Real Estate News: The Latest, Top Articles in Ontario Canada

What a Realtor Does For You Many people use the terms “real estate agent” and “Realtor” interchangeably. While the terms are related, they hold a key distinction. Understanding the Role and Requirements of Realtors helps you choose the right professional for your property journey. Every home buyer and seller should know who they are working […]

Understanding Real Estate Agent Fees and Commissions The complexity of realtor fees and commissions can feel overwhelming for both first-time buyers and seasoned property investors. However, it is an essential part of the real estate process that we cannot ignore. In this article, we will guide you through the intricate web of these fees and […]

Effective Strategies for High-End Property Sales Selling a high-value home requires a distinct and sophisticated approach. The standard methods used for typical properties are often insufficient for the premium market. A successful transaction depends on a deep understanding of the affluent buyer, impeccable presentation, and a precisely executed plan. Effective luxury property sales and marketing […]

Realtor Selection and Relationship – Creating a Successful Partnership Choosing a realtor is more than a simple decision—it is a strategic maneuver in the journey of real estate. An adept realtor holds the power to simplify the process of buying or selling a home, to ensure you get the best deal possible, and to convert […]

Question: Are Smart Homes Always Listening? Answer: Smart homes are not always listening. Not actively. Devices listen only for a ‘wake word’ before recording a command. You have full control over privacy settings and can delete recordings. Your data is protected under Canadian privacy laws, giving you peace of mind in your home. How Your […]

Question: Are Smart Homes a Security Risk? Answer: Yes, smart homes can be a security risk. Insecure devices or Wi-Fi networks can create vulnerabilities for data theft and unauthorized access. The best defence is proactive management: use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and keep all device software regularly updated to protect your property. The […]

Question: What Are the Grounds for Eviction in Ontario? Answer: The grounds for eviction include non-payment of rent, illegal acts, property damage, or disturbing others. A landlord may also evict for their own personal use, a purchaser’s use, or for major renovations or demolition. All evictions must follow strict Landlord and Tenant Board procedures. The […]

Question: How Quickly Can a Landlord Evict a Tenant in Ontario? Answer: Evicting a tenant in Ontario is not a quick process. After a required notice period (e.g., 14 days for unpaid rent), the landlord must apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board. The entire legal process, including a hearing and enforcement by a Sheriff, […]

Question: How Long Does It Take for a Sheriff to Evict You in Ontario? Answer: After a landlord files an LTB eviction order, the Sheriff posts a Notice to Vacate, typically giving you about one week to move. The total time from filing to eviction can vary based on the Sheriff’s schedule. The Eviction Timeline […]

Question: How Long Can You Be Late on Rent in Ontario? Answer: In Ontario, rent is late the day after it’s due; there is no legal grace period. Your landlord can immediately serve an N4 notice, which gives you 14 days to pay the arrears. Paying within this period cancels the notice and stops the […]

Question: How Do I Fight an Eviction in Ontario? Answer: To fight an eviction in Ontario, you must attend a hearing at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). A landlord’s notice is not an eviction order. At the hearing, you can present evidence to dispute their application. Only the LTB can legally order you to […]

Question: Can You Evict Tenants After Purchasing Property in Ontario? Answer: Yes, you can evict tenants after purchasing property in Ontario, but only for specific reasons under the Residential Tenancies Act, such as for your own personal use. You cannot evict them simply because of the sale. This process requires a specific notice, a 60-day […]

Question: Can You Evict a Tenant in the Winter in Ontario? Answer: Yes, you can evict a tenant in the winter in Ontario. Contrary to popular belief, there is no law in Ontario preventing evictions during winter months. A landlord must follow the legal process through the Landlord and Tenant Board, and if an order […]

Question: Can a Landlord Increase Rent on a Month-to-month Lease in Ontario? Answer: Yes, a landlord can increase rent on a month-to-month tenancy. They must provide at least 90 days’ written notice using the correct form. Rent can only be increased once every 12 months and is usually limited by the annual provincial rent increase […]

Question: What Rights Do Tenants Have When the House Is Being Sold in Ontario? Answer: Rights that tenants have when the house is being sold include: Your lease agreement continues under the new owner. Landlords must provide 24 hours’ written notice for showings. A new owner can only end the tenancy for their own use […]

