's rent — structured as a last month's rent (LMR) deposit. No additional deposits, including damage deposits or key deposits beyond the actual replacement cost of a key, are permitted under the Residential Tenancies Act. Attempting to collect an illegal deposit is an offence under the RTA.

Do I need to register this lease?

No registration is required for residential leases under three years in Ontario. The lease is valid and enforceable between the parties from the date of signing without any government registration. Leases of three years or more may require registration at the land registry to bind future owners of the property.

When You Need a Lawyer Instead

If your tenant has already moved in without a signed lease, if you're dealing with an existing tenancy dispute, or if your property involves complex shared spaces — consult a licensed Ontario landlord-tenant lawyer before proceeding. LexChest can connect you with qualified counsel.