Landlords and Tenants

Residential Tenancies Act

Renting in Ontario is very common. As soon as you sign the lease agreement, your relationship as landlords and tenants begin. This relationship is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. This Act provides the rules, obligations, and rights of landlords and tenants to each other and the property. The Residential Tenancies Act is set to protect the rights of both landlords and tenants, and must be abided by at all times.

Procedure in Ontario

If there is a dispute, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) with an Application. Depending on if you are the landlord or the tenant, there are different applications for different issues. Once the application is filed, the LTB will provide you with a file number and a notice of hearing. The hearing date can be anywhere from 8 months to 1 year from the date the Application was filed. All hearings at the LTB are conducted virtually through Zoom. Attendance is mandatory to prove your case, however, the Tribunal will continue hearing the matter even if it is uncontested (a party didn't appear).

Your Rights and Responsibilities

Landlords

As a landlord, there are responsibilities set out in the Residential Tenancies Act that you are obligated to abided by. Regardless if you are a new or seasoned landlord, you must be aware of your rights and responsibilities at all times to avoid serious legal consequences.

Tenants

In Ontario, tenants have more rights than landlords. However, as an occupant of the unit, the Residential Tenancies Act sets out obligations, which, if violated, can lead to eviction and legal consequences.

Contact Us Today

If you require assistance drafting or reviewing a lease agreement, are concerned that your rights have been violated, or believe that you are being evicted illegally, contact our office for a free consultation. Let us help you better understand your rights and options.