There are two words a landlord never wants to hear together: ‘rent’ and ‘strike’. Unfortunately they’ve been making the news a lot recently as Toronto finds itself in the midst of a flurry of tenant protests, sparked by Above Guideline Rent Increases.
Rent strikes occur when a group of tenants coordinates to stop paying rent. The latest incidents involve two groups in separate areas of the city – in the first almost 100 residents protested a 10% rent hike, and the second began when around 200 tenants fought back after being given six Above Guideline Rent Increases over the last decade.
It’s not the first time Toronto has seen this kind of action and it likely won’t be the last, according to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives in Ottawa which told CBC news recently that rent strikes are increasing across Canada.
Should Toronto landlords be worried?
The best way to avoid a rent strike is to treat your tenants with respect. Take the time to build a good relationship with them so that any concerns can be addressed quickly and without the need for drastic action.
You can’t cut corners when it comes to tenant management, but the investment is well worth it to avoid time-consuming and expensive disputes.
Communicate
Communication is one of the most important aspects of being a good landlord. Your tenants need to be kept in the loop with everything that affects their unit. This means informing them of any repairs or maintenance, letting them know well in advance if you intend to raise their rent (and by how much), and making sure they fully understand the terms of the lease before signing it.
Take communication one step further by scheduling regular meetings or check-ins. These should be put in the calendar so you’re never arriving unannounced, and you should let your tenant know that this is their chance to let you know of any issues with the unit.
Respond
If your tenant does have an issue, deal with it quickly and efficiently. It’s not fair to ask them to put up with a faulty appliance or sweat it out when the A/C stops working. Again, prioritize communication – let them know that you’ve heard their complaint, brief them on how you’ll address it, and follow up afterward to check if it’s resolved to their satisfaction.
Respect
They may be living in your property, but your tenant deserves their privacy. Don’t drop by for unannounced visits, ask intrusive questions, or harangue them with unnecessary communications. In most cases, the more respect you show your tenant, the more they’ll show you.
What to do if your tenant stops paying rent
If the unthinkable does happen and your tenant abruptly stops paying rent, it’s best to protect yourself immediately by filing an eviction notice with the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario (LTB). Don’t wait and let unpaid rent pile up – you can always revoke the LTB case if they pay.
This may seem harsh, but it’s better to take action early – especially given the current delays at the LTB – and to have your legal documentation already filed if things turn sour. If you and your tenant are able to reach an agreement you can always rescind your eviction notice.
If you’re finding it difficult to establish good relations with your tenant, or you’re concerned about your renter’s behaviour, don’t hesitate to get professional help. Highgate Property Management offers tenant screening and management services to give landlords complete peace of mind about who occupies their unit.
We’ll vet potential tenants, arrange rent collection, handle any negotiations on your behalf, and guide you through any disputes if they arise. All you have to do is enjoy your passive income without worry! Get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable team today to find out more.
