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Tenant Protection Act, 1997

S.O. 1997, CHAPTER 24

Historical version for the period June 17, 2004 to March 8, 2005.

Amended by: 1998, c. 19, s. 186; 1999, c. 6, s. 62; 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6; 2000, c. 27, s. 179; 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4; 2001, c. 13, s. 32; 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table; 2004, c. 7, s. 18.

CONTENTS

PART I
INTRODUCTION

1.

Interpretation

2.

Application of Act

3.

Exemptions from Act

4.

Exemptions from rules relating to rent

5.

Exemptions related to social, etc., housing

6.

Rent geared to income

7.

Application to determine issues

PART II
RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF LANDLORDS AND TENANTS

Tenancy Agreements

8.

Tenancy agreement

9.

Commencement of tenancy

10.

Frustrated contracts

11.

Covenants interdependent

12.

Covenants running with land

13.

Minimize losses

14.

Acceleration clause void

15.

“No pet” provisions void

16.

Provisions conflicting with Act void

Assignment and Subletting

17.

Assignment of tenancy

18.

Subletting rental unit

Entry into Rental Unit or Residential Complex

19.

Privacy

20.

Entry without notice

21.

Entry with notice

22.

Entry by canvassers

23.

Changing locks

Additional Responsibilities of Landlord

24.

Landlord’s responsibility to repair

25.

Landlord’s responsibility re services

26.

Landlord not to interfere with reasonable enjoyment

27.

Landlord not to harass, etc.

Additional Responsibilities of Tenant

28.

Tenant not to harass, etc.

29.

Cleanliness

30.

Tenant’s responsibility for damage

Enforcement of Rights under this Part

31.

Distress abolished

32.

Tenant applications

33.

Order re assignment, sublet

34.

Order, repair, comply with standards

35.

Other orders re s. 32

36.

Locking systems, landlord application re alteration

37.

Locking systems, order

Human Rights Code

38.

Selecting prospective tenants

PART III
SECURITY OF TENURE AND TERMINATION OF TENANCIES

Security of Tenure

39.

Tenancy terminated

40.

Deemed renewal where no notice

41.

Restriction on recovery of possession

42.

Disposal of abandoned property, unit vacated

Notice of Termination – General Provisions

43.

Notice of termination

44.

Where notice void

45.

Compensation, unit not vacated

Notice of Termination – End of Period or Term of Tenancy

46.

Tenant’s notice to terminate tenancy, end of period or term

47.

Period of notice

Notice by Tenant for Termination Assignment of Tenancy Refused

48.

Notice by tenant

Death of Tenant

49.

Death of tenant

50.

Landlord may dispose of property

Notice by Landlord for Termination at End of Period or Term

51.

Notice, landlord personally, etc., requires unit

52.

Where purchaser personally requires unit

53.

Notice, demolition, conversion or repairs

54.

Conversion to condominium, security of tenure

55.

Compensation, demolition or conversion

56.

Tenant’s right of first refusal, repair or renovation

57.

Tenant’s right to compensation, repair or renovation

58.

Tenant’s right to compensation, severance

59.

Security of tenure, severance, subdivision

60.

Notice end of term, additional grounds

Notice by Landlord for Termination before End of Period or Term

61.

Non-payment of rent

62.

Termination for cause, illegal acts, misrepresentation

63.

Termination for cause, damage

64.

Termination for cause, reasonable enjoyment

65.

Termination for cause, act impairs safety

66.

Termination for cause, too many persons

67.

Notice of termination, further contravention

Superintendent’s Premises

68.

Superintendent’s premises

Application to Tribunal by Landlord – Landlord has given Notice of Termination

69.

Application by landlord

70.

Landlord personally requires premises

71.

Demolition, conversion, repairs

72.

Non-payment of rent

73.

Illegal act or misrepresentation of income

74.

Correction; animals

75.

Immediate application

Application to Tribunal by Landlord – Landlord has not given Notice of Termination

76.

Agreement to terminate, tenant’s notice

77.

Application based on previous order, mediated settlement

78.

Abandonment of rental unit

79.

Landlord may dispose of property, abandoned unit

80.

Superintendent’s premises

81.

Unauthorized occupancy

Landlord or Tenant Application Overholding Subtenant

82.

Overholding subtenant

Eviction Orders

83.

Effective date of order

83.1

Expiry date of order

84.

Power of Tribunal, eviction

85.

Effect of eviction order

Other Landlord Applications

86.

Compensation

87.

Compensation for damage

88.

Compensation, misrepresentation of income

Other Tenant Notices and Applications

89.

Compensation, overholding subtenant

90.

Tenant’s notice, application re subtenant

PART IV
CARE HOMES

Rights and Duties of Landlords and Tenants

91.

Agreement required

92.

Information to tenant

93.

Tenancy agreement: consultation, cancellation

94.

Entry check condition of tenant

95.

Assignment, subletting in care homes

96.

Notice of termination

97.

Termination, care homes

98.

Notice of termination, demolition, conversion or repairs

Transferring Tenancy

99.

Transferring tenancy

Rules Related to Rent

100.

Rent in care home

101.

Notice of increased charges

102.

Certain charges permitted

PART V
MOBILE HOME PARKS AND LAND LEASE COMMUNITIES

Interpretation

103.

Part applies to land lease communities

104.

Interpretation

Rights and Duties of Landlords and Tenants

105.

Tenant’s right to sell, etc.

106.

Landlord’s right of first refusal

107.

Advertising a sale

108.

Assignment

109.

Restraint of trade prohibited

110.

Responsibility of landlord

Termination of Tenancies

111.

Mobile home abandoned

112.

Death of mobile home owner

113.

Extended notice of termination, special cases

Rules Related to Rent and Other Charges

114.

