Ontario Lease Renewal Agreement Form | Free PDF & Word - Legal Templates Canada

An Ontario Lease Renewal Agreement refers to the formal mechanism by which an existing residential tenancy is extended into a subsequent fixed term. Under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) and O. Reg. 9/18, any extension of a fixed term must comply strictly with the mandatory Residential Tenancy Agreement (Standard Form of Lease) framework. Landlords and tenants cannot bypass government-prescribed forms by using informal or custom-drafted ‘renewal sheets’ to alter terms or lock in new timelines without creating significant compliance liabilities.

In most rental situations in Ontario, a lease does not need to be rewritten from scratch. A renewal agreement saves time, keeps things clear, and avoids legal confusion. I’ve seen landlords and tenants run into serious disputes in Ontario simply because they assumed a verbal agreement or a few text messages were enough to renew a lease. When people are already stressed about housing or rising rent costs, having a proper renewal document in place usually prevents misunderstandings that can quickly end up before the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Under Ontario law, rules from the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) still apply during renewal, especially for rent increases and tenant rights.

Last Updated: September 2026

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Free Ontario Lease Renewal Agreement Template

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Ontario Lease Renewal Laws and Legal Compliance Rules

Topic / Issue	Ontario Legal Rule	Governing Statute
Governing legislation	Residential lease renewals in Ontario are primarily governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA), although federal law can apply to particular issues within federal jurisdiction.	Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
Recent amendments	Ontario’s residential tenancy rules have been amended by legislation including Bill 60, with certain changes taking effect in 2026. The specific rules applicable to a renewal should be checked against the current RTA and LTB procedures.	Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
Who can sign	The landlord and tenant may enter into a renewal agreement where they mutually agree to continue the tenancy for a new fixed term, subject to the Residential Tenancies Act.	Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
Witness requirement	Ontario law does not generally require witnesses for an ordinary residential lease renewal agreement.	N/A
Notarization	Ontario law does not generally require notarization for an ordinary residential lease renewal.	N/A
Age and capacity	The RTA does not state that every lease-renewal party must be at least 18; contractual capacity and any applicable capacity rules should be considered based on the circumstances.	Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
Rent increase notice deadline	For most RTA-covered rent increases, the landlord must give at least 90 days’ written notice in the proper Landlord and Tenant Board form before the increase takes effect.	RTA, s. 116
Mandatory lease form	Ontario requires the prescribed Standard Form of Lease for most residential tenancy agreements within the prescribed class, subject to the exemptions and transition rules in the RTA and O. Reg. 9/18.	RTA, s. 12.1; O. Reg. 9/18
Required landlord disclosure	Every written tenancy agreement must set out the landlord’s legal name and address for giving notices and other documents under the RTA.	RTA, s. 12
Filing requirement	An ordinary residential lease renewal agreement is not generally filed with the government or the Landlord and Tenant Board.	N/A
Evidence in disputes	A written renewal agreement may be used as evidence in a dispute before the Landlord and Tenant Board where the Board has jurisdiction.	Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
Illegal rent increases	A rent increase is void if the landlord has not given the notice required by the RTA. The guideline, exemptions and any approved above-guideline increase must also be considered.	RTA, ss. 116–120, 126
Void lease clauses	A tenancy-agreement term that is inconsistent with the RTA or its regulations is void. For example, section 14 makes provisions prohibiting animals void, while additional terms about guests must also comply with the Act.	RTA, ss. 4, 14
Failure to use standard form	Where the Standard Form requirements apply and the landlord fails to comply after a proper written demand, the tenant may have statutory remedies under section 12.1, including the ability to withhold one month’s rent in the circumstances set out there.	RTA, s. 12.1
Automatic month-to-month conversion	If a fixed-term tenancy ends and has not been renewed or terminated, the landlord and tenant are generally deemed to have renewed it as a monthly tenancy with the same terms and conditions, subject to lawful rent increases.	RTA, s. 38
Tenant cannot be forced to renew	A tenant does not have to sign another fixed-term agreement simply because the existing fixed term is ending; if the tenancy is not renewed or terminated, it generally continues monthly under section 38.	RTA, s. 38
Ontario’s unique rule	For prescribed residential tenancies, Ontario uses a government-prescribed Standard Form of Lease. Additional terms may be included if they are not inconsistent with the prescribed form or the RTA.	RTA, s. 12.1; O. Reg. 9/18

One of the most important rules for Ontario tenants is that they usually do not have to sign another lease when the fixed term ends. Under section 38 of the RTA, the tenancy generally continues as a monthly tenancy with the same terms and conditions if it has not been renewed or terminated. This means a tenant can often remain in the rental without signing another fixed-term agreement.

