Finding your next tenant
When Ontario's standard lease is required, when it must be signed and shared, what a tenant can do if you don't use it, and which extra terms are void.
By the Tenant.ca teamUpdated 2 min read
Most residential tenancy agreements signed on or after April 30, 2018 have to be on Ontario's standard lease. According to the province, it does not apply to care homes, sites in mobile home parks and land lease communities, most social and supportive housing, certain other special tenancies and co-operative housing.
Under section 12.1 of the Residential Tenancies Act, the landlord and tenant sign it on or before the day the tenant is entitled to move in. According to the province's guide, the landlord must give the tenant a copy within 21 days after the tenant signs.
A tenant whose agreement is not on the standard lease may, once during the tenancy, demand in writing that you provide one, signed by you, for the same unit.
If at least 21 days pass and you have not done so, the tenant may withhold rent that comes due after that, up to one month's rent in total, and has to stop once you comply. You can require the withheld rent to be paid only if you comply within 30 days after the first payment the tenant withheld.
You can add terms, but section 15 of the lease says any extra term that tries to take away a right or responsibility under the Act is void. The province gives these examples.
The lease records the agreement; it does not change the rules on rent increases, entry, repairs or ending a tenancy. Tenant.ca prepares the Ontario Standard Lease as part of tenant placement, and you decide on the tenant and sign it.
This page is general information, not legal advice. It reflects the Act and the province's pages as read on November 4, 2026. For advice on your own situation, speak with a lawyer or paralegal.
