It’s been a year of shake-ups for GTA and Toronto real estate, and there’s one more on the horizon for landlords in the province – amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act.
The changes, which take effect September 2021, are good news for small landlords and other rental property owners who will now find it easier to recover losses, particularly those incurred via the pandemic concessions granted to renters.
Both landlords and tenants have been forced to navigate new waters during the repeated lockdowns, and government measures haven’t always hit the right balance between protecting their interests. These amendments aim to address that gap, giving landlords more avenues to explore when seeking restitution.
Recovery and resolution
The upcoming amendments follow those already implemented under Bill 184, which addresses dispute resolutions overseen by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). They help landlords recover utilities and financial losses in a number of ways.
From September, landlords chasing former tenants for outstanding rent will find it easier to get a judgment. Instead of going through the lengthy and costly process of filing with the Small Claims Court, they can apply directly to the LTB for judgment on arrears, even up to a year after the tenant has vacated the property.
This provision also covers ‘reasonable’ out-of-pocket expenses, costs arising from unpaid utility bills, and compensation for repairing or replacing items damaged by the tenant.
Form filling
The new amendments aren’t just updating certain processes, they’re also upgrading the paperwork involved.
Landlords have until October 1, 2021, to switch over to the new forms, which include changes to the L2 application (to evict a tenant or terminate a tenancy) and the N12s and N13s (which cover the various circumstances in which landlords can end a tenancy agreement).
Virtual hearings
Switching landlord/tenant disputes from the Small Claims Court to the LTB is a big step, streamlining and simplifying property management.
And technology is making the process even smoother, with virtual hearings ensuring timely resolutions despite pandemic restrictions.
Landlord/tenant hearings can now be heard online via video conference. Simply submit the relevant application as an e-file, wait to receive your Notice of Hearing, and join the link at the scheduled date and time.
Hearings are hosted on either Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Users who don’t already have these installed can click a link to download the software in their Notice of Hearing.
Stress-free Toronto property management
No landlord enjoys dealing with disputes, but not every rental goes smoothly.
Problem tenants are always a possibility and, unfortunately, conflict is even more likely in the current climate as economic woes intensify due to pandemic restrictions.
If you’re a Toronto landlord, let Highgate Property Management be your first line of defence. Our experienced and professional team can help you find the right tenant for your property by vetting potential candidates, supervising their rental, and dealing with any issues that arise.
With us overseeing your investment, you won’t have to worry about finding reliable renters, collecting rent, chasing up cheques or protecting your property. We handle everything so you don’t have to. Get in touch today to see how we can help you make the most of your investment.