The Standard Form of Lease is also important, but the renewal rules need some care. Ontario requires the prescribed form for most covered residential tenancy agreements. At the same time, section 12.1 contains transition rules for certain agreements entered into before the applicable prescribed date, even if those agreements are later renewed or deemed renewed.

The rent increase rules are equally important. A landlord generally must give at least 90 days’ written notice before a rent increase takes effect, and the notice must be in a form approved by the Landlord and Tenant Board. The 12-month rule and any applicable rent-control exemption must also be considered.

To make renewal easier and keep the agreed terms clear, use the free Ontario Lease Renewal Agreement template below.

What Is a Lease Renewal Agreement in Ontario?

Under Ontario law, a lease renewal generally means that the landlord and tenant agree to continue the tenancy for another fixed term. The parties can document the new term and any agreed changes in writing, while the RTA continues to govern the tenancy.

A fixed-term tenancy can also continue automatically as a monthly tenancy under section 38 if the parties do not enter into another fixed term and neither party has lawfully ended the tenancy.

Renewal vs Extension vs New Lease

Type	Meaning	When Used
Renewal	Continuation of the existing tenancy for a new fixed term	When both parties want another fixed term
Extension	Continuation of the existing tenancy for an agreed additional period	When the parties agree to continue the tenancy
New Lease	A new tenancy agreement replacing the previous arrangement	When the parties are creating a substantially different tenancy

Real Example

A tenant signs a 1-year lease from January to December.

In November, both parties agree to continue the tenancy for another 12 months. They also discuss a proposed rent increase.

Before applying the increase, the landlord must check Ontario’s rent-increase rules, including the required notice period, 12-month rule and any applicable exemption.

The parties can then document the agreed fixed term and other lawful changes clearly.

Is Lease Renewal Legal Under Ontario Law?

Yes. Ontario law allows landlords and tenants to agree to continue a tenancy for another fixed term, but signing a new fixed-term agreement is not required merely because the existing fixed term is ending.

Here’s how the law works:

When a fixed-term tenancy ends, it generally continues as a monthly tenancy if it has not been renewed or terminated
No renewal is needed for the tenant to remain in the rental
A new fixed term is based on agreement between the landlord and tenant

Important Legal Rules

Rent increases must comply with Ontario’s rent-increase rules
For most rent increases, at least 90 days’ written notice is required
At least 12 months must generally have passed since the last increase or since the tenancy began
Landlords cannot force tenants to sign another fixed-term agreement simply because the original term is ending

In simple terms:

Tenants can generally stay without signing another fixed-term lease
A renewal provides a defined fixed term when both parties want that arrangement

When Should You Use a Lease Renewal Agreement?

A renewal is useful when both parties want to document another fixed term rather than allowing the tenancy to continue monthly.

Common Use Cases

Fixed-term lease is about to end
Tenant wants to stay long-term
Landlord wants a defined fixed term
Both parties want the certainty of an agreed term

Real Scenario

A landlord has a reliable tenant paying rent on time.

Instead of allowing the tenancy to continue monthly, both parties agree on:

12-month renewal
A rent increase if legally permitted
The same existing rules, except for any lawful changes they agree to

Before recording the new rent, the landlord should confirm that the increase complies with Ontario’s notice, timing and rent-control rules.

To extend a tenancy legally, this lease renewal agreement can reference the original lease contract. You must also comply with Ontario tenancy laws and understand rent increase rules. Supporting documents such as a rent receipt and month-to-month lease may apply.

Key Elements of a Valid Lease Renewal Agreement

To keep the renewal clear, include these details:

Tenant and Landlord Details

Names should match the existing tenancy records
Avoid spelling errors

Property Information

Full address of the rental unit
Include unit number if applicable

Renewal Term

Fixed duration, such as 6 or 12 months
Start and end dates clearly written

Updated Rent Details

New rent amount, if increased legally
Payment due date

Changes to Existing Terms

Utilities, if changed lawfully
Parking rules
Other agreed terms that comply with the RTA

Signatures

Both landlord and tenant should sign a written renewal
Each party should keep a signed copy

Lease Renewal vs Month-to-Month Tenancy (Important)

Many tenants don’t realize they don’t need to renew to stay.

