As a tenant in Ontario, it’s essential to have a tenancy agreement in place to protect your rights and ensure a smooth tenancy experience. The Ontario government recently updated the Residential Tenancies Act, with changes taking effect in 2019. Here’s what you need to know about tenancy agreements in Ontario for 2019.
1. What is a tenancy agreement?
A tenancy agreement is a legal contract between a landlord and tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of the rental agreement. It may include details such as the rental amount, payment schedule, move-in and move-out dates, repairs and maintenance responsibilities, and more.
2. What are the changes to the Residential Tenancies Act in 2019?
The 2019 changes to the Residential Tenancies Act include updates to the rules for rent increases, evictions, and landlord-tenant disputes. As a tenant, it’s important to be aware of these changes to understand your rights and obligations under the law.
3. What should be included in a tenancy agreement in Ontario?
A tenancy agreement in Ontario should include the following details:
– Names and addresses of the landlord and tenant(s)
– The address of the rental unit
– The rental amount, payment schedule, and due dates
– The length of the tenancy agreement and the move-in and move-out dates
– The landlord’s responsibilities for repairs and maintenance and the tenant`s responsibilities for cleaning and upkeep
– Rules and regulations for the rental unit, such as noise restrictions and pet policies
– Information on security deposits, key deposits, and any other fees or charges
4. Can a landlord evict a tenant without cause?
Under the new rules in Ontario, landlords can no longer evict tenants without cause. However, they can end a tenancy if they plan to occupy the unit themselves or if they are selling the property. In these cases, the landlord must give the tenant at least 60 days’ notice.
5. Can a landlord increase the rent?
Landlords in Ontario can only increase the rent once per year, and the increase must be within the guidelines set by the government. For 2019, the guideline is 1.8%.
6. Can a tenant break a tenancy agreement early?
If a tenant needs to break a tenancy agreement early, they should check their agreement for early termination clauses and speak to their landlord. Generally, tenants are responsible for paying rent until the end of the lease term or until a new tenant is found.
7. What are my rights as a tenant in Ontario?
As a tenant in Ontario, you have the right to a safe and healthy living environment, protection from illegal rent increases and evictions, and the right to privacy. If you have concerns about your rental unit or your tenancy agreement, you can contact the Landlord and Tenant Board for assistance.
In conclusion, as a tenant in Ontario, having a clear and thorough tenancy agreement is crucial to ensuring a positive rental experience. By understanding the changes to the Residential Tenancies Act in 2019 and your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, you can protect yourself and make informed decisions about your rental arrangement.