– Tenant Frequently Asked Questions –

Last week our inboxes were flooded with questions from tenants across the GHA which got us thinking — if this many people wrote in… how many others are looking to clarify some of their rights?

Grab this week’s free download — it will give some insight as it covers the essential basics of tenant rights!

Check out the video or scroll down to keep reading our FAQs for Ontario Renters…

– TOP 6 QUESTIONS YOU ASKED –

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Q: I’m applying to rent & the Landlord is asking very personal questions! Can they do that?

A: Yes, they can ask all about your current home, rental history, employment history, credit, references but there are some restrictions about income based on the Human Rights Code.

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Q: Do I need to have content insurance?

A: There is no law saying you have to have it, but honestly, you should. If there is ever a flood or fire, the landlords insurance will not necessarily cover your losses. Having tenant insurance will! It’s important to mention, while it’s not mandatory, if you did agree to obtain insurance in the terms of your lease & you don’t get it, your landlord can apply to have you evicted. 

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Q:  Can my landlord just raise my rent each year?

A: Once a year your Landlord may raise your rent by no more than the maximum rental increase with 90 days written notice. This increase amount is determined by the Ministry of Housing & Even if your Landlord has not increased your rent in years, they cannot exceed the rental increase (unless you agree to substantial renovations known as a Capital expenditure or the property tax has a sizeable increase.

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Q: What happens if I’m late with paying my rent? 

A: The day after your rent is due, your Landlord can serve you with a Notice To End A Tenancy Early For Non-Payment Of Rent. If you’re on a monthly rental, you’ll have 14 days to pay the late rent or move out. If you don’t move out or pay, the Landlord can apply to the Landlord-Tenant Board for further actions.

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Q: My Landlord won’t fix something… can I withhold rent until he makes the necessary repairs?

A: Unfortunately you can’t just withhold your rent! You can however give a written synopsis of the problem to your landlord or property manager, if they refuse or if repairs aren’t moving along, you can file a Tenant Application About Maintenance & potentially pay your rent directly to the Landlord Tenant Board until repairs are completed.

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Q: My Landlord doesn’t always give me a receipt but I want a copy… do they have to provide one?

A: They absolutely need to if you ask for one — in fact, anytime you ask for a receipt even up to a year post renting from them, they will need to provide one. A full receipt includes…Address of the rental unit, Name of the Tenants, Amount & Date for each payment as well as what it was for, Name of the Landlord & Signature from Landlord

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Well we hope these help the people who wrote in & those silent observers — thanks for watching, as always please share some love with a like, comment, follow or tag a tenant who might have some questions! 

– Keeping it Genuine –

Your Realtors,

The Edwards Team Of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage