Leasing of residential units is regulated by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) in Ontario. It outlines the duties of landlords as follows:
-Repairing and maintaining the residential complex to ensure it is suitable for human habitation.
-Not interfering with the reasonable enjoyment of the tenants during their occupancy.
-Not harassing tenants.
-Not changing locks without providing new keys during the tenant’s occupancy.
-Only entering the rental unit with 24-hour notice, or without notice in case of an emergency or with the tenant’s consent.
-Providing a free-of-charge written copy of lease agreements and receipts upon request by the tenant.
Landlords’ rights can be summarized as follows:
-Collecting lawful rent.
-Increasing rent within the Rent Increase Guideline (only applies to premises first occupied before November 15, 2018), or an amount approved by the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board.
-Entering the rental unit with 24-hour notice or under certain circumstances that do not interfere with the tenant’s quiet enjoyment and use of the property.
-Evicting the tenant with an Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board Eviction Order if the tenant seriously breaches the lease agreement, for instance:
-Failing to pay rent.
-Engaging in illegal activities.
-Causing excessive damage to the property.
-Disturbing neighbors or other residents.