COVID 19 – LAND AND TENANT BOARD UPDATE
August 24, 2020
The Land and Tenant Board have gradually expanded their services during this month of August. However, all front line in-person service counters remain closed until further notice. Relevant parties are asked to use alternate forms of contact – phone, fax, mail, and email.
Effective August 1, 2020, the LTB commenced:
- Issuing eviction orders that were pending
- Issuing consent eviction orders based on a settlement agreement between Landlord and Tenant
- Continued to hear urgent eviction matters about health and safety that were scheduled
- Scheduling of hearings for non-urgent evictions to begin from mid-August into Fall
Payment of Rent
Tenants are advised by LTB if they are unable to pay rent because of COVID-19, they should try to work out an arrangement with their Landlords. This could include deferral of rent payment or an alternative payment arrangement so that the tenancy can stay in effect.
Landlords are advised that if they cannot reach an amicable arrangement with their tenants, then they should see free general legal advice from Legal Aid Ontario. However, Landlords have to take note that they cannot charge fees or penalties for late rent payments.
Eviction
A Landlord can continue to issue a notice of termination for non-payment of rent which is the first step in evicting a tenant. However, the tenant does not have to move out unless an eviction order is issued by the Sheriff on behalf of LTB.
Entering the Rental Unit
Even though a Landlord has the right to enter the rental unit once the following requirements are met: 24 hours written notice, the reason for entering the unit, stating date and time they will enter; Landlords should only do so in urgent situations and must follow all physical distancing guidelines including wearing a mask or face covering and keeping a distance of 2m apart from others.
Tenants who are uncomfortable with these visits or have any concerns should discuss the matter with their Landlords so a mutual understanding could be reached between both parties.
For emergencies though, Landlords still have the right to enter the unit without giving notice.
For further information please visit the LTB website at http://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/covid-19/
