By: Karen Scott
Paralegal, HGR Graham Partners LLP
Starting April 30, 2018 it will be mandatory in Ontario for Residential Landlords to use the Standard Form Tenancy Agreement (the “Standardized Lease”).
Signing a lease can be a daunting task for both Landlords and Tenants. Landlords want to ensure that they are adequately protected, and Tenants fear that leases may not be drafted in their favour. In an effort to decrease disputes between Landlords and the Tenants and to help balance the interests and responsibilities of both parties, the Ontario government has introduced a Standardized Lease. The Standardized Lease will be required for every new tenancy not renewed or deemed to be renewed after April 30, 2018. Current leases will remain legally binding.
Effective April 30, 2018 it will be mandatory that most residential landlords in the Province use the Standardized Lease including rentals for single family homes, duplexes, condos, apartments or secondary units (such as basement apartments). The Standardized Lease will not apply to care homes, mobile home parks/lease land communities, and most social housing units.
Failure to use the Standardized Lease after April 30, 2018 could result in the Landlord being open to legal and financial liabilities. Landlords will still be able to add additional clauses to the Standardized Lease, so long as the clauses are not in contravention to any legislation.
To obtain the Standardized Lease, please click on the following link.
If you are a Landlord and have any questions, please feel free to contact Karen Scott.
Karen Scott is a Paralegal at HGR Graham Partners and has been practicing for over 20 years. She often represents Landlords for residential tenancy matters.
*The content in this article is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or an opinion of any kind.