New tenant

115.

Entrance and exit fees limited

Proceedings before the Tribunal

116.

Increased capital expenditures

PART VI
RULES RELATING TO RENT

General Rules

117.

Security deposits, limitation

118.

Rent deposit may be required

118.1

Rent deposit, prospective tenant

119.

Post-dated cheques

120.

Receipt for payment

General Rules Concerning Amount of Rent Charged

121.

Landlord not to charge more than lawful rent

122.

Landlord’s duty, rent increases

Lawful Rent

123.

Lawful rent when this Act comes into force

124.

New tenant

125.

Miscellaneous new tenancy agreements

126.

12-month rule

127.

Notice of rent increase required

128.

Deemed acceptance where no notice of termination

Guideline

129.

Guideline increase

Agreements to Increase, Decrease Rent

130.

Agreement

131.

Tenant application

132.

Additional services, etc.

133.

Coerced agreement void

134.

Decrease in services, etc.

Additional Grounds for Rent Increase

135.

Increase to maximum rent

Reduction of Rent – Municipal Taxes Reduced

136.

Municipal taxes reduced

137.

Application for variation

Landlord Application for Rent Increase

138.

Increased operating costs, capital expenditures

139.

Two ordered increases

Illegal Additional Charges

140.

Additional charges prohibited

141.

Rent deemed lawful

Applications to Tribunal by Tenant

142.

Reduction in rent, reduction in services

143.

Reduction in rent, reduction in taxes

144.

Money collected illegally

PART VII
VITAL SERVICES AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS

Vital Services

145.

Definition

146.

By-laws respecting vital services

147.

Notice by supplier

148.

Inspection

149.

Services by municipality

150.

Appeal

151.

Payments transferred

152.

Use of money

153.

Immunity

Maintenance Standards

154.

Prescribed standards and complaints

155.

Inspector’s work order

156.

Review of work order

PART VIII
ONTARIO RENTAL HOUSING TRIBUNAL

157.

Tribunal established

158.

Composition

159.

Chair and vice-chair

160.

Quorum

161.

Conflict of interest

162.

Power to determine law and fact

163.

Members, mediators not compellable

164.

Rules and Guidelines Committee

165.

Information on rights and obligations

166.

Employees

167.

Professional assistance

168.

Reports

169.

Tribunal may set, charge fees

170.

Fee refunded, review

PART IX
PROCEDURE

171.

Expeditious procedures

172.

Form of application

173.

Combining applications

174.

Parties

175.

Service

176.

Tribunal may extend, shorten time

177.

File dispute

178.

How notice or document given

179.

How notice or document given to Tribunal

180.

Time

181.

Tribunal may mediate

182.

Money paid to Tribunal

182.1

Tribunal may refuse to proceed if money owing

183.

Where Tribunal may dismiss

184.

SPPA applies

185.

Joinder and severance of applications

185.1

Application severed

186.

Amendment and withdrawal of applications

187.

Other powers of Tribunal

188.

Findings of Tribunal

189.

Correction of deemed rent

190.

Conditions in order

191.

Order payment

192.

Default orders

193.

Monetary jurisdiction; deduction of rent; interest

194.

Notice of decision

195.

Order final, binding

196.

Appeal rights

197.

Tribunal may appeal Court decision

198.

Substantial compliance sufficient

198.1

Electronic documents

199.

Contingency fees, limitation

PART X
GENERAL

Administration and Enforcement

200.

Duties of Minister

201.

Delegation

202.

Investigators and inspectors

203.

Inspection and investigation

204.

Warrant

205.

Protection from personal liability

Offences

206.

Offences

207.

Evidence

Regulations

208.

Regulations

PART I
INTRODUCTION

Interpretation

1. (1) In this Act,

“care home” means a residential complex that is occupied or intended to be occupied by persons for the purpose of receiving care services, whether or not receiving the services is the primary purpose of the occupancy; (“maison de soins”)

“care services” means, subject to the regulations, health care services, rehabilitative or therapeutic services or services that provide assistance with the activities of daily living; (“services en matière de soins”)

“guideline”, when used with respect to the charging of rent, means the guideline determined under section 129; (“taux légal”)

“land lease community” means the land on which one or more occupied land lease homes are situate and includes the rental units and the land, structures, services and facilities of which the landlord retains possession and that are intended for the common use and enjoyment of the tenants of the landlord; (“zone résidentielle à baux fonciers”)

“land lease home” means a dwelling, other than a mobile home, that is a permanent structure where the owner of the dwelling leases the land used or intended for use as the site for the dwelling; (“maison à bail foncier”)

“landlord” includes,

(a) the owner of a rental unit or any other person who permits occupancy of a rental unit, other than a tenant who occupies a rental unit in a residential complex and who permits another person to also occupy the unit or any part of the unit,

(b) the heirs, assigns, personal representatives and successors in title of a person referred to in clause (a), and

(c) a person, other than a tenant occupying a rental unit in a residential complex, who is entitled to possession of the residential complex and who attempts to enforce any of the rights of a landlord under a tenancy agreement or this Act, including the right to collect rent; (“locateur”)

“Minister” means the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; (“ministre”)

“Ministry” means the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing; (“ministère”)

“mobile home” means a dwelling that is designed to be made mobile and that is being used as a permanent residence; (“maison mobile”)

“mobile home park” means the land on which one or more occupied mobile homes are located and includes the rental units and the land, structures, services and facilities of which the landlord retains possession and that are intended for the common use and enjoyment of the tenants of the landlord; (“parc de maisons mobiles”)

“municipal taxes and charges” means taxes charged to a landlord by a municipality and charges levied on a landlord by a municipality and includes taxes levied on a landlord’s property in unorganized territory, but “municipal taxes and charges” does not include,

(a) charges for inspections done by a municipality on a residential complex related to an alleged breach of a health, safety, housing or maintenance standard,

(b) charges for emergency repairs carried out by a municipality on a residential complex,

(c) charges for work in the nature of a capital expenditure carried out by a municipality, or

(d) any other prescribed charges; (“redevances et impôts municipaux”)

“non-profit housing co-operative” means a non-profit housing co-operative under the Co-operative Corporations Act; (“coopérative de logement sans but lucratif”)

“person”, or any expression referring to a person, means an individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, limited partnership, trust or body corporate, or an individual in his or her capacity as a trustee, executor, administrator or other legal representative; (“personne”)

“prescribed” means prescribed by the regulations; (“prescrit”)

“regulations” means the regulations made under this Act; (“règlements”)

“rent” includes the amount of any consideration paid or given or required to be paid or given by or on behalf of a tenant to a landlord or the landlord’s agent for the right to occupy a rental unit and for any services and facilities and any privilege, accommodation or thing that the landlord provides for the tenant in respect of the occupancy of the rental unit, whether or not a separate charge is made for services and facilities or for the privilege, accommodation or thing, but “rent” does not include,

(a) an amount paid by a tenant to a landlord to reimburse the landlord for property taxes paid by the landlord with respect to a mobile home or a land lease home owned by a tenant, or

(b) an amount that a landlord charges a tenant of a rental unit in a care home for care services or meals; (“loyer”)

“rental unit” means any living accommodation used or intended for use as rented residential premises, and “rental unit” includes,

(a) a site for a mobile home or site on which there is a land lease home used or intended for use as rented residential premises, and

(b) a room in a boarding house, rooming house or lodging house and a unit in a care home; (“logement locatif”)

“residential complex” means,

(a) a building or related group of buildings in which one or more rental units are located,

(b) a mobile home park or land lease community,

(c) a site that is a rental unit,

(d) a care home, and,

includes all common areas and services and facilities available for the use of its residents; (“ensemble d’habitation”)

“residential unit” means any living accommodation used or intended for use as residential premises, and “residential unit” includes,

(a) a site for a mobile home or on which there is a land lease home used or intended for use as a residential premises, and

(b) a room in a boarding house, rooming house or lodging house and a unit in a care home; (“habitation”)

“Rules” means the rules of practice and procedure made by the Tribunal or the Minister under section 164 of this Act and section 25.1 of the Statutory Powers Procedure Act; (“règles”)

“same-sex partner” means a person of the same sex with whom the person is living in a conjugal relationship outside marriage, if the two persons,

(a) have cohabited for at least one year,

(b) are together the parents of a child, or

(c) have together entered into a cohabitation agreement under section 53 of the Family Law Act; (“partenaire de même sexe”)

“services and facilities” includes,

(a) furniture, appliances and furnishings,

(b) parking and related facilities,

(c) laundry facilities,

(d) elevator facilities,

(e) common recreational facilities,

(f) garbage facilities and related services,

(g) cleaning and maintenance services,

(h) storage facilities,

(i) intercom systems,

(j) cable television facilities,

(k) heating facilities and services,

(l) air-conditioning facilities,

(m) utilities and related services, and

(n) security services and facilities; (“services et installations”)

“spouse” means a person of the opposite sex,

(a) to whom the person is married, or

(b) with whom the person is living in a conjugal relationship outside marriage, if the two persons,

(i) have cohabited for at least one year,

(ii) are together the parents of a child, or

(iii) have together entered into a cohabitation agreement under section 53 of the Family Law Act; (“conjoint”)

“subtenant” means the person to whom a tenant gives the right under section 18 to occupy a rental unit; (“sous-locataire”)

“superintendent’s premises” means a rental unit used by a person employed as a janitor, manager, security guard or superintendent and located in the residential complex with respect to which the person is so employed; (“logement de concierge”)

“tenancy agreement” means a written, oral or implied agreement between a tenant and a landlord for occupancy of a rental unit and includes a licence to occupy a rental unit; (“convention de location”)

“tenant” includes a person who pays rent in return for the right to occupy a rental unit and includes the tenant’s heirs, assigns and personal representatives, but “tenant” does not include a person who has the right to occupy a rental unit by virtue of being,

(a) a co-owner of the residential complex in which the rental unit is located, or

(b) a shareholder of a corporation that owns the residential complex; (“locataire”)

“Tribunal” means the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal; (“Tribunal”)

“utilities” means heat, hydro and water; (“services d’utilité publique”)

“vital service” means fuel, hydro, gas or hot or cold water. (“service essentiel”) 1997, c. 24, s. 1 (1); 1999, c. 6, s. 62 (1); 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (1); 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.

Interpretation, sublet

(1.1) For the purposes of this Act, a reference to subletting a rental unit refers to the situation in which,

(a) the tenant vacates the rental unit;

(b) the tenant gives one or more other persons the right to occupy the rental unit for a term ending on a specified date before the end of the tenant’s term or period; and

(c) the tenant has the right to resume occupancy of the rental unit after that specified date. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (2).

Rental unit, clarification

(2) A rented site for a mobile home or a land lease home is a rental unit for the purposes of this Act even if the mobile home or the land lease home on the site is owned by the tenant of the site. 1997, c. 24, s. 1 (2).

Application of Act

2. (1) This Act applies with respect to rental units in residential complexes, despite any other Act and despite any agreement or waiver to the contrary.

Conflicts, care homes

(2) In interpreting a provision of this Act with regard to a care home, if a provision in Part IV conflicts with a provision in another Part of this Act, the provision in Part IV applies.

Conflicts, mobile home parks and land lease communities

(3) In interpreting a provision of this Act with regard to a mobile home park or a land lease community, if a provision in Part V conflicts with a provision in another Part of this Act, the provision in Part V applies.

