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Landlord's Self-Help Centre is the only clinic funded by Legal Aid Ontario with a mandate to support the small landlord community by providing information, referrals, summary advice, educational programs and participating in law reform activities.

The website is envisioned as the first point of contact for landlords and helps the Centre balance the ever-increasing demand for service and limited resources by offering self-serve options.  Browse a variety of printed material, learning tools and FAQ's to learn about trends, research rights and responsibilities and develop a general understanding of the complex regulatory environment to which landlords, rental properties and tenancy agreement are subject. 

All landlords are encouraged to learn and understand the provisions of the rules and regulations which govern residential rental agreements, the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Residential Tenancies Act in particular. Landlords are also encouraged to implement practices and procedures that promote positive tenant relations and support the effective management of rental relationships, these include the use of a standard tenant selection process; documenting the rental agreement in writing; keeping detailed records; and acting quickly to address problems before they escalate into situations that require legal action. 

The information found here is intended as general information only, it is not legal advice.

• All new tenants must be given a basic information sheet, "Information for New Tenants", on or before the tenancy begins - this is the landlord's responsibility.
• Does your tenant pay for their own electricity? The  rules changed on January 1, 2011  more information ...
• Bed Bugs - arm yourself with the information needed to manage risk and identify a potential bed bug infestation and the necessary steps  to effectively manage it  http://www.toronto.ca/health/bedbugs/ and www.bedbugsinfo.ca
• 2013 Annual Rent Increase Guideline: 2.5%  link to details
• Are you exempt from the Rent Increase Guideline? Some rental property are exempt from the annual rent increase guideline which means landlords are not bound to the 2.5% cap - details on exemption from guideline.
• 90 days notice is required for a guideline increase. The prescribed Form N1 must be used, forms at:  www.LTB.gov.on.ca.
• Landlord and Tenant Board fees  [link to fees].
• Interest on the deposit for last month/week's rent is equal to the rent increase guideline and is payable on the anniversary.
• Landlords can top up the last month/week's rent deposits they hold. Simply apply the annual interest to deposit held and send a letter to the tenant informing them that the interest for the last  month's rent has been used to top it up to the current amount of rent.
• Thinking of implementing a  smoke-free policy in your property? More information ...
• Do not assume your tenant will move at the end of their lease.  The end of the lease does not mean the tenants will vacate on that date. The tenant may remain in possession and does not have to sign a new lease.
• If rent is not paid on the due date, the landlord can issue a form N4 as early as the next day! 
• If the tenant does not pay the rent owing as required by the N4, apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board as soon as possible to limit your losses.
• Tenants are allowed to have pets even though they may have signed a tenancy agreement prohibiting pets.
• Tenants are allowed to have overnight visitors.
• Tenant having overnight guests? They are allowed to have guests and do not have to secure your permission.
• The heating season is Sept. 1st to June 15th; confirm  temperature requirement with local municipality.
• Thinking of filing a claim in Small Claims Court for damage or unpaid rent after the tenant has vacated? Link to Guide to Making a Claim
• Decisions from the Landlord and Tenant Board, Ontario Human Rights Tribunal and the Courts can be researched online at www.canlii.ca
• Are you a condo landlord? The legislation is under review - stay informed oncondo@ontario.ca
• 2012 Property Assessments have been sent to Ontario owners - do you think your assessment is too high? Learn about the Request for Reconsideration process - www.mpac.ca
• Do you have something to say about the law?  Let your MPP know and ask that steps be taken to change the law.
• The Office of Ombudsman investigates complaint and oversees  services of 500 provincial ministries,
  Crown corporations, administrative tribunals, agencies, boards and commissions - learn more at http://www.ombudsman.on.ca
• The Landlord and Tenant Board publishes Interpretation Guidelines which outline how it deals with issues www.ltb.gov.on.ca/en/Law/STEL02 _111691.htm
• Keep up to date - follow us on Twitter @LSHC1
• "Like us" on Facebook at www.facebook.com/landlordselfhelp

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Learning Tools:

   Landlord Learning - News and Tools

Landlord Learning and Networking Forum 2013

Balance the playing field - end the rent games

Support the campaign to amend S.210 of the Residential Tenancies Act to address the improper manipulation of the law respecting appeals of Landlord and Tenant Board orders and the unfair hardship it imposes on landlords - www.landlordselfhelp.com/Law%20Reform/S210/section210.htm

2013 Rent Increase Guideline - 2.5%

Bill 19 - guideline rent increases will range from 0 to 2.5%. The amendment also includes a provision for the review of the cap in four years.   Link to details.

"A Landlord's Reference Guide to Human Rights in Housing" will help landlords understand their obligations as housing providers using easy to understand terms and examples which illustrate commonly faced rental situations. It also discusses the roles of both landlord and tenant with respect to the accommodation of a disability or special need. 

The latest edition of The Quarterly News is now available.  You will find back issues of the newsletter posted to an archive that may be accessed through the Members' area.

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Sound Advice for Landlords provides information in an audio format.

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Our FAQ's are truly the self-help option offering an extensive archive of actual Q & A's. 

Visit the Information Exchange to explore and find the answers to your questions.

Thinking about renting?  To learn about creating and operating a rental unit in your home visit Second Suites in Toronto.

Need more information?  

Landlord Learning Tips features a collection of short video messages from a variety of service providers offering their tips for landlords.  

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