The Ontario Standardized Lease Agreement 2020: Everything You Need to Know
On April 30, 2018, the Ontario government introduced a standardized lease agreement that landlords must use for most residential tenancies signed on or after April 30, 2018. The standardized lease agreement is aimed at ensuring that tenants and landlords understand the terms and conditions of their tenancy agreements, and it is meant to reduce disputes between tenants and landlords.
In 2020, new changes were introduced to the Ontario Standardized Lease Agreement, to further protect tenants` rights and improve their living conditions. Here are some key elements of the 2020 Ontario Standardized Lease Agreement that tenants and landlords should know.
Rent and Utilities
The 2020 Ontario Standardized Lease Agreement specifies that a landlord cannot charge a tenant more than the rent specified in the lease agreement. Landlords cannot increase the rent before the first anniversary of the tenancy agreement, and they must give notice of any rent increase at least 90 days before the rent increase takes effect.
As for utility costs, landlords can only charge tenants for utilities if they have separate meters for the tenant`s unit. If there are no separate meters, the landlord must include the cost of utilities in the rent.
Security Deposit
Landlords are allowed to ask for a security deposit, but they are required to provide a receipt and keep the money in a trust account. The security deposit cannot be more than one month`s rent. Landlords are required to return the security deposit within ten days after the end of the tenancy if the tenant has fulfilled all their responsibilities under the lease agreement.
Maintenance and Repairs
The 2020 Ontario Standardized Lease Agreement requires landlords to maintain their rental properties and make any necessary repairs. If the landlord fails to make repairs within a reasonable amount of time, the tenant can hire someone to do the repairs and deduct the cost from the rent, or file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board to have the repairs made.
Termination
The 2020 Ontario Standardized Lease Agreement allows tenants to terminate a tenancy agreement with 60 days` notice, even if the lease states a longer notice period. Landlords are also required to give tenants 60 days` notice if they want the tenant to move out, unless the tenant has not paid rent or has breached the lease agreement.
Pets
The 2020 Ontario Standardized Lease Agreement includes a section on pets. Landlords are not allowed to refuse to rent to a tenant because they have a pet unless the pet is a danger to other tenants or the property. Landlords can only require tenants to pay a pet deposit if it is reasonable and if the deposit does not exceed one month`s rent.
Conclusion
The Ontario Standardized Lease Agreement 2020 is a significant step forward in ensuring that tenants and landlords understand their rights and responsibilities. By providing a standardized lease agreement, tenants and landlords can avoid disputes and focus on enjoying their tenancy agreement.
If you are a tenant or landlord entering into a new tenancy agreement in Ontario, make sure to review the 2020 Ontario Standardized Lease Agreement to ensure that you understand your rights and responsibilities.