Conflict with other Acts

(4) If a provision of this Act conflicts with a provision of another Act, other than the Human Rights Code, the provision of this Act applies. 1997, c. 24, s. 2.

Exemptions from Act

3. This Act does not apply with respect to,

(a) living accommodation intended to be provided to the travelling or vacationing public or occupied for a seasonal or temporary period in a hotel, motel or motor hotel, resort, lodge, tourist camp, cottage or cabin establishment, inn, campground, trailer park, tourist home, bed and breakfast vacation establishment or vacation home;

(b) living accommodation whose occupancy is conditional upon the occupant continuing to be employed on a farm, whether or not the accommodation is located on that farm;

(c) living accommodation provided by a non-profit housing co-operative to tenants in member units;

(d) living accommodation occupied by a person for penal or correctional purposes;

(e) living accommodation that is subject to the Public Hospitals Act, the Private Hospitals Act, the Community Psychiatric Hospitals Act, the Mental Hospitals Act, the Homes for the Aged and Rest Homes Act, the Nursing Homes Act, the Ministry of Correctional Services Act, the Charitable Institutions Act or the Child and Family Services Act or is listed in Schedule 1 to Regulation 272 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 made under the Developmental Services Act;

(f) short term living accommodation provided as emergency shelter;

(g) living accommodation provided by an educational institution to its students or staff where,

(i) the living accommodation is provided primarily to persons under the age of majority, or all major questions related to the living accommodation are decided after consultation with a council or association representing the residents, and

(ii) the living accommodation does not have its own self-contained bathroom and kitchen facilities or is not intended for year-round occupancy by full-time students or staff and members of their households;

(h) living accommodation located in a building or project used in whole or in part for non-residential purposes if the occupancy of the living accommodation is conditional upon the occupant continuing to be an employee of or perform services related to a business or enterprise carried out in the building or project;

(i) living accommodation whose occupant or occupants are required to share a bathroom or kitchen facility with the owner, the owner’s spouse, same-sex partner, child or parent or the spouse’s or same-sex partner’s child or parent, and where the owner, spouse, same-sex partner, child or parent lives in the building in which the living accommodation is located;

(j) premises occupied for business or agricultural purposes with living accommodation attached if the occupancy for both purposes is under a single lease and the same person occupies the premises and the living accommodation;

(k) living accommodation occupied by a person for the purpose of receiving rehabilitative or therapeutic services agreed upon by the person and the provider of the living accommodation, where,

(i) the parties have agreed that,

(A) the period of occupancy will be of a specified duration, or

(B) the occupancy will terminate when the objectives of the services have been met or will not be met, and

(ii) the living accommodation is intended to be provided for no more than a one-year period;

(l) living accommodation in a care home occupied by a person for the purpose of receiving short term respite care; and

(m) any other prescribed class of accommodation. 1997, c. 24, s. 3; 1999, c. 6, s. 62 (2); 2001, c. 13, s. 32 (1).

Exemptions from rules relating to rent

4. (1) Sections 54, 55, 57, 58, 59, 92, 100 to 116, 121, 123 to 126, 129 to 143 and 189 do not apply with respect to accommodation that is subject to the Homes for Special Care Act. 1997, c. 24, s. 4 (1); 2001, c. 13, s. 32 (2).

Same

(2) Sections 100, 114, 116, 121, 123 to 125, 129 to 139, 142, 143 and 189 do not apply with respect to a rental unit if,

(a) it has not been occupied for any purpose before the day this subsection comes into force;

(b) it is a rental unit no part of which has been previously rented since July 29, 1975; or

(c) no part of the building, mobile home park or land lease community has been occupied for residential purposes before November 1, 1991. 1997, c. 24, s. 4 (2).

Developmental Services Act

(3) Sections 54, 55, 57, 58, 59, 92, 100 to 116, 121, 123 to 126, 129 to 143 and 189 do not apply with respect to accommodation that is subject to the Developmental Services Act and that is not otherwise exempt under clause 3 (e). 1997, c. 24, s. 4 (3); 2001, c. 13, s. 32 (3).

Exemptions related to social, etc., housing

5. (1) Sections 17 and 18, paragraph 1 of subsection 32 (1), sections 33, 54, 55, 57, 58 and 59, subsection 81 (2) and sections 82, 89, 90, 92, 95, 100 to 102, 108, 114, 116, 121, 123 to 125, 129 to 131, 135 to 139, 142 and 143 do not apply with respect to a rental unit described below:

1. A rental unit located in a residential complex owned, operated or administered by or on behalf of the Ontario Housing Corporation, the Government of Canada or an agency of either of them.

1.1 A rental unit in a residential complex described in paragraph 1 whose ownership, operation or management is transferred under the Social Housing Reform Act, 2000 to a service manager or local housing corporation as defined in that Act.

2. A rental unit located in a non-profit housing project or other residential complex, if the non-profit housing project or other residential complex was developed or acquired under a prescribed federal, provincial or municipal program and continues to operate under,

i. Part VI of the Social Housing Reform Act, 2000,

ii. an operating agreement, as defined in the Social Housing Reform Act, 2000, or

iii. an agreement made between a housing provider, as defined in the Social Housing Reform Act, 2000, and one or more of,

A. a municipality,

B. an agency of a municipality,

C. a non-profit corporation controlled by a municipality, if an object of the non-profit corporation is the provision of housing,

D. a local housing corporation, as defined in the Social Housing Reform Act, 2000, or

E. a service manager, as defined in the Social Housing Reform Act, 2000.

3. A rental unit provided by a non-profit housing co-operative to tenants in non-member units.

4. A rental unit provided by an educational institution to a student or member of its staff and that is not exempt from this Act under clause 3 (g).

5. A rental unit located in a residential complex owned, operated or administered by a religious institution for a charitable use on a non-profit basis. 1997, c. 24, s. 5 (1); 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (3); 2000, c. 27, s. 179 (1, 2).

Exemption re 12-month rule

(2) Section 126 does not apply with respect to,

(a) a rental unit described in paragraph 1, 1.1, 2 or 3 of subsection (1) if the tenant occupying the rental unit pays rent in an amount geared-to-income due to public funding; or

(b) a rental unit described in paragraph 4 or 5 of subsection (1). 1997, c. 24, s. 5 (2); 2000, c. 27, s. 179 (3).

Exemption re notice of rent increase

(3) Sections 127 and 128 do not apply with respect to increases in rent for a rental unit due to increases in the tenant’s income if the rental unit is as described in paragraph 1, 1.1, 2 or 3 of subsection (1) and the tenant pays rent in an amount geared-to-income due to public funding. 1997, c. 24, s. 5 (3); 2000, c. 27, s. 179 (4).

Exception

(4) Despite subsection (1), the provisions of this Act set out in that subsection apply with respect to a rental unit described in paragraph 1 of that subsection if the tenant occupying the rental unit pays rent to a landlord other than the Ontario Housing Corporation, the Government of Canada or an agency of either of them. 1997, c. 24, s. 5 (4).

Exception

(4.1) Despite subsection (1), the provisions of this Act set out in that subsection apply with respect to a rental unit described in paragraph 1.1 of that subsection if the tenant occupying the rental unit pays rent to a landlord other than a service manager or local housing corporation as defined in the Social Housing Reform Act, 2000 or an agency of either of them. 2000, c. 27, s. 179 (5).

Same

(5) Despite subsection (1), the provisions of this Act set out in that subsection apply with respect to a rent increase for rental units described in paragraph 4 of that subsection if there is a council or association representing the residents of those rental units and there has not been consultation with the council or association respecting the increase. 1997, c. 24, s. 5 (5).

Rent geared to income

Part VI not applied, rent geared to income

6. (1) If a tenant pays rent for a rental unit in an amount geared-to-income due to public funding and the rental unit is not a rental unit described in paragraph 1, 1.1, 2 or 3 of subsection 5 (1), Part VI does not apply to an increase in the amount geared-to-income paid by the tenant. 1997, c. 24, s. 6 (1); 2000, c. 27, s. 179 (6).

Assignment, sublet not applied, rent geared to income

(2) Sections 17, 18, 82, 89, 90 and 95 and subsections 81 (2) and 125 (3) do not apply to a tenant described in subsection (1). 1997, c. 24, s. 6 (2).

Application to determine issues

7. (1) A landlord or a tenant may apply to the Tribunal for an order determining,

(a) whether this Act or any provision of it applies to a particular rental unit or residential complex;

(b) any other prescribed matter.

Order

(2) On the application, the Tribunal shall make findings on the issue as prescribed and shall make the appropriate order. 1997, c. 24, s. 7.

PART II
RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF LANDLORDS AND TENANTS

Tenancy Agreements

Tenancy agreement

Name and address in written agreement

8. (1) Every written tenancy agreement entered into on or after the day this section comes into force shall set out the legal name and address of the landlord to be used for the purpose of giving notices or other documents under this Act.

Copy of tenancy agreement

(2) If a tenancy agreement entered into on or after the day this section comes into force is in writing, the landlord shall give a copy of the agreement, signed by the landlord and the tenant, to the tenant within 21 days after the tenant signs it and gives it to the landlord.

Notice if agreement not in writing

(3) If a tenancy agreement entered into on or after the day this section comes into force is not in writing, the landlord shall, within 21 days after the tenancy begins, give to the tenant written notice of the legal name and address of the landlord to be used for giving notices and other documents under this Act.

Failure to comply

(4) Until a landlord has complied with subsections (1) and (2) or subsection (3), as the case may be,

(a) the tenant’s obligation to pay rent is suspended; and

(b) the landlord shall not require the tenant to pay rent.

After compliance

(5) After the landlord has complied with subsections (1) and (2), or subsection (3), as the case may be, the landlord may require the tenant to pay any rent withheld by the tenant under subsection (4). 1997, c. 24, s. 8.

Commencement of tenancy

9. (1) The term or period of a tenancy begins on the day the tenant is entitled to occupy the rental unit under the tenancy agreement.

Actual entry not required

(2) A tenancy agreement takes effect when the tenant is entitled to occupy the rental unit, whether or not the tenant actually occupies it. 1997, c. 24, s. 9.

Frustrated contracts

10. The doctrine of frustration of contract and the Frustrated Contracts Act apply with respect to tenancy agreements. 1997, c. 24, s. 10.

Covenants interdependent

11. Subject to this Part, the common law rules respecting the effect of a serious, substantial or fundamental breach of a material covenant by one party to a contract on the obligation to perform of the other party apply with respect to tenancy agreements. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (4).

Covenants running with land

12. Covenants concerning things related to a rental unit or the residential complex in which it is located run with the land, whether or not the things are in existence at the time the covenants are made. 1997, c. 24, s. 12.

Minimize losses

13. When a landlord or a tenant becomes liable to pay any amount as a result of a breach of a tenancy agreement, the person entitled to claim the amount has a duty to take reasonable steps to minimize the person’s losses. 1997, c. 24, s. 13.

Acceleration clause void

14. A provision in a tenancy agreement providing that all or part of the remaining rent for a term or period of a tenancy or a specific sum becomes due upon a default of the tenant in paying rent due or in carrying out an obligation is void. 1997, c. 24, s. 14.

“No pet” provisions void

15. A provision in a tenancy agreement prohibiting the presence of animals in or about the residential complex is void. 1997, c. 24, s. 15.

Provisions conflicting with Act void

16. Subject to section 181, a provision in a tenancy agreement that is inconsistent with this Act or the regulations is void. 1997, c. 24, s. 16.

Assignment and Subletting

Assignment of tenancy

17. (1) Subject to subsections (2), (3) and (6), and with the consent of the landlord, a tenant may assign a rental unit to another person.

Landlord’s options, general request

(2) If a tenant asks a landlord to consent to an assignment of a rental unit, the landlord may,

(a) consent to the assignment of the rental unit; or

(b) refuse consent to the assignment of the rental unit.

Landlord’s options, specific request

(3) If a tenant asks a landlord to consent to the assignment of the rental unit to a potential assignee, the landlord may,

(a) consent to the assignment of the rental unit to the potential assignee;

(b) refuse consent to the assignment of the rental unit to the potential assignee; or

(c) refuse consent to the assignment of the rental unit.

Refusal or non-response

(4) A tenant may give the landlord a notice of termination under section 48 within 30 days after the date a request is made if,

(a) the tenant asks the landlord to consent to an assignment of the rental unit and the landlord refuses consent;

(b) the tenant asks the landlord to consent to an assignment of the rental unit and the landlord does not respond within seven days after the request is made;

(c) the tenant asks the landlord to consent to an assignment of the rental unit to a potential assignee and the landlord refuses consent to the assignment under clause (3) (c); or

(d) the tenant asks the landlord to consent to an assignment of the rental unit to a potential assignee and the landlord does not respond within seven days after the request is made.

Same

(5) A landlord shall not arbitrarily or unreasonably refuse consent to an assignment of a rental unit to a potential assignee under clause (3) (b).

Same

(6) Subject to subsection (5), a landlord who has given consent to an assignment of a rental unit under clause (2) (a) may subsequently refuse consent to an assignment of the rental unit to a potential assignee under clause (3) (b).

Charges

(7) A landlord may charge a tenant only for the landlord’s reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred in giving consent to an assignment to a potential assignee.

Consequences of assignment

(8) If a tenant has assigned a rental unit to another person, the tenancy agreement continues to apply on the same terms and conditions and,

(a) the assignee is liable to the landlord for any breach of the tenant’s obligations and may enforce against the landlord any of the landlord’s obligations under the tenancy agreement or this Act, if the breach or obligation relates to the period after the assignment, whether or not the breach or obligation also related to a period before the assignment;

(b) the former tenant is liable to the landlord for any breach of the tenant’s obligations and may enforce against the landlord any of the landlord’s obligations under the tenancy agreement or this Act, if the breach or obligation relates to the period before the assignment;

(c) if the former tenant has started a proceeding under this Act before the assignment and the benefits or obligations of the new tenant may be affected, the new tenant may join in or continue the proceeding.

Application of section

(9) This section applies with respect to all tenants, regardless of whether their tenancies are periodic, fixed, contractual or statutory, but does not apply with respect to a tenant of superintendent’s premises. 1997, c. 24, s. 17.

Subletting rental unit

18. (1) A tenant may sublet a rental unit to another person with the consent of the landlord. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (5).

Same

(2) A landlord shall not arbitrarily or unreasonably withhold consent to the sublet of a rental unit to a potential subtenant. 1997, c. 24, s. 18 (2).

Charges

(3) A landlord may charge a tenant only for the landlord’s reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred in giving consent to a subletting. 1997, c. 24, s. 18 (3).

Consequences of subletting

(4) If a tenant has sublet a rental unit to another person,

(a) the tenant remains entitled to the benefits, and is liable to the landlord for the breaches, of the tenant’s obligations under the tenancy agreement or this Act during the subtenancy; and

(b) the subtenant is entitled to the benefits, and is liable to the tenant for the breaches, of the subtenant’s obligations under the subletting agreement or this Act during the subtenancy. 1997, c. 24, s. 18 (4).

Overholding subtenant

(5) A subtenant has no right to occupy the rental unit after the end of the subtenancy. 1997, c. 24, s. 18 (5).

Application of section

(6) This section applies with respect to all tenants, regardless of whether their tenancies are periodic, fixed, contractual or statutory, but does not apply with respect to a tenant of superintendent’s premises. 1997, c. 24, s. 18 (6).

Entry into Rental Unit or Residential Complex

Privacy

19. A landlord may enter a rental unit only in accordance with section 20 or 21. 1997, c. 24, s. 19.

Entry without notice

Entry without notice, emergency, consent

20. (1) A landlord may enter a rental unit at any time without written notice,

(a) in cases of emergency; or

(b) if the tenant consents to the entry at the time of entry.

Same, housekeeping

(2) A landlord may enter a rental unit without written notice to clean it if the tenancy agreement requires the landlord to clean the rental unit at regular intervals and,

(a) the landlord enters the unit at the times specified in the tenancy agreement; or

(b) if no times are specified, the landlord enters the unit between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Entry to show rental unit

(3) A landlord may enter the rental unit without written notice to show the unit to prospective tenants if,

(a) the landlord and tenant have agreed that the tenancy will be terminated or one of them has given notice of termination to the other;

(b) the landlord enters the unit between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.; and

(c) before entering, the landlord informs or makes a reasonable effort to inform the tenant of the intention to do so. 1997, c. 24, s. 20.

Entry with notice

21. (1) A landlord may enter a rental unit in accordance with written notice given to the tenant at least 24 hours before the time of entry under the following circumstances:

1. To carry out a repair or do work in the rental unit.

2. To allow a potential mortgagee or insurer of the residential complex to view the rental unit.

3. To allow a potential purchaser to view the rental unit.

3.1 To allow a person who holds a certificate of authorization within the meaning of the Professional Engineers Act or a certificate of practice within the meaning of the Architects Act or another qualified person to make a physical inspection of the rental unit to satisfy a requirement imposed under subsection 9 (4) of the Condominium Act, 1998.

