For Renters
Ontario Lease Costs, Deposits, and Responsibilities
By Yanni Raposo, licensed Ontario real estate agent (RECO #6022638)
Published · Updated · 1 min read
Direct answer
Ontario tenants typically budget first month’s rent plus a last-month rent deposit and any lawful key deposit. Damage deposits are generally not allowed. Use the standard lease and LTB guidance for responsibilities.
Key takeaways
- Lawful deposits are narrowly defined - last month’s rent and key deposits are the usual pair.
- Use the Ontario standard lease so key terms are not buried in DIY addenda.
- Budget move-in cash: first month + last-month deposit + keys + utilities setup.
- Repairs, entry, and rent rules are RTA matters - LTB is the dispute forum.
Move-in week is when illegal fees and unclear responsibilities explode. Here is a clear cost-and-duty map for Ontario residential tenancies, citing LTB and standard-lease materials. Realtor help for searching or listing sits at /rentals - legal advice does not.
Move-in cash checklist (hypothetical $2,400 rent)
| Item | Illustrative | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First month’s rent | $2,400 | Due per lease timing |
| Rent deposit (last month) | $2,400 | Max one rental period; applied to last month |
| Key deposit | [refundable] | Must be returned when keys returned |
| Damage / pet “security” deposit | $0 lawful typical | Not a standard RTA deposit type |
| Utility setup / insurance | Varies | Tenant contents insurance often wise |
Sources: LTB Guide to the RTA; Ontario standard lease guide (PDF).
Responsibilities at a glance
- Landlord: maintain vital services and repair obligations under the RTA; use proper notices; use standard lease where required
- Tenant: pay rent; keep unit reasonably clean; report issues; ordinary cleanliness vs landlord repair lines matter in disputes
- Disputes: Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario)
Application package tip: rental application checklist. Landlord workflow: leasing workflow.
Request a renting callback if you want help finding a unit - bring lease questions to a paralegal/lawyer or LTB resources for legal calls.
Frequently asked questions
Can a landlord charge a damage deposit in Ontario?
Generally no. The RTA framework allows a rent deposit (typically last month’s rent) and a refundable key deposit - not a separate damage or pet security deposit. See the LTB guide and standard lease guidance.
Who pays for the standard lease form?
Ontario requires most residential landlords to use the standard lease (with limited exceptions). It is a provincial form requirement - not an excuse to invent extra lease-preparation deposits. Confirm edge cases with the LTB materials or legal advice.
Sources
- Tribunals Ontario LTB - Guide to the Residential Tenancies Act (as of 2026-09-09)
- Ontario - Standard lease guide (PDF) (as of 2026-09-09)
- Tribunals Ontario - Landlord and Tenant Board (as of 2026-09-09)
Related guides
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