Pursuant to section 11 of the Residential Tenancies Act, the landlord must provide to the tenant information relating to the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants, the role of the Landlord and Tenant Board (the “Board”), and how to contact the Board.
This information must be provided to the tenant on or before the date the tenancy begins in a form approved by the Board.
This form is called “Information for New Tenants” which is available on the Board’s website at http://www.ltb.gov.on.ca.
It provides a brief summary to new tenants about the Residential Tenancies Act which covers most residential tenancies. In particular, it provides information to tenants about their right to security of tenancy and their right to privacy. It also specifies the key responsibilities of tenants to pay rent; keep the rental unit clean and repair damage caused to the unit. It also tells tenants that they are not allowed to change the locks.
The form provides information on the Landlord’s right to collect a rent deposit and increase rent. It specifies that the Landlord is responsible to keep the rental property in a good state of repair and provide a copy of the tenancy agreement or lease to the Tenant. The Landlord is not allowed to deliberately shut off or otherwise interfere with the supply of vital service (heat, electricity, fuel, gas, hot or cold water), take the Tenant’s personal property, lock out the Tenant or insist that the Tenant pay rent by post-dated cheque or automatic debit.
For more information on Landlord and Tenant matters please contact our office.