4. For any other reasonable reason for entry specified in the tenancy agreement. 1997, c. 24, s. 21 (1); 1998, c. 19, s. 186.

Same

(2) The written notice under subsection (1) shall specify the reason for entry, the day of entry and a time of entry between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. 1997, c. 24, s. 21 (2).

Entry by canvassers

22. No landlord shall restrict reasonable access to a residential complex by candidates for election to any office at the federal, provincial or municipal level, or their authorized representatives, if they are seeking access for the purpose of canvassing or distributing election material. 1997, c. 24, s. 22.

Changing locks

23. (1) A landlord shall not alter the locking system on a door giving entry to a rental unit or residential complex or cause the locking system to be altered during the tenant’s occupancy of the rental unit without giving the tenant replacement keys.

Same

(2) A tenant shall not alter the locking system on a door giving entry to a rental unit or residential complex or cause the locking system to be altered during the tenant’s occupancy of the rental unit without the consent of the landlord. 1997, c. 24, s. 23.

Additional Responsibilities of Landlord

Landlord’s responsibility to repair

24. (1) A landlord is responsible for providing and maintaining a residential complex, including the rental units in it, in a good state of repair and fit for habitation and for complying with health, safety, housing and maintenance standards.

Same

(2) Subsection (1) applies even if the tenant was aware of a state of non-repair or a contravention of a standard before entering into the tenancy agreement. 1997, c. 24, s. 24.

Landlord’s responsibility re services

25. A landlord shall not at any time during a tenant’s occupancy of a rental unit and before the day on which an order evicting the tenant is executed, withhold reasonable supply of any vital service, care service or food that it is the landlord’s obligation to supply under the tenancy agreement or deliberately interfere with the reasonable supply of any vital service, care service or food. 1997, c. 24, s. 25.

Landlord not to interfere with reasonable enjoyment

26. A landlord shall not at any time during a tenant’s occupancy of a rental unit and before the day on which an order evicting the tenant is executed substantially interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of the rental unit or the residential complex in which it is located for all usual purposes by a tenant or members of his or her household. 1997, c. 24, s. 26.

Landlord not to harass, etc.

27. A landlord shall not harass, obstruct, coerce, threaten or interfere with a tenant. 1997, c. 24, s. 27.

Additional Responsibilities of Tenant

Tenant not to harass, etc.

28. A tenant shall not harass, obstruct, coerce, threaten or interfere with a landlord. 1997, c. 24, s. 28.

Cleanliness

29. The tenant is responsible for ordinary cleanliness of the rental unit, except to the extent that the tenancy agreement requires the landlord to clean it. 1997, c. 24, s. 29.

Tenant’s responsibility for damage

30. The tenant is responsible for the repair of damage to the rental unit or residential complex caused by the wilful or negligent conduct of the tenant, other occupants of the rental unit or persons who are permitted in the residential complex by the tenant. 1997, c. 24, s. 30.

Enforcement of Rights under this Part

Distress abolished

31. No landlord shall, without legal process, seize a tenant’s property for default in the payment of rent or for the breach of any other obligation of the tenant. 1997, c. 24, s. 31.

Tenant applications

32. (1) A tenant or former tenant of a rental unit may apply to the Tribunal for any of the following orders:

1. An order determining that the landlord has arbitrarily or unreasonably withheld consent to the assignment or sublet of a rental unit to a potential assignee or subtenant.

2. An order determining that the landlord breached the obligations under subsection 24 (1).

3. An order determining that the landlord, superintendent or agent of the landlord has illegally entered the rental unit.

4. An order determining that the landlord, superintendent or agent of the landlord has altered the locking system on a door giving entry to the rental unit or the residential complex or caused the locking system to be altered during the tenant’s occupancy of the rental unit without giving the tenant replacement keys.

5. An order determining that the landlord, superintendent or agent of the landlord has withheld the reasonable supply of any vital service, care service or food that it is the landlord’s obligation to supply under the tenancy agreement or deliberately interfered with the reasonable supply of any vital service, care service or food.

6. An order determining that the landlord, superintendent or agent of the landlord has substantially interfered with the reasonable enjoyment of the rental unit or residential complex for all usual purposes by the tenant or a member of his or her household.

7. An order determining that the landlord, superintendent or agent of the landlord has harassed, obstructed, coerced, threatened or interfered with the tenant during the tenant’s occupancy of the rental unit.

8. Where a notice under section 51 has been given in bad faith and the tenant vacates the rental unit as a result of the notice, an order determining that the notice has been given in bad faith and neither the landlord, the landlord’s spouse or same-sex partner nor a child or parent of one of them has occupied the rental unit within a reasonable time after that termination.

9. Where a notice under section 52 has been given in bad faith and the tenant vacates the rental unit as a result of the notice, an order determining that the notice has been given in bad faith and neither the purchaser, the purchaser’s spouse or same-sex partner nor a child or parent of one of them has occupied the rental unit within a reasonable time after that termination.

10. Where a notice under section 53 has been given in bad faith and the tenant vacates the rental unit as a result of the notice, an order determining that the notice has been given in bad faith and the landlord has not demolished, converted or repaired or renovated the rental unit within a reasonable time after that termination. 1997, c. 24, s. 32 (1); 1999, c. 6, s. 62 (3).

Time limitation

(2) No application may be made under subsection (1) more than one year after the day the alleged conduct giving rise to the application occurred. 1997, c. 24, s. 32 (2).

