As a landlord, it’s essential to understand your rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). To ensure you are up-to-date on the latest rules and regulations, here is an overview of what you need to know.
The Purpose of the RTA
The purpose of the RTA is to regulate residential tenancies in Ontario. This includes setting out the duties and rights of landlords and tenants with respect to rental units. It also sets out procedures for landlords when dealing with applications from prospective tenants, collecting rent, entering a rental unit, evicting tenants, maintenance of a rental unit, and more.
What Landlords Should Know About the RTA
Under the RTA, all landlords must adhere to certain rules when renting their units. For example, landlords must not discriminate against prospective tenants based on their race, gender identity or expression, colour or ethnic origin, citizenship status or immigration status. Also, landlords cannot require a tenant to pay more than one month’s rent as a security deposit upfront before they occupy a unit. Furthermore, landlords must provide each tenant with an information package that outlines their rights and responsibilities under the RTA.
When it comes to rent collection and rental increases, landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months in accordance with rental increase guidelines set by the government for each calendar year. As for late payment fees for unpaid rent or other charges related to occupying a rental unit such as utilities or damage costs– these types of fees are not allowed unless agreed upon by both parties in writing beforehand. Landlords also cannot lock out tenants or remove any property from their unit without permission from the Landlord and Tenant Board. Finally, if there is ever an issue between you and your tenant that requires further legal action then you can initiate an application at the Landlord and Tenant Board to resolve these issues quickly and efficiently.
There are a lot of things that need to be taken into consideration when it comes to understanding your rights as a landlord under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). From understanding what type of fees you can charge tenants for unpaid rent or damages caused during occupancy; how often you can increase rents; what type of discrimination is prohibited; how much security deposit you can ask for upfront; how often you can enter a tenant’s unit; etc., all these rules need to be followed in order for your tenancy agreement between yourself and your tenant(s) remain valid according to Ontario law. If there are any disputes between yourself and your tenant(s) that cannot be resolved amicably between yourselves then initiating an application at the Landlord & Tenant Board should help get matters resolved quickly so that life remains peaceful for everyone involved.
How can SPM help you?
At Spearhead Property Management Ltd., we have partnered with a legal firm specializing in the Residential Tenancies Act. Our team of managers stay current and up-to-date with education and training provided by our partners. We also consult with them on all related matters so we can guide and advise our clients accordingly. Give us a call today.
