Guides · Canada All guides
Tenant rights in Canada.
A working reference for what this jurisdiction’s residential tenancy law actually requires — the kind of details a lease can’t legally override, and the citations that back them.
Regulator · Provincial — residential tenancy law is set by each province/territory
Discrimination
Federal protection against discrimination by government actors. Private-landlord discrimination is covered by provincial human rights codes.
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Constitution Act, 1982, Schedule B)Federal anti-discrimination statute applying to federally regulated activities. Most rental housing is governed by provincial human rights codes (e.g., Ontario Human Rights Code, BC Human Rights Code).
Canadian Human Rights Act (RSC 1985, c. H-6)
Things a lease can’t change.
- Residential tenancy is a provincial matter — Ontario, BC, and Quebec each have meaningfully different rules. Identify your province before relying on a 'Canadian' rule.
- Every Canadian province recognizes a landlord's duty to maintain the unit in a habitable state — it cannot be waived in the lease.
- Deposit rules vary widely — Quebec bans security deposits entirely; Ontario allows rent (last-month) deposits but no damage deposits; BC allows half-month security plus pet deposit.
Where to escalate.
Informational, not legal advice. Statutes change — verify current text before relying on a citation.