Order re assignment, sublet

33. (1) If the Tribunal determines that a landlord has unlawfully withheld consent to an assignment or sublet in an application under paragraph 1 of subsection 32 (1), the Tribunal may do one or more of the following:

1. Order that the assignment or sublet is authorized.

2. Where appropriate, by order authorize another assignment or sublet proposed by the tenant.

3. Order that the tenancy be terminated.

4. Order an abatement of the tenant’s or former tenant’s rent.

Same

(2) The Tribunal may establish terms and conditions of the assignment or sublet.

Same

(3) If an order is made under paragraph 1 or 2 of subsection (1), the assignment or sublet shall have the same legal effect as if the landlord had consented to it. 1997, c. 24, s. 33.

Order, repair, comply with standards

34. (1) If the Tribunal determines in an application under paragraph 2 of subsection 32 (1) that a landlord has breached the obligations under subsection 24 (1), the Tribunal may do one or more of the following:

1. Terminate the tenancy.

2. Order an abatement of the rent.

3. Authorize a repair that has been or is to be made and order its cost to be paid by the landlord to the tenant.

4. Order the landlord to do specified repairs or other work within a specified time.

4.1 Order the landlord to pay a specified sum to the tenant as compensation for,

i. the costs that the tenant has incurred or will incur in repairing or replacing property of the tenant that was damaged, destroyed or disposed of as a result of the landlord’s breach or breaches of the obligation under subsection 24 (1), and

ii. other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses that the tenant has incurred or will incur as a result of the landlord’s breach or breaches of the obligation under subsection 24 (1).

5. Make any other order that it considers appropriate. 1997, c. 24, s. 34 (1); 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (6).

Same

(2) In determining the remedy under this section, the Tribunal shall consider whether the tenant or former tenant advised the landlord of the alleged breaches before applying to the Tribunal. 1997, c. 24, s. 34 (2).

Other orders re s. 32

Order, subs. 32 (1), pars. 3 to 10

35. (1) If the Tribunal determines that a landlord, a superintendent or an agent of a landlord has done one or more of the activities set out in paragraphs 3 to 10 of subsection 32 (1), the Tribunal may,

(a) order that the landlord, superintendent or agent may not engage in any further activities listed in those paragraphs against any of the tenants in the residential complex;

(a.1) order that the landlord, superintendent or agent pay a specified sum to the tenant as compensation for,

(i) the costs that the tenant has incurred or will incur in repairing or replacing property of the tenant that was damaged, destroyed or disposed of as a result of the landlord, superintendent or agent having engaged in one or more of the activities listed in those paragraphs, and

(ii) other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses that the tenant has incurred or will incur as a result of the landlord, superintendent or agent having engaged in one or more of the activities listed in those paragraphs;

(b) order an abatement of rent;

(c) order that the landlord pay to the Tribunal an administrative fine not exceeding the greater of $10,000 or the monetary jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court in the area where the residential complex is located;

(d) order that the tenancy be terminated;

(e) make any other order that it considers appropriate. 1997, c. 24, s. 35 (1); 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (7).

Same

(2) If in an application under any of paragraphs 3 to 10 of subsection 32 (1) it is determined that the tenant was induced by the conduct of the landlord, the superintendent or an agent of the landlord to vacate the rental unit, the Tribunal may, in addition to the remedies set out in subsection (1), order that the landlord pay a specified sum to the tenant as compensation for,

(a) all or any portion of any increased rent which the tenant has incurred or will incur for a one-year period after the tenant has left the rental unit; and

(b) reasonable out of pocket moving, storage and other like expenses which the tenant has incurred or will incur. 1997, c. 24, s. 35 (2).

Order, subs. 32 (1), par. 4

(3) If the Tribunal determines, in an application under paragraph 4 of subsection 32 (1), that the landlord, superintendent or agent of the landlord has altered the locking system on a door giving entry to the rental unit or the residential complex, or caused the locking system to be altered, during the tenant’s occupancy of the rental unit without giving the tenant replacement keys, and if the Tribunal is satisfied that the rental unit is vacant, the Tribunal may, in addition to the remedies set out in subsections (1) and (2), order that the landlord allow the tenant to recover possession of the rental unit and that the landlord refrain from renting the unit to anyone else. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (8).

Effect of order allowing tenant possession

(4) An order under subsection (3) shall have the same effect, and shall be enforced in the same manner, as a writ of possession. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (8).

Expiry of order allowing tenant possession

(5) An order under subsection (3) expires,

(a) at the end of the 15th day after the day it is issued if it is not filed within those 15 days with the sheriff who has territorial jurisdiction where the rental unit is located; or

(b) at the end of the 45th day after the day it is issued if it is filed in the manner described in clause (a). 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (8).

Locking systems, landlord application re alteration

36. If a tenant alters a locking system, contrary to subsection 23 (2), the landlord may apply to the Tribunal for an order determining that the tenant has altered the locking system on a door giving entry to the rental unit or the residential complex or caused the locking system to be altered during the tenant’s occupancy of the rental unit without the consent of the landlord. 1997, c. 24, s. 36.

Locking systems, order

37. If the Tribunal in an application under section 36 determines that a tenant has altered the locking system or caused it to be altered, the Tribunal may order that the tenant provide the landlord with keys or pay the landlord the reasonable out of pocket expenses necessary to change the locking system. 1997, c. 24, s. 37.

Human Rights Code

Selecting prospective tenants

38. In selecting prospective tenants, landlords may use, in the manner prescribed in the regulations made under the Human Rights Code, income information, credit checks, credit references, rental history, guarantees, or other similar business practices as prescribed in the regulations made under the Human Rights Code. 1997, c. 24, s. 38.

PART III
SECURITY OF TENURE AND TERMINATION OF TENANCIES

Security of Tenure

Tenancy terminated

39. (1) A tenancy may be