Since April 30, 2018, all landlords in Ontario will be required to use the new standard lease agreement developed by the Ontario government. This initiative aims to streamline the rental process and ensure fairness and transparency for both landlords and tenants.
Access the standardized lease here: Click here for Ontario’s Standard Residential Tenancy Agreement
Why Was the Standardized Lease Introduced?
The Ontario government introduced the standardized lease to:
- Simplify lease agreements: The new format is designed to be clear and easy to understand for both landlords and tenants.
- Prevent illegal clauses: Landlords are prohibited from including provisions such as banning pets or guests, which are not legally enforceable.
- Ensure consistency: Before this change, lease agreements varied significantly, leading to confusion and disputes.
Which Properties Are Affected?
The standardized lease applies to most residential rental properties in Ontario, including:
- Apartments
- Condos
- Houses
However, it does not apply to:
- Care homes
- Mobile home parks
- Land lease communities
- Social housing
Key Features of the Standardized Lease
- Multilingual Accessibility: A guidebook is available in 21 different languages to help landlords and tenants understand their rights and responsibilities.
- Customizable Additional Terms: Section 15 allows landlords and tenants to agree on additional terms, but only provisions compliant with Ontario’s laws are enforceable.
- Transparent Information: The lease clearly outlines key details, including:
- Rent
- Deposits
- Utilities
- Contact information for both parties
The standardized lease may have good intentions and will provide one lease for each landlord across the province but we believe not enough is being done to protect the rights of the landlords who invest in their properties. Without more rights for landlords, rental unit conditions across the province can deteriorate or you may even see residential landlords exiting, cutting the supply to an already low vacancy market.
Key Updates to the Standardized Lease (Effective March 1, 2021)
To reflect legislative changes and enhance clarity, the Ontario government revised the Standard Form Lease. Here are the most significant updates:
- Electronic Signatures:
The updated lease explicitly permits the use of electronic signatures, making it easier for landlords and tenants to complete the lease process efficiently and go paperless. - Removal of Electricity Usage Disclosure:
Landlords are no longer required to provide prospective tenants with the previous 12 months’ electricity usage information, simplifying the rental application process. - Additional Clarifications:
The revised lease includes more detailed information on:- Terminating a tenancy for landlord or purchaser’s own use.
- Guidelines for extensive renovations.
- Rules surrounding subletting or assigning the rental unit.
These updates aim to make the leasing process more transparent and manageable for both parties.
At Humberview Insurance, we understand the unique challenges landlords face. We’re here to support small and medium-sized landlords across Ontario with tailored landlord insurance that protect your investments and provide peace of mind.
the article was originally written in 2018 and updated in 2025