October 7, 2026
4 min
Written by: Arian Borys Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board Changes: What Landlords Should Know in 2026
Ontario introduced several important changes to the Residential Tenancies Act and Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) rules in 2026.
Many of the changes that took effect on September 21, 2026 give landlords clearer and faster options for dealing with unpaid rent, personal-use evictions and renovations.
Here are some of the most important changes for Ontario landlords.
Faster N4 Process for Unpaid Rent
One of the biggest changes for landlords involves unpaid rent.
For N4 notices given on or after September 21, 2026, the required notice period has been reduced from 14 days to 7 days.
This means landlords can begin the LTB process sooner when rent is not paid, reducing the amount of time arrears can continue to accumulate before an application can be filed.
More Flexibility for N12 Personal Use
Landlords who genuinely need a rental property for their own use now have another option.
When a landlord provides at least 120 days’ notice, they are no longer required to pay the tenant one month’s rent as compensation or offer another acceptable rental unit.
If less than 120 days’ notice is provided, the existing compensation requirements continue to apply.
The change gives landlords a choice: provide significantly more notice or continue using the shorter notice period with compensation.
This new rule applies to qualifying landlord’s-own-use N12 notices and does not apply to N12 notices for a purchaser’s own use.
Changes to Rent-Arrears Hearings
There is also an important change for landlords pursuing unpaid rent.
When a tenant wants to raise other issues, such as maintenance or tenant-rights complaints, during certain non-payment-of-rent proceedings, the tenant must generally pay 50% of the rent arrears claimed at least seven days before the hearing.
The change is intended to put greater structure around issues raised during rent-arrears proceedings while the landlord is attempting to recover unpaid rent.
New Rules for N13 Renovations
Landlords completing major renovations should also be aware of new requirements when a tenant has exercised their right of first refusal to return to the unit.
Landlords must provide required written updates about the renovation and notify the tenant when the unit is ready.
Once the renovations are complete, the tenant must generally be given at least 60 days to move back into the unit.
Good documentation throughout a major renovation is therefore increasingly important.
Higher Maximum Fines
Ontario also significantly increased the maximum fines available for offences under the Residential Tenancies Act.
As of July 1, 2026, maximum fines are:
- $100,000 for an individual
- $500,000 for a corporation
Landlords should make sure notices, documentation and rental practices comply with the Act, particularly when dealing with evictions, renovations and a tenant’s right to return.
What These Changes Mean for Ontario Landlords
For landlords, the 2026 changes provide some meaningful improvements to Ontario’s rental rules.
The 7-day N4 period can help landlords act sooner when rent goes unpaid, while the new 120-day N12 option provides additional flexibility when a landlord genuinely needs to take back a property for personal use.
At the same time, Ontario landlords continue to face strict procedural requirements. Using the correct forms, keeping good records and following the required timelines remains essential.
Landlords should always use the latest LTB forms and consider obtaining legal advice when dealing with an eviction or tenancy matters.
This article is provided for general information only and is not legal advice. Please always consult with a lawyer who has experience in LTB matters.
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