Question: What Repairs Are Landlords Responsible for in Ontario? Answer: Repairs that landlords are responsible for include maintaining the rental unit in a good state of repair, complying with health and safety standards. This includes vital services like heat and water, plumbing, electrical systems, appliances provided with the unit, and structural components like the roof, […]

Question: What Are the Rules for a Month-to-month Lease in Ontario? Answer: The rules for a month-to-month lease in Ontario are as follows: A fixed-term lease automatically converts to a month-to-month tenancy with the same terms. Tenants must provide 60 days’ notice to end their tenancy, while landlords must have a valid reason and provide […]

Question: What a Landlord Cannot Do Ontario? Answer: In Ontario, a landlord cannot enter your unit without 24-hour written notice, evict you without an LTB order, increase rent above the guideline without approval, collect a damage deposit, or discriminate against you. They must also maintain the property and not interfere with your reasonable enjoyment. What […]

Question: What Are My Rights as a Tenant in Ontario? Answer: Your rights, as a tenant in Ontario, protected by the Residential Tenancies Act, include a safe, well-maintained home and reasonable enjoyment. You are protected from illegal rent increases and unlawful evictions, and your landlord must provide 24-hour written notice before entering your unit. Understanding […]

Question: Is the Landlord Responsible for Mould in Ontario? Answer: Yes, the landlord is responsible for mould in Ontario. Under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, landlords must maintain rental units in a good state of repair and ensure they comply with health and safety standards. This includes addressing mould, which is considered a significant health hazard, […]

Question: Is It Ok to Buy a House With Tenants? Answer: Yes, it is Ok to buy a house with tenants but you legally inherit the tenants and their existing lease agreement. If you intend to occupy the home yourself, you must follow a strict legal process, which includes providing the tenant with proper notice […]

Question: How Much Notice Does a Landlord Have to Give a Tenant to Move Out in Ontario? Answer: The required notice a landlord has to give a tenant to move out in Ontario varies by reason. For the landlord’s personal use, 60 days’ notice is required, ending on the last day of a rental period. […]

Question: How Do I Complain About a Landlord in Ontario? Answer: To complain about a landlord in Ontario, you must file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). This is the formal process for addressing issues like maintenance neglect, harassment, or illegal entry and seeking a legal remedy under the Residential Tenancies Act. […]

Question: Do You Have to Give 60 Days Notice at the End of a Lease in Ontario? Answer: Yes, tenants must provide at least 60 days’ written notice before the end of their lease if they plan to move out. The termination date must be the last day of the term. If no notice is […]

Question: Can Someone Live With You Without Being on the Lease in Ontario? Answer: Yes, someone can live with you without being on the lease. You have the right to have occupants or guests live with you. A landlord cannot unreasonably restrict this. However, as the leaseholder, you are solely responsible for the entire rent […]

Question: Can I Refuse a Landlord Inspection in Ontario? Answer: No, you cannot refuse entry if your landlord provides 24 hours’ written notice specifying the reason and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Unreasonably denying a lawful entry can be grounds for eviction. You may refuse if proper notice was not provided. Your […]

Question: Can a Tenant Change the Locks in Ontario? Answer: No, tenants in Ontario cannot unilaterally change the locks in Ontario. The Residential Tenancies Act requires tenants to obtain the landlord’s consent before altering the locking system. If consent is given, the tenant must provide the landlord with a new key for the altered lock. […]

Question: Can a Landlord Refuse to Renew a Lease in Ontario? Answer: No, a landlord cannot refuse to renew a lease in Ontario. Once a lease term ends, it automatically converts to a month-to-month tenancy. A landlord cannot simply refuse renewal and must provide a valid legal reason under the Residential Tenancies Act, such as […]

Question: What Is a Damage Deposit in Ontario? Answer: A damage deposit in Ontario is for residential tenancies, it is illegal for landlords to collect a damage deposit. Landlords are only permitted to collect a rent deposit for the last month’s rent and a separate, refundable deposit for keys, neither of which can cover damages. […]

Question: What Credit Score Is Needed to Rent an Apartment in Ontario? Answer: While there is no official minimum credit score to rent an apartment in Ontario, most Ontario landlords prefer a score of 660 or higher. A good score demonstrates financial reliability, but landlords also consider income and references. A lower score may require […]

Question: What Do I Do If the Landlord Does Not Return the Deposit? Answer: If the landlord does not return the deposit, first send a formal written demand. If they still refuse, file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board. Your deposit is legally for the last month’s rent, not for covering alleged damages […]