Residential Law Flashcards
Application of RTA
Limited supremacy
RTA applies to rental units in residential complexes and overrides any other act/waiver to the contrary
RTA trumps all conflicting acts, except for Human Rights Code, Standard Form Lease, and mediated settlements by landlord & tenant
L or T can apply to Landlord & Tenant Board to determine whether RTA applies or not
Exceptions to RTA (9)
Hotels/motels/inns Farm hand lodging Non profit housing cooperative Detention centres and penitentiaries Hospitals/care homes Emergency shelters University residences Living accommodations for business employees Living accommodations where occupant share kitchen/bathroom with owner/member of owner's family
Landlord & Tenant Board
Administrative tribunal that hears L/T disputes under RTA
Can handle disputes up to $35k, then it goes to Ontario Superior Court of Justice
Dispute process
Tenant: files application outlining problem and demand, Board serves parties with Notice of Hearing, mediation, if mediation unsuccessful then move to hearing and order
Landlord: Notice to End Tenancy, if tenant meets resolution conditions then problem is over, otherwise L applies to Board (rest is the same)
Tenancy agreement
- selection
- beginning date
- pets
When selecting tenants, L can use income info, credit checks, rental history, etc but cannot discriminate
Tenancy begins on day tenant is entitled to occupy unit
Agreement can’t prohibit pets, but pet behaviour can lead to eviction (interferes with reasonable enjoyment, severe allergic reaction, or is dangerous)
Standard Form Tenancy Agreement
All agreements after April 30 2018 must use standard form across Ontario
Must be signed by L and T before beginning date
Tenant can make written demand to L to provide signed copy of agreement, if 21 days have passed and demand is not met T can withhold 1 month rent or give notice to terminate
Agreement must contain legal name and address of L
Landlord responsibility - repair
Responsible for maintaining complex such that it is in good state, is fit for habitation, and complies with safety/health standards
Responsibility to repair exists even if tenant was aware of state of non repair before entering agreement
Landlord responsibility - vital services
L can’t withhold reasonable supply of vital services that they are obligated to supply under agreement, or interfere with supply of it
T’s inability to pay for supply doesn’t matter
Landlord responsibility - entry to unit
L can enter unit without written notice in emergency, with T consent, to clear unit if agreement stipulates cleaning, to show unit to prospective tenants (certain conditions)
L can enter unit with written notice to carry out repairs, allow purchase/insurer/engineer to view unit, to inspect for repairs, or any other reason in agreement
Landlord responsibilities (6)
Repair Vital services Reasonably enjoyment Harassment Locks Entry to residential unit
Tenant applications to board
T can apply to Board for order that L hasn’t fulfilled agreement up to 1 year after issue
Remedies for landlord breach of responsibilities wrt repair/maintenance (6)
Termination Abatement of rent Authorizing work, paid by T or L L make repairs within specific period L pay T for costs due to breach Prohibit L from increasing rent until repairs are made
Will consider whether T informed L of problem before application
Remedies for landlord breach of responsibilities (general) (5)
L prohibited from such acts
L pay T for damages for breach
L to pay penalty up to $35k
Termination
Tenant responsibilities (4)
Cleanliness of unit
Repair damage for wilful/negligent conduct of them or their visitors
Locks
Harassment
Security of tenure
Fixed term tenancy
RTA allows for termination by agreement between L and T, provision of Notice to Terminate by one party, or by Board order
When fixed term tenancy ends and it hasn’t been renewed or terminated, it turns into monthly tenancy with same terms
Notice of termination
Under RTA, notice must identify unit, termination date, and signature
Notice from L must state that L can apply to board for forced termination and eviction, tenant can dispute application
Period of notice for monthly tenancy
Must be given 60 days before termination is to be effective, that date must be last day of the month