Tenant and Landlord
The Residential Tenancies Act applies to all Landlords and Tenants within Ontario. This includes all types of rental housing, ranging from high-rise apartments to family homes. We will handle your entire matter from start to finish, appearing in court on your behalf.
Some Tips for Landlords
If you want to serve your tenants a notice, get a consultation from a lawyer or paralegal first. A lot of case are tossed out at the Landlord and Tenant Board because the landlord made one, tiny mistake on the notice for that they served to the tenant.
A credit check, while important, is not always a definitive picture as to a tenant’s finances. Some may have a large balance on their cards that they are working to bring down, or a similar situation that impacts their score. My tenants have a terrible score but have never missed a payment. Some people just need help, don’t forget to be human. That’s the part too many of the slumlords in this group forget.
We Practice law in these Area
Tenant Issues
ATTENTION
Landlord-Tenant Law in Ontario Overview
Landlords and tenants have certain rights and responsibilities under the Ontario landlord-tenant law. Whether you’re a property landlord or a renter, understanding these laws can help you avoid common misunderstandings and confusion.
Most Important matter in tenancy
Rent Increase Limits
When it comes to rent increases, the amount and frequency must conform to rent increase guidelines. These guidelines apply to most tenants living in rented homes, condos, and apartments.
Exceptions do exist, however. In some instances, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for approval to raise the rent. Also, buildings built after November 15th, 2018 are exempt from these guidelines.
Generally speaking, though, landlords can carry out a rent increase once per year, and a landlord must give their tenants ninety days’ notice in writing.
Ontario Lease or Rental Agreements
Landlords, according to the Ontario Tenant Act, must use the standard lease template. It must be written in language that is easy to understand and include important information such as:
- The amount of rent and when it is due.
- A section on what the rent includes. For example, parking, heating, or air conditioning.
- Important rules, for example: whether subletting, smoking in or altering the rental unit is allowed or not.
- The rights and responsibilities of each party to the lease.
- When and for what reason the landlord can seek to enter the tenant’s premises.
- The amount of the rent deposit and the time within which the tenant must move in.
The standard lease, however, doesn’t apply to certain homes: for instance, sites in land lease communities and mobile home parks, care homes, co-operative housing, and most social and supportive housing.
Eviction Rules
During an eviction, the landlord must follow the right process. For example, serving the tenant a written notice of termination as specified by the Landlord and Tenant Board. The form must state the reason for the eviction, such as non payment of rent.
And even so, the landlord must first get an order to terminate the lease from the Board.
If the landlord wants to use the rental unit for themselves, then they must give the tenant payment that is equal to one month’s rent. The landlord may also choose to offer an alternative unit.
Rent Withholding
Tenants aren’t permitted to withhold paying rent when repairs or renovations are needed. Rather, any reparation disputes with their landlords must be taken up with the Board.
