September Market Update - Ontario's Rental Rules Just Changed: What Landlords, Tenants, and Buyers Need to Know

Ontario Rental Law Changes Effective September 21, 2026

Several amendments to Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 took effect on September 21, 2026. Whether you are a landlord, a tenant or considering purchasing a rental property, these changes are worth understanding. They affect notice periods, compensation requirements and certain procedures before the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Here is a plain-language overview of some of the key changes.

1. Longer Notice for a Landlord’s Own Use May Eliminate Compensation

Previously, a landlord ending a tenancy so that the landlord, an eligible family member or a caregiver could move into the unit generally had to provide at least 60 days’ notice and either pay the tenant one month’s rent or offer another acceptable rental unit.

For N12 notices given on or after September 21, 2026, a landlord who provides at least 120 days’ notice for the landlord’s own use is no longer required to pay this compensation or offer another acceptable unit.

The termination date must still be the last day of a rental period or, for a fixed-term tenancy, the end of the term. This change does not apply when an N12 is issued for a purchaser’s own use.

The landlord or other person named in the notice must also normally move into the unit within 60 days of the termination date. If they do not, the notice may be presumed to have been given in bad faith, although the landlord can present evidence to rebut that presumption.

Why it matters: Landlords now have a choice between providing a longer notice period or following the existing compensation rules. Tenants should understand that an N12 providing at least 120 days’ notice may not include the usual one month’s compensation.

2. Stronger Protections Following Renovation Evictions

Tenants displaced because of repairs or renovations may have a right to return to the unit after the work is completed. To preserve that right, the tenant must give the landlord written notice stating that they intend to return.

When the applicable requirements are met, the landlord must:

• Promptly provide the tenant with written notice of the estimated completion date.
• Notify the tenant in writing if that estimated date changes.
• Notify the tenant in writing when the work is complete and the unit is ready for occupancy.
• Give the tenant at least 60 days’ notice to reoccupy the unit.

If the landlord does not provide the required information or the required time to return, the landlord may be presumed to have failed to honour the tenant’s right of first refusal. The landlord will have an opportunity to rebut that presumption at an LTB hearing.

Tenants now have until the later of two years after moving out or six months after the renovations are completed to file the applicable T5 application.

Why it matters: Landlords must maintain clear written records and communicate renovation timelines carefully. Tenants who intend to return should provide written notice and retain copies of all correspondence.

3. Seven-Day N4 Notice Period for Unpaid Rent

For N4 notices given on or after September 21, 2026, the termination notice period for non-payment of rent is seven days.

Previously, the notice period was generally 14 days for tenants who paid rent monthly or yearly and seven days for tenants who paid rent daily or weekly.

An N4 notice does not itself evict a tenant. If the tenant does not pay the required amount or move out by the termination date, the landlord may apply to the LTB. Only the LTB can issue an eviction order.

Why it matters: The shorter notice period allows landlords to begin an LTB application sooner, while giving tenants less time to pay the outstanding rent before the landlord can apply.

4. New Requirement at Rent-Arrears Hearings

For rent-arrears applications filed on or after September 21, 2026, a tenant who wants to raise certain additional issues at the hearing, such as maintenance concerns or alleged interference with tenant rights, must pay the landlord half of the rent arrears claimed in the application at least seven days before the hearing.

The tenant must also continue to provide the landlord and the LTB with a written description of the issues at least seven days before the hearing.

The LTB updated several forms on September 21, 2026. Earlier versions will no longer be accepted after November 30, 2026.

This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Landlords and tenants should obtain legal advice about their specific circumstances.