Part of our mission is to keep you updated amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act. New updates come into effect on September 1, 2021. These amendments are part of Bill 184 passed on July 21, 2020. The intent of these changes is to strengthen the Act for both Landlords and Tenants.
To summarize:
- Landlords will have the ability to file a claim against a former Tenant. Claims can include Rent Arrears, Unit Damage, Utility Arrears and NSF charges. The Landlord has up to one year after a Tenant has vacated to file a claim.
- Increased compensation allowed to Tenants subject to bad faith/illegal evictions. Compensation can include damages equivalent to as much as 12 months’ rent.
- Landlords will have the ability to file a claim for Utility Arrears. Damages to the unit caused by a current Tenant is also claimable.
- Additional documentation required when filing for a Hearing.
- The new legislation does not apply to issues existing before September 1, 2021.
You can read the full summary from Tribunals Ontario at this link.
Past blogs include Rental Rate Guidance for 2022.