Residential rental property managers explain the Residential Tenancies Act

As residential rental property managers, we know that tenants are often concerned about whether they are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act(RTA) or not. Sometimes, there is a bit of uncertainty as to what the RTA is. Tenants, this is something you need to be familiar with so you can protect yourself from illegal things landlords may try to do. In this article, the property managers at ACCL Property Management will go over the top 5 rights and responsibilities tenants and landlords have when it comes to renting a residential property.

What is the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)?

The Residential Tenancies Act is the legislation that sets the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants who rent residential properties. The act mandates provincial standards for all aspects of the landlord-tenant relationship, including vital services such as heat and electricity, when and why landlords can enter the rental unit, how to end a tenancy, and grounds for eviction.

Who is protected by the RTA?

The majority of tenants in Ontario are protected by the RTA. It covers renters of apartments, houses, boarding houses, retirement and care homes, and mobile homes. Some — but not all — rented rooms are covered by the RTA.

5 rights all tenants have: 

1. Vital Services: As a tenant, you must have access to hot and cold water, heat, electricity, and fuel (I.E natural gas). Landlords are not allowed to interfere or shut down these services, even if you have not paid rent. The only time your landlord may be able to shut off services is for a short period of time so they can make repairs.
2. Heat: Depending on what municipality you live in your landlord must heat your home from September 1st – June 1st. If you live in Durham Region, Toronto, Or Oshawa your landlord must heat your home from September 30 to May 31. The minimum air temperature must be at least 22 degrees.
3. Privacy: Tenants have the right to privacy, meaning a landlord can only enter your home for certain reasons. Some reasons include:
   • to make repairs or do work in the unit
   • to carry out an inspection in order to determine whether repairs are needed
   • to allow a potential purchaser to view the rental unit
   • or for any reasonable purpose allowed by the rental agreement
   • For more information Click Here.
4. Controlled rent increases: Landlords can only raise your rent once every 12-month period. The amount of the increase has to be within legal limits. This year for residents of Oshawa, Toronto, And the Durham Region can expect a 2.2 % rent increase. 
5. Protection from unlawful eviction: Tenants can only be evicted for certain reasons. If your landlord tries to evict you, you have the right to a hearing with the Landlord and Tenant Board. – Click Here to find out how landlords can evict tenants in Ontario

Landlords are not the only ones who have responsibilities they must follow, Tenants also have responsibilities which may include: 

• Paying rent on time.
• Taking care of your unit.
• Telling your landlord about problems with your unit.
• Being a good neighbour.

Finding a responsible landlord that follows all legal rules as set out in the Residential Tenancies  Act can be difficult. A Property Management company can help find tenants good quality landlords as well as find landlords good quality tenants! For more information on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or landlord call ACCL Property Management at 905-432-8961

Get the right advice and professional help from The Experts at ACCL Property Management

Contact us:

Durham Region Tel: 1(905) 432-8961

York Region Tel: 1(416) 619-5203

Peel Region Tel: 1(416) 619-9214

Toll-free: 1(844) 651-2225

Fax: 1(905) 579-6688

When you choose ACCL Property Management, you have the peace of mind, knowing that you have a trusted name in property management. Contact us for more information today.