Landlords in Ontario are not just claimants at the LTB — they can also be respondents, facing applications filed by tenants and orders for fines, rent abatements, and compensation. Knowing what actions expose you to liability helps you avoid costly mistakes that go beyond losing a hearing.
Illegal Rent Increases
Charging rent above the guideline without an above-guideline order, or giving insufficient notice of a rent increase, can result in a tenant filing a T1 application. A successful T1 can require the landlord to repay the excess rent and may include additional remedies. The LTB takes illegal rent increases seriously.
Illegal Entry
Entering a rental unit without proper 24-hour written notice, outside permitted hours, or for unauthorized purposes gives the tenant grounds to file a T2 application. Remedies include fines and rent abatements. Repeated illegal entry can be found to constitute harassment.
Changing the Locks Without Authority
A landlord cannot change the locks on a rental unit without simultaneously providing the tenant with a new key. Locking a tenant out — even temporarily — is treated as a serious violation. The LTB can order immediate restoration of access and award significant compensation to the tenant.
Harassment and Interference
A tenant who can establish that the landlord has harassed them, interfered with their reasonable enjoyment of the unit, or substantially interfered with vital services can file a T2. Landlord liability under a successful T2 can include abatements of several months’ rent and fines up to $50,000 for serious conduct.
Bad Faith N12
Using an N12 in bad faith — serving it to remove a tenant without genuine intention to use the property — and then re-renting at a higher rate is one of the most serious violations. A successful T5 application can result in up to 12 months’ rent awarded to the tenant, plus fines.
What Comes Next
Stonegate helps Ontario landlords understand their obligations and avoid LTB liability. Book a free call at https://calendly.com/stonegatelegalservices/20min.
▶ Watch: What Are the Landlord Rights in Ontario?
Ready to talk to a landlord paralegal?
Stonegate Legal Services handles landlord-only matters across Ontario. Flat fee. Free discovery call.
