How to Avoid A Bad Landlord: Toronto Tenant Guide

Written By andre velosa

Renting a home is one of the largest monthly financial commitments most people make. While many landlords are professional and fair, a bad landlord can create serious stress, unsafe living conditions, financial loss, and housing instability.

In Ontario, tenants are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, but knowing your rights before you sign a lease is the most important form of protection.

This guide breaks down how to spot red flags early, protect yourself legally, and choose a landlord you can feel confident dealing with.

1. Know Your Legal Rights Before You Apply

In Ontario, landlords must follow strict rules covering:

  • Rent increases

  • Maintenance and repairs

  • Entry into your unit

  • Deposits

  • Evictions

  • Discrimination

Before applying for any rental, you should understand:

  • What a landlord can and cannot charge

  • What a landlord must legally maintain

  • What a landlord cannot ask you

  • When a landlord can and cannot enter your unit

Knowing these rules immediately puts you in a stronger position.

2. Watch for Red Flags in the Listing

A bad landlord often shows signs before you ever book a showing.

Be cautious if a listing:

  • Has very limited or misleading photos

  • Has no clear description

  • Is priced far below market without explanation

  • Asks for deposits before viewing

  • Requests cash only

  • Pushes for an immediate commitment

  • Avoids written communication

Professional landlords operate with transparency and documentation. Pressure and vagueness are early warning signs.

3. Pay Attention During the Showing

A showing is also an interview of the landlord.

Be cautious if the landlord:

  • Avoids questions about maintenance

  • Cannot explain who handles repairs

  • Seems dismissive or impatient

  • Refuses to discuss lease terms

  • Appears disorganized or unprepared

If management feels careless at the start, it usually does not improve later.

4. Know What a Landlord Can and Cannot Ask

In Ontario, landlords can ask about:

  • Your income

  • Your employment

  • Your rental history

  • Your credit (with consent)

  • References

  • Pets and smoking

Landlords cannot ask about:

  • Pregnancy or children

  • Family plans

  • Marital status

  • Religion

  • Ethnic background

  • Sexual orientation

  • Disability

  • Age (if living independently)

  • Citizenship

  • Whether you receive public assistance

If prohibited questions are asked, this is a serious red flag and may be discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

5. Understand Legal Deposits Before You Pay Anything

Under the RTA, landlords can legally collect only:

  • First month’s rent

  • Last month’s rent

  • A key deposit limited to replacement cost

Landlords cannot legally collect:

  • Damage deposits

  • Pet deposits

  • Security deposits

  • Additional months of rent in advance

If a landlord demands illegal deposits, you can refuse and report it. This is a major warning sign.

6. Always Use the Ontario Standard Lease

Most private residential rentals in Ontario must use the Ontario Standard Lease.

This protects you by clearly outlining:

  • Rent amount and payment schedule

  • Utilities and services

  • Maintenance responsibilities

  • Entry rights

  • Rules about subletting and assignment

  • Tenant and landlord obligations

If a landlord refuses to use the standard lease, proceed with caution. You have the legal right to request it.

7. Understand Maintenance and Repair Obligations

Under the RTA, the landlord is always responsible for maintaining:

  • Heating

  • Plumbing

  • Electrical

  • Structure

  • Windows and doors

  • Appliances provided with the unit

  • Mold and pest control

Even if a lease says otherwise, maintenance cannot legally be transferred to the tenant.

If repairs are ignored, tenants can:

  • File a T6 maintenance application with the Landlord and Tenant Board

  • Contact local property standards

  • Request rent abatements in serious cases

8. Ask Who Handles Repairs and How Fast They Respond

Before signing, always ask:

  • Who handles repairs

  • How maintenance requests are submitted

  • Average response times

  • What qualifies as an emergency

A landlord who avoids these questions may also avoid repairs later.

9. Document the Condition Before You Move In

Before you receive the keys:

  • Take timestamped photos and videos

  • Walk through every room

  • Document:

    • Walls

    • Floors

    • Appliances

    • Plumbing

    • Windows

    • Doors

This protects you from being blamed for pre existing damage at move out.

10. Keep All Communication in Writing

Whenever possible:

  • Use email or text

  • Save:

    • Lease documents

    • Receipts

    • Maintenance requests

    • Entry notices

    • Rent confirmations

Written records are your strongest protection at the Landlord and Tenant Board.

11. Know the Rules About Entry Into Your Unit

In most situations, a landlord must give:

  • At least 24 hours written notice

  • A valid reason for entry

  • A specific time window

  • Entry must occur between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Entry without notice is only allowed for:

  • Emergencies

  • With your direct permission

  • If the unit is abandoned

Unannounced or frequent entries outside these rules are illegal and should always be documented.

12. Know How Rent Increases Work

Most Ontario units first occupied before November 15, 2018 are rent controlled.

This means:

  • Rent can increase once every 12 months

  • Only by the government guideline

  • With 90 days written notice

  • On the proper N1 or N2 form

If a landlord attempts to raise rent illegally, you do not have to comply.

13. Know the Rules Around Heat and Vital Services

Landlords must provide heat, hot water, and electricity.

Municipal bylaws typically require:

  • Heat to be maintained at minimum temperatures during winter months

  • Continuous access to vital services

Shutting off vital services is a serious offence.

14. Assignment and Subletting Rights (RTA Corrected)

Tenants have the right to request the landlord’s consent to assign their lease, and that consent cannot be unreasonably refused. If the landlord unreasonably refuses, or does not respond within 7 days, the tenant may give 30 days’ notice to terminate the tenancy.

A landlord may only charge reasonable out of pocket screening costs and cannot charge a premium or profit for allowing an assignment.

Subletting is different from assignment. With a sublet, the tenant remains legally responsible for the unit and intends to return.

15. Know When to Walk Away

Even if you like the unit, you should walk away if a landlord:

  • Demands illegal deposits

  • Refuses the standard lease

  • Avoids maintenance obligations

  • Makes discriminatory comments

  • Pushes you aggressively to waive rights

  • Refuses written communication

A bad landlord can cost far more than losing a single rental opportunity.

16. What to Do If Problems Arise After You Move In

If serious problems occur:

  • Document everything

  • Communicate in writing

  • Contact:

    • The Landlord and Tenant Board

    • Legal aid clinics

    • Municipal property standards

You cannot be evicted simply for asserting your legal rights. Retaliation is illegal and can result in dismissal of eviction applications.

FINAL ADVICE FOR TENANTS

A good rental is not just about the unit. It is about:

  • Communication

  • Legal compliance

  • Privacy

  • Proper maintenance

  • Fair treatment

If these are missing at the beginning, problems usually follow later.

IMPORTANT LEGAL DISCLAIMER

This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws, regulations, and Landlord and Tenant Board procedures may change. Tenants should always confirm current rules with the Residential Tenancies Act, the Landlord and Tenant Board, or a licensed legal professional before acting on any specific situation.

andre velosa
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