Landlord Legal Rights and Responsibilities

If you have been a landlord for a while, you know the legal challenges and processes that come with having tenants, and how long it can take to deal with difficult tenants. Even a seemingly logical issue that should be resolved quickly, can take months to have a definitive outcome. In a landlord-tenant business relationship, several common exchanges can become points of contention. For example: lease agreements, rental payments, maintenance requests, lost keys, communications, documentations, can potentially lead to animosity between parties. These can also lead to tribunals and legal problems that must be addressed. It's important to note: any agreement you make with your tenant on your own, can and will be over-ruled by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), should an issue arise during the tenancy. Let's review your responsibilities as a landlord, so you can ensure you are covering all your obligations, and getting the most out of your business as a landlord. Keeping the home in good repair: "You are responsible for repairs, even if the tenant knew about it in advance and still agreed to accept the conditions, and rent the home."Duties of landlords and tenantsUnder the law, Part III Section 20 of the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords are responsible for maintaining their rental premises in a good state of repair. This includes complying with all health, safety and maintenance standards that are usually set by the local municipality. Tenants are responsible for keeping their unit clean and for repairing any damage they or their guests cause to the unit or the premises