Know your rights.
A plain-English guide to what's actually protected when you buy, sell, or rent in Ontario. No legal jargon, no scare tactics - just what you need to know.
Pick a topic
Each section links to the authoritative source so you can dig deeper.
For Buyers
Key protections under Ontario law when you're purchasing.
For Tenants
What the Residential Tenancies Act guarantees you.
Common Scams
What to watch out for in the GTA market.
Authoritative Resources
Official sources when you need the real answer.
For Buyers
Key protections under Ontario law when you're purchasing a home.
Cooling-off period for new builds
10 days to walk away from a freshly-built condo purchase without penalty. Doesn't apply to resale homes.
Realtor disclosure
Your REALTOR® must disclose any conflict of interest, multiple representation, and stigmatized property concerns under TRESA. Ask for it in writing.
Tarion warranty
New homes in Ontario come with a 1-2-7 year statutory warranty covering defects. Check Tarion's site for your specific coverage.
Title insurance
Protects you from fraud, survey issues, and unknown liens. Usually $200-400 one-time. Almost always worth it.
Conditional offers
Financing, home inspection, and status certificate (for condos) are common conditions. Use them, they protect you.
For Tenants
The Residential Tenancies Act covers most rentals in Ontario. The basics:
Standard lease (N1)
Most rentals must use Ontario's standard lease form. If your landlord won't provide one, you can withhold one month's rent.
Rent increases
Limited to a yearly guideline set by the province. For 2025 the guideline is 2.5%. Above-guideline increases need approval from the LTB.
Eviction protections
Landlords can only evict for specific reasons (non-payment, personal use, demolition, etc.). All evictions must go through the LTB, no self-help evictions.
Repairs and maintenance
Landlords are required to maintain the property in a good state of repair, regardless of what the lease says. Document everything in writing.
Last month's rent
Landlords can ask for first AND last month's rent at lease signing. No additional security deposits.
Common Scams
What to watch out for in the GTA real estate market:
Fake rental listings
Listings that look great, demand a deposit before showing, or use stolen photos. Always view in person and pay through traceable methods.
Wire fraud at closing
Scammers impersonate your lawyer or agent and send fake wire instructions for closing funds. Always call your lawyer's office DIRECTLY (using a number you already have) before wiring anything.
Bait-and-switch listings
Underpriced listings designed to get foot traffic. Be skeptical of homes priced significantly under market, they're often staged for a bidding war.
Unlicensed assignment flips
People selling assignments of pre-construction condos without proper documentation. Make sure the builder approves the assignment in writing.
Identity theft for mortgage applications
Scammers using stolen info to apply for mortgages on properties they don't own. Check your credit report regularly.
Authoritative Resources
When you need the official word, these are the right places to look:
RECO, Real Estate Council of Ontario
Licenses and disciplines Ontario realtors. Check a registrant or file a complaint.
LTB, Landlord and Tenant Board
Resolves tenancy disputes and processes evictions under the Residential Tenancies Act.
Tarion, New-Home Warranty
Statutory warranty coverage for newly built homes in Ontario.
ServiceOntario
Driver's licence, health card, and address updates for provincial records.
CMHC
Federal housing programs, mortgage loan insurance, and market statistics.
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
For PIPEDA-related complaints about how your personal information was handled.
Need help with a specific situation?
Drop your details and a Saint Aubyn Hill team member will point you to the right resource.
This page is general information, not legal advice. For legal advice on a specific situation, consult a licensed Ontario lawyer.