A Canadian Residential Tenancy Agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant that establishes the terms and conditions for renting a residential property. Unlike the United States where landlord-tenant law is state-specific, Canadian tenancy law is governed at the provincial and territorial level, and the rules vary substantially across jurisdictions.

In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (S.O. 2006, c. 17) governs most residential tenancies and mandates the use of the Ontario Standard Lease (Form 15) for new tenancies entered into on or after April 30, 2018. The RTA provides extensive tenant protections: landlords cannot charge damage deposits (only a last month's rent deposit is permitted under s. 105), no-pet clauses are void (s. 14), and rent increases are capped at the annual guideline percentage published by the Ministry of Housing. Tenants cannot be evicted at the end of a fixed-term lease; the tenancy automatically converts to month-to-month (s. 38).

British Columbia's Residential Tenancy Act (R.S.B.C. 2002, c. 78) allows a security deposit of up to half a month's rent and a separate pet damage deposit of up to half a month's rent (s. 18-19). Rent increases are capped at the annual allowable percentage set by the Residential Tenancy Branch, and landlords must give three full months' notice. Unlike Ontario, BC allows landlords to include pet restrictions in the lease.

Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act (S.A. 2004, c. R-17.1) permits a security deposit of up to one month's rent and requires landlords to provide 12 weeks' notice for rent increases. Alberta landlords may include pet restrictions and charge pet fees, though non-refundable fees are generally not permitted as deposits.

In Quebec, the Civil Code of Quebec governs lease agreements, and the Tribunal administratif du logement handles disputes. Quebec prohibits security deposits entirely and has its own lease form (bail) requirements. Each Atlantic province, Prairie province, and territory has its own residential tenancy legislation with unique rules regarding deposits, notice periods, rent increases, and tenant protections.

When a landlord is renting out a residential property in Canada, whether an apartment, house, condominium, townhouse, or basement unit, to a tenant for a fixed term (typically 6 or 12 months). This document establishes the monthly rent, payment terms, security deposit, utility responsibilities, and the rights and obligations of both parties under provincial law.

When transitioning from a verbal rental arrangement to a written agreement. In Ontario, any tenant can request a written standard lease from their landlord, and the landlord must provide it within 21 days. Operating without a written lease does not relieve either party of their statutory obligations, but a written agreement prevents disputes over what was actually agreed upon.

When renting to a new tenant for the first time and needing a comprehensive agreement that addresses all essential terms including parking, pet policies, maintenance responsibilities, landlord entry requirements, and termination procedures.

When a property owner wants to document the specific terms that supplement the mandatory Ontario Standard Lease, such as additional rules, parking arrangements, utility payment details, and insurance requirements that go beyond the standard form.

When renting in provinces without a mandatory standard lease form (such as Alberta and most Atlantic provinces) and needing a thorough agreement that covers all terms required by provincial legislation while also addressing practical matters like payment methods, guest policies, and property maintenance.

Property Description and Parties -- The agreement must clearly identify both the landlord and tenant by full legal name, include the complete address of the rental unit with unit number, and describe the type of premises. In Ontario, the landlord must provide an address for service where legal documents can be delivered (RTA s. 12).

Rent and Payment Terms -- The monthly rent amount in Canadian dollars, the day of the month it is due, the accepted payment method (Interac e-Transfer, cheque, pre-authorized debit, cash, or bank draft), and who rent is payable to. Ontario landlords cannot require post-dated cheques or automatic payment methods as a condition of tenancy (RTA s. 108).

Security Deposit -- The type and amount of deposit, which must comply with provincial maximums. Ontario: last month's rent only, with annual interest. BC: maximum half a month's rent security deposit plus half a month's rent pet damage deposit. Alberta: maximum one month's rent. Quebec: no deposit permitted. The agreement must state the conditions for return and the statutory deadlines for returning the deposit after the tenancy ends.

Lease Term and Renewal -- The start date, end date, and duration of the fixed-term lease. In most provinces, the tenancy automatically continues on a month-to-month basis after the fixed term expires. The landlord cannot force the tenant to sign a new lease or vacate solely because the term has ended.

Maintenance and Repairs -- A clear allocation of responsibilities. Provincial law requires landlords to maintain the premises in a state of good repair and fit for habitation (Ontario RTA s. 20, BC RTA s. 32). Tenants are responsible for keeping the unit clean and reporting repair needs promptly.

Termination Notice -- The required notice periods for both parties, which must meet or exceed provincial statutory minimums. Landlords can only terminate for grounds specified by statute. The agreement should clearly state that statutory minimums override any shorter period specified in the lease.

Governing Province -- The specific province or territory whose residential tenancy legislation applies to the agreement, which determines the applicable deposit limits, rent increase rules, notice periods, and dispute resolution process.