Tenants' Rights in Ontario
The province of Ontario has estblished many tenant rights, such as the right to own animals and to have repairs done by landlords. When landlords fail to follow through with lease rules or care of the building, tenants should understand the rights and what to do in situations where those rights are not being met.
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Pet Owners
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Landlords are not allowed to enforce a no-pet clause. The only time a pet owner would have to get rid of the animal is if it proves to be a threat to other tenants. Even if a landlord has a tenant sign a lease stating that no pets are allowed, this is invalid under the Ontario law.
Temperature Control
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Landlords have a responsibility to maintain a minimum temperature in buildings. This temperature varies depending on the city. If a tenant finds that the apartment is too cold, a call to a city bylaw officer can ensure that the problem will be fixed. In Toronto, for example, the temperature must be a minimum of 21 degrees celsius. The number to call for help is Access Toronto, 416-338-0338.
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Repairs
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Landlords in Ontario are required to do all repairs in buildings upon verbal request of the tenant. If this is not done in a reasonable amount of time or if the requests are frequently ignored, tenants should put the request in writing and keep a copy as a record. If a landlord won't make the repairs, a city building inspector can be phoned to check out the problem. If repairs are still not completed, a call can be made to the Investigation and Enforcement Unit at 888-772-9277.
Eviction
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Reasons for eviction in Ontario include nonpayment of rent on the due day, performing illegal acts on the grounds, causing undue damage to the building and impairing the safety of other residents in the building. If a tenant recieves an eviction notice, a call should be made to a lawyer immediately. Legal Aid Ontario community legal clinics can provide free services to low-income families.
Rent Increase
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A landlord can increase the rent once every 12 months. The annual guideline increase in 2007 for Ontario was 2.6 percent. The landlord must provide 90 days written notice for any rent increase or tenants do not have to pay the increase amount.
Ending a Lease
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Tenants can sometimes get out of a lease before it is over. If a landlord agrees to end the lease early, tenants should get this is writing with signatures for the record. If a landlord will not agree to end a lease early, it is possible for tenants to sign the lease over to someone else. The province of Ontario requires that tenants give landlords 60 days written notice before moving out.
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References
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