How Month-to-Month Works

After the lease ends:

Tenant can generally stay automatically
The same terms and conditions continue
Rent remains the lawful rent unless it is legally increased

Comparison

Factor	Lease Renewal	Month-to-Month
Stability	High	Medium
Flexibility	Low	High
Commitment	Fixed term	Ongoing
Risk of leaving	Lower flexibility	Greater flexibility

When to Avoid Renewal

Tenants may avoid renewal if:

They plan to move soon
They want flexibility
They are unsure about future plans

Ontario Rent Increase Rules During Renewal

Rent cannot be increased freely—even during renewal.

Legal Requirements

Under Ontario law:

For most increases, the landlord must give at least 90 days’ written notice
At least 12 months must generally have passed since the last increase or since the tenancy began
The landlord must use the proper LTB-approved notice
The applicable rent guideline or an exemption must be considered

Exceptions

Some units are exempt from the rent increase guideline, including most new buildings, additions to existing buildings and most new basement apartments first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018, subject to the statutory requirements.

Important:

Even if signing a renewal, an unlawful rent increase can be challenged at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). A renewal agreement does not by itself remove the landlord’s obligation to comply with the RTA’s rent-increase rules.

How to Fill Out the Lease Renewal Agreement (Step-by-Step)

Follow this simple process:

Step 1: Copy Original Lease Details

Names
Address
Original lease date

Step 2: Decide Renewal Term

Common terms include 6 or 12 months
Clearly state the start and end dates

Step 3: Add Updated Rent

Only if legally allowed
Check the 12-month and 90-day rules before recording the increase

Step 4: Include Any Changes

Utilities
Parking
Other agreed rules or terms

Step 5: Sign and Keep Copies

Each party should keep a signed copy

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many disputes happen because of simple errors.

Avoid these:

Increasing rent without proper notice
Changing major terms in a way that conflicts with the RTA
Forgetting to document the agreed renewal
Confusing renewal with the automatic month-to-month continuation
Not documenting changes clearly

Practical Tip:

Keep the signed renewal, the original tenancy agreement and any rent-increase notice together. These records can help establish what terms the parties agreed to and when a rent change was communicated.

Can a Landlord Refuse Lease Renewal in Ontario?

A landlord does not have to agree to a new fixed-term renewal, but that does not mean the landlord can simply require the tenant to leave when the fixed term ends.

What Landlords Can Do

Decline to enter into another fixed-term agreement
Allow the tenancy to continue month-to-month

What Landlords Cannot Do

Evict simply because the tenant will not sign a new fixed-term agreement
Force a tenant to leave without a lawful ground and the required RTA process

Under Ontario law, a tenancy can generally continue monthly after the fixed term ends. A landlord seeking to terminate the tenancy must rely on a lawful ground and follow the applicable notice and LTB process.

Legal Risks of Improper Lease Renewal

Doing it incorrectly can cause serious issues.

Possible Problems

Invalid rent increase that the tenant can challenge
Disputes at the Landlord and Tenant Board
Confusion about verbal agreements or undocumented changes
Loss of clarity about the agreed fixed term

Real Risk Example:

A landlord attempts to increase rent at renewal without giving the required notice.

The tenant can challenge the increase because the RTA requires advance written notice before a rent increase takes effect.

FAQs

Is lease renewal mandatory in Ontario?

No, lease renewal is not mandatory in Ontario. After the fixed-term lease ends, the tenancy generally continues automatically on a month-to-month basis under the same terms and conditions if it has not been renewed or terminated. This means a tenant can generally stay without signing another fixed-term lease.

Can rent be increased during renewal?

Yes, but the increase must comply with Ontario’s rent-increase rules. For most increases, the landlord must give at least 90 days’ written notice in the proper LTB form, and at least 12 months must have passed since the last increase or since the tenancy began. The rent guideline generally applies unless the unit is exempt or another lawful mechanism for an above-guideline increase applies.

Do I need a new lease instead of renewal?

A new lease is not automatically required simply because the rent, duration or another term changes. The parties should document agreed changes in a way that complies with the RTA and any applicable Standard Form requirements. If the existing fixed term simply ends without a new fixed-term agreement, the tenancy generally continues monthly under section 38.

Is a written renewal required?

No written renewal document is required for a tenancy to continue month-to-month under section 38. The RTA recognizes written, oral and implied tenancy agreements, although the prescribed Standard Form requirements apply to the tenancy agreements covered by section 12.1, subject to its exemptions and transition rules. A written renewal is still preferable because it gives both parties clear evidence of the agreed fixed term and any changes.

Can tenants refuse renewal?

Yes, tenants can refuse to enter into another fixed-term agreement if they do not want to commit to a new fixed term. If the tenancy is not otherwise lawfully terminated, it can generally continue on a month-to-month basis under section 38.