Landlord-Tenant Disputes

Loyal & Loyal can assist both landlords and tenants with legal advice, document preparation, filing applications, and representation at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). We handle issues such as rent disputes, evictions, repairs, and lease violations.

The LTB is an administrative tribunal in Ontario that resolves disputes between landlords and tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). It handles issues like rent increases, evictions, and maintenance concerns.

You can file an application with the LTB online, by mail, or in person. The type of application depends on the issue, such as rent disputes or eviction notices. Loyal & Loyal can guide you through the process and ensure the correct documents are submitted.

A landlord can issue an N4 notice to the tenant, demanding rent payment within 14 days (7 days for daily or weekly tenancies). If the tenant does not pay within the required time, the landlord can file an L1 application with the LTB for an eviction order.

Tenants cannot legally withhold rent, but they can apply to the LTB for rent abatement or an order to force the landlord to complete necessary repairs. Loyal & Loyal can assist in preparing this application.

If you’ve received a notice terminating your tenancy, you have the right to challenge the eviction at the LTB. Loyal & Loyal can help prepare your defence, cross-examine the landlord, and ensure your rights are protected.

Landlords can only raise rent once every 12 months and must provide 90 days' notice. Rent increases must follow the Ontario rent increase guideline, except in cases of exempt units or if the landlord gets approval for a larger increase from the LTB.

Tenants should inform the landlord in writing about necessary repairs or unsafe conditions. If the landlord does not address the issues, the tenant can file a T6 application with the LTB for maintenance violations.

If the landlord intends to sell the property and needs to end the tenancy for the purchaser’s own use, they must issue an N12 notice. The tenant has the right to challenge the notice if they believe it’s not genuine. Consult Loyal & Loyal to review your rights.

In Ontario, leases automatically become month-to-month after the initial term unless both parties agree to renew or sign a new lease. A landlord generally cannot refuse to renew a lease without a valid reason, such as an N12 notice for personal use.

The timeline for evicting a tenant depends on the complexity of the case and the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) schedule. If a tenant does not vacate by the termination date specified in the LTB's eviction order, the landlord must request enforcement through the Sheriff's Office as only the Sheriff can physically evict a tenant. However, the scheduling of an eviction by the Sheriff varies by jurisdiction and can take anywhere from 2 to 18 weeks or longer. Loyal & Loyal can assist you in this process.

Costs vary depending on the complexity of the case and the services required. Loyal & Loyal offers competitive rates and flexible options to meet your needs. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your specific situation.

Harassment includes any behaviour that significantly interferes with a tenant’s or landlord’s legal rights. This may include a landlord entering the rental unit without proper notice or a tenant deliberately damaging property. Both landlords and tenants have remedies available through the LTB.