Residences: The Residential Tenancies Act

The Residential Tenancies Act became effective January 31, 2007.

On June 22, 2006, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) received Royal Assent. This act replaces the Tenant Protection Act, 1997 (TPA). The RTA provides balanced protection for both tenants and landlords. The new law allows fairer rent increases for tenants and fairer processes for resolving disputes through the new Landlord and Tenant Board. It also promotes a healthy rental housing market.

How will the changes affect you?

The Care Home Residents

Under the legislation, the rules for care homes will be fairer to tenants:

When a tenant is leaving a unit, the period required to end care services or meals will be no more than 10 days.
Tenants will receive a temporary rent reduction if their landlords fail to provide a written lease.
Landlords will not be allowed to stop a tenant from receiving external care services.

The Care Home Operators

The resident who terminates the agreement may require the operator to stop the provision of care services and meals before the date of agreement terminates by giving at least 10 days notice to the operator.
Residents will receive a temporary rent reduction if the operators fail to provide a written lease agreement.
Operators will not be allowed to stop a tenant from contracting external care services.
Operators are to provide information on rights and responsibilities with regard to contacting the Landlord and Tenant Board (formerly the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal).

For more information on the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, please call toll free 1.866.342.6153 or 416.585.6511 in the Toronto area. Or visit www.gov.on.ca and click on Residential Tenancies.

printer friendly

Email this article