Here’s Some advice to new LLs or prospective LLs:
1. The learning curve for LLs is steep. LLs should choose TTs VERY CAREFULLY, checking the authenticity of every document given thoroughly, calling references and taking the time needed to determine if the TT is a good fit.
How to interpret an Ontario Driver’s License:
• The picture should match the person in front of you of course.
• The last 6 digits of a driver’s license are the Y-YMMDD of the birthday.
• The MM of a female licence is 50 higher. So a man born on Jan. 1 is 0101 a female is 5101.
• The first letter of a driver’s licence is the same as the first letter of the last name.
• The year month and date of birth are under the photo.
• Drivers under 19 have an extra line that says when they turn 19.
3. Check TTs names, their previous addresses and LL names SEPARATELY on canlii.org- this will help a LL screen out TTs that have a prior history of LTB hearings and eviction orders – although the
canlii.org database is not conclusive or up to date, it takes 5 minutes to check names, and addresses
4. One of the common problems with two family homes is that noise penetrates from one unit to the other and then the complaints start or the temperatures are hard to manage (too hot/too cold). LL should ensure he/she has met and surpassed the insulation requirements and sound barriers between the units.
5. Know that the LL absolutely cannot control how many people are going to be living in the units once the keys are handed over . TTs will have the legal right to have short or long term paying or non-paying guests for as long as they like WITHOUT LL permission.
6. Advisable to make utilities extra (do not make rent inclusive) and apportion them according to the RTA by the sq ft of the units or if the units are similar in size, divide the utilities equally 50% each.
7. Parking – if it makes sense, LL should designate a number to the parking spots so there is no disagreement on who gets what spot. i.e. Upper unit – Parking #1, Lower Unit – Parking #2
8. Any amenity a LL offers from Day 1 cannot be taken away unless the LL offers a rent abatement i.e. internet, backyard, garage, storage shed, laundry, etc.
9. Strongly recommend a LL makes a one time purchase of OSL addenda written by paralegals and lawyers that protect LLs above and beyond the standard lease.
In no particular order: Harry Fine, Paralegal
LPMA London Property Management Association
9. Recommend LL make TT liability insurance MANDATORY in the OSL and must receive a copy as proof of it BEFORE keys are handed over. If insurance is required, and the TTs do not have it or cancel it, this is a legal reason to file an application for eviction.
10. Review the Residential Tenancies Act thoroughly.
13. Understanding the framework of where and how to resolve issues when they happen in the LL/TT relationship is important. Know that the LTB is the tribunal that all claims go through from both LLs and TTs and that the scheduling at the moment is about 6 months plus to get a hearing and then another month or more to get the actual written order from the LTB Member. So if things go bad, you need to have a minimum of the equivalent of a year’s worth of financial resources (in rental income) to avoid having to borrow money or extend financing.
https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/help-for-landlords/14. Rent increases for properties occupied as residential ON OR AFTER Nov 15 2018 are NOT rent controlled which means the LL can increase rent above the provincial guidelines every 12 months using the N2 and 90 days notice
https://tribunalsontario.ca/…/N2%20instructions_final…15. Rent increases for properties occupied as residential BEFORE Nov 15 208 ARE RENT CONTROLLED and can be increased using the N1 with 90 days notice once every 12 months. The annual max rent increase allowed is determined by the provincial government.
https://tribunalsontario.ca/…/N1%20instructions_final…
