Frequently Asked Questions
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What are a landlord's responsibilities for maintaining a rental property?
A landlord must maintain the rental property in safe, livable, and code-compliant condition as required by local and state housing laws. This includes repairing structural issues, maintaining plumbing, heating, and electrical systems, and ensuring the unit meets all health and safety standards…
Can a tenant withhold rent if the landlord does not make repairs?
Tenants may have the right to withhold rent if a landlord fails to make essential repairs or maintain the property in a safe, habitable condition. Local housing laws in your area determine when rent withholding is permitted, what documentation is required, and how the process should be followed…
What is the process for evicting a tenant?
The eviction process must follow strict local and state landlord-tenant laws. A landlord must first serve a legally valid eviction notice that specifies the reason and the required move-out date…
How much notice must a landlord give to increase rent?
Landlords must follow local and state rent increase laws before raising rent. In most regions, landlords must provide 30 to 90 days’ written notice depending on the length of tenancy and the size of the increase…
What should tenants do if their landlord enters the property without permission?
Tenants have strong privacy rights under local and state landlord-tenant laws. If a landlord enters the rental unit without proper notice or permission, the tenant should immediately document the incident..
Can a landlord charge a cleaning fee when a tenant moves out?
Landlords can charge a cleaning fee only when it meets local Ontario landlord cleaning fee rules. These move-out cleaning charges apply only if the rental unit is left excessively dirty or damaged beyond normal wear and tear, according to Ontario tenancy laws…
What happens to a tenant's security deposit when they move out?
In Ontario, landlords must follow strict security deposit return laws when a tenant moves out. The deposit must be refunded within the legally required tenant deposit refund time, usually between 14–30 days…
Can a landlord refuse to rent to someone with pets?
In Ontario, a landlord can enforce a no-pet policy for regular household pets, depending on the type of rental unit. However, landlords cannot refuse housing to tenants who rely on a legally recognized service animal or emotional support animal…
What rights do tenants have if the landlord sells the property?
In Ontario, tenants keep all their tenant rights when a landlord sells the property. A sale does not cancel the lease. The existing lease after property sale remains fully valid, and the new owner must honor the same rent, terms…
How should a landlord handle a tenant’s abandoned personal property?
In Ontario, tenant abandoned property law requires landlords to follow strict legal steps before removing or disposing of belongings left behind. Under landlord disposal rules, the landlord must first make reasonable efforts…
What types of cases can be filed in small claims court?
In Ontario, small claims court case types include disputes involving unpaid rent, property damage, contract disagreements, and minor loan recovery…
Is there a monetary limit for small claims court cases?
In Ontario, the small claims court money limit is currently $35,000, which is the maximum claim amount the court will consider. This small claims financial limit ensures that cases remain faster, simpler, and more affordable to resolve…
Do I need an attorney for a small claims court?
In Ontario, you generally do not need a lawyer for small claims court, as the process is designed to support self-representation. Many people choose to file a small claims court case without a lawyer…
What evidence should I bring to small claims court?
In Ontario, bringing the right evidence for small claims court is essential for a successful outcome. You should prepare all documents for court cases, including receipts, invoices, contracts, text messages, emails, photos, videos…
Can I file a small claims case against someone who lives in a different state?
Yes, you can file a small claims case against someone living in another state, but it depends on the jurisdiction rules of the small claims court. Most states require you to file the case where the defendant resides or where the dispute occurred…
What happens if the other party does not show up to court?
In Ontario, if the defendant does not show up in small claims court, the judge may issue a default judgment in favor of the plaintiff. A missed court hearing can result in immediate liability for the absent party…
How long do I have to file a small claims case?
In Ontario, the small claims statute of limitations sets the maximum time you can file a case, typically 1 to 6 years, depending on the type of dispute…
Can I appeal a small claims court decision?
In Ontario, you can appeal a small claims court decision, but the process is limited and must follow specific rules. Appeals typically involve filing within a strict deadline and submitting the case to a higher court for review…
What happens after I win a small claims judgment?
In Ontario, winning a small claims court judgment does not automatically mean you will receive the awarded amount. To collect a small claims judgment…
Can I settle a case before going to small claims court?
In Ontario, parties are strongly encouraged to settle disputes before small claims court to save time, reduce costs, and avoid the stress of litigation. An out-of-court settlement or mediation allows both sides to reach a fair…
