Ontario Lease Agreement Clauses: What Landlords Can (and Can’t) Include in 2025

“But my tenant agreed to it!” If you’re a GTA landlord, you might have said these words after learning one of your lease terms wasn’t actually legal. You’re not alone – this is one of the most common headaches for rental property owners across Ontario.

The Hidden Risks in Your Rental Agreement

Just last week, a Mississauga landlord called us in a panic. Her tenant had stopped clearing snow from the walkway – something they’d agreed to in writing. Now she was facing city fines. Sound familiar?

Like many Toronto-area property owners, she thought having it in the lease made it enforceable. Turns out, some of the most common rental terms in Ontario aren’t worth the paper they’re written on.

Critical Ontario Lease Agreement Clauses You Need to Know

Remember that damage deposit you collected to protect your Oakville investment property? Or the pet fee for that Hamilton duplex? Here’s the reality check every Ontario landlord needs:

  • First and last month’s rent? You’re safe.
  • Everything else? Not so much.

Understanding Legal Lease Requirements in Ontario

“My real estate agent told me to add this clause…” “My friend who’s a landlord in Ottawa does it…” “I found this lease template online…”

Stop right there! What works in one city (or province) might get you in hot water in the GTA.

The True Cost of Getting Lease Agreement Clauses Wrong

Did you know that tenants can actually demand their money back if you’ve collected certain types of deposits? Even months or years later? One Brampton landlord learned this $3,000 lesson the hard way.

Smart Solutions for Ontario Property Owners

Want to know what successful landlords in the Greater Toronto Area actually do to protect their investments? (Hint: It’s not about cramming more clauses into their lease agreements.)

Ready to Protect Your Investment?

In our latest episode of the Ontario Landlords podcast, legal expert Rob Di Lisi shares insider tips that could save you thousands. He reveals:

  • Which common lease terms are actually hurting you
  • What local landlords do instead of risky clauses
  • How to stay legal while protecting your property

Want the full story? Watch our eye-opening discussion [link to episode] where we tackle the truth about Ontario lease agreement clauses head-on.


CRESI helps Greater Toronto Area landlords navigate rental agreements while maximizing their returns. Need professional property management that keeps you legal and profitable? Let’s talk about protecting your investment the right way.

Ontario lease agreement clauses

Ontario Lease Agreement Clauses: What Landlords Can (and Can’t) Include in 2025

Just last week, a Mississauga landlord called us in a panic. Her tenant had stopped clearing snow from the walkway – something they’d agreed to in writing. Now she was facing city fines. Sound familiar?

Like many Toronto-area property owners, she thought having it in the lease made it enforceable. Turns out, some of the most common rental terms in Ontario aren’t worth the paper they’re written on.
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Read More »
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