Moving to a rental apartment is an inexplicable experience as a whole. It entails a lot of excitement and can change your lifestyle in many positive ways. However, some blemishes of concern are also bound to crop up in this scenario. If you are going to rent an apartment for the first time and various apprehensions are cluttering your mind, then this blog is for you. In order to protect the Tenants and foster a harmonious living, the government of Canada has passed certain Acts. We are shedding the light on a few things you should know about the rights of a tenant in GTA.
The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) encapsulates all the rights that tenants possess in GTA. If you are completely unaware of those rights, here is a manual for you.
What does RTA cover?
In Ontario, renters whose names are on a documented lease are covered by the RTA. However, it does not apply in various circumstances. For instance, if you have shared areas with the landlord or any of the landlord’s immediate family members, such as their children, if your name is not mentioned in the lease, or if you have a contract as an “under-tenant,” such as when you sublease from a renter. You would not be protected by the RTA in such circumstances.
Some Tenant Rights You Should Be Aware Of
Equal Treatment
You have the right to fair treatment in housing, free from harassment and discrimination, as a renter.
You cannot be denied housing, subjected to harassment by a landlord or other renters, or subjected to any other unjust treatment because of your:
- race, color, or ethnic background
- religious beliefs or practices
- ancestry
- citizenship, including refugee status
- sex (including pregnancy and gender identity)
- family status
- marital status, including people with a same-sex partner
- disability
- sexual orientation
- age, including people who are 16 or 17 years old and no longer living with their parents
- receipt of public assistance.
If you experience prejudice because you are a friend or relative of one of the people mentioned above, you are also protected.
Regulating Temperature
If your landlord is in charge of maintaining the temperature in your apartment, they are required to keep it at least 20 degrees Celsius from September 1 to June 15.
Details about the Landlord
Your landlord must provide you with their entire legal name as well as a service-related address, such as a house, office, or post office box. It’s a good idea to have this information, along with their contact details, before you pay any rent money so you can track where your money is going.
Landlord Visits
Except in an emergency, your landlord may enter your apartment only for particular purposes and with at least 24 hours’ notice.
Maintenance
Each and every renter has a right to reside in a rental home that is up to code in terms of upkeep and safety for the community. Your landlord is in charge of duties like raking, mowing the lawn, controlling pests, etc.
Secure Home with Proper Services
Your house has to be secure and in good condition. Even if you were aware of the issues before deciding to rent the house, this still holds true. Also, you should have access to all the essential services like fuel, power, hot and cold water, and heat (such as natural gas). Even if you haven’t paid your rent, your landlord cannot disconnect these services. However, for a brief period, during the time of repairs, your landlord can interrupt the services. Their expenses may be covered by your landlord or by you.
Controlled rent increases
Your landlord is only permitted to increase your rent once every 12 months. The increase’s magnitude must stay within permissible bounds. When there are exceptional circumstances, a landlord may submit an application to the Landlord and Tenant Board to raise it over the annual cap.
Protection from wrongful eviction
Only specific situations qualify for eviction. You are entitled to a hearing before the Landlord and Tenant Board if your landlord attempts to evict you.
Having kids at home
You are entitled to having kids live in your house. You also have the right to allow your kids and family to produce “reasonable” noise.
Try to acquire everything in the form of a written statement while communicating with your landlord. You have the right to have a documented copy of your tenancy agreement, written notice of your landlord’s legal name and address, and rent receipts. If the landlord fails to comply with the laws, you can look for legal assistance. You can contact Rapid Lease to know more about the rights of a tenant in GTA.
As a tenant, you are also bound to take on some responsibilities. Read What are the maintenance responsibilities of tenants in Greater Toronto Area? to understand it better.