Question 1

Which provinces have rent control in Canada?

Accepted Answer

As of 2026, provinces with rent increase guidelines or caps include: Ontario (2.5% guideline, applies only to units occupied before November 2018), BC (2.3% guideline), Manitoba (1.8%), Nova Scotia (5% cap), New Brunswick (3% cap), PEI (IRAC approval required for above-guideline increases), and Quebec (TAL publishes an annual guideline). Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland have no rent control — landlords can increase rent by any amount with proper notice.

Question 2

How much notice must a tenant give before moving out?

Accepted Answer

For month-to-month tenancies, most provinces require 60 days' written notice before the last day of the rental period. Ontario requires 60 days. BC requires 1 month. Alberta requires 3 months for a landlord ending tenancy, but a tenant can give as little as the rental period's notice. Check your province's specific page for exact requirements — they vary significantly.

Question 3

What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit?

Accepted Answer

Landlords can deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. They cannot deduct for minor scuffs or nail holes, carpet wear from normal use, or general cleaning that was already needed before the tenant moved in. Most provinces require a move-in condition inspection report — if no report was done, it can be difficult for the landlord to prove what damage existed before. An itemized statement must be provided within the required period (varies by province).

Question 4

Can a landlord evict a tenant without a reason?

Accepted Answer

In most provinces, no. Landlords need a valid reason such as non-payment of rent, substantial damage, breach of lease, or the landlord's own use of the unit. "No-fault" evictions for the landlord's own use typically require significant notice (2–6 months) and in some provinces, compensation. The rules differ significantly: Ontario requires the LTB to approve evictions, while other provinces have faster adjudication processes.

Question 5

How do I file a complaint against my landlord or tenant?

Accepted Answer

Each province has a residential tenancy board or tribunal. Ontario has the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). BC has the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB). Alberta has the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS). Quebec has the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL). Select your province on this page for the specific tribunal, filing fee, and instructions.

Province	Rent control	Security deposit	LMR deposit
ON	2.5% for 2024	Not allowed	Allowed
BC	3.0% for 2025	Half one month's rent	Not allowed
AB	None	One month's rent	Not allowed
MB	1.7% for 2025	Half one month's rent	Not allowed
SK	None	One month's rent	Not allowed
NS	5% cap for 2025	Half one month's rent	Not allowed
NB	3% for 2025	One month's rent	Not allowed
PE	Applied for annually at IRAC	One month's rent	Not allowed
NL	None	One month's rent	Not allowed
QC	TAL guideline: approximately 5.9% average for 2025 (varies by unit type and heating included)	Not allowed	Not allowed

Landlord & Tenant Rights in Canada

Quick comparison: key rules across Canada

Get your notice documents ready