New Residential Tenancy Rules Take Effect

New rules regulating residential tenancies took effect on January 31, 2007.

New Rules

The new Residential Tenancies Act, which is now in effect, makes various changes to rules governing rents and landlord-tenant relationships. Some of the key changes include:

The annual rent increase guideline will be based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index, which will be the rate of inflation for the year running from June to May.

Landlords will be able to inspect rental units for maintenance problems, with 24 hours notice.

Landlords will have more remedies to deal with a tenant if he/she is causing willful and/or excessive damage in a rental unit or building. The new remedies will cut the eviction process approximately in half.

Improvements to processes under the Landlord and Tenant Board (formerly known as the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal)

Interest paid to tenants on last month’s rent deposit will be the same as the Consumer Price Index

More Information

More information available at Landlord and Tenant Board site established by the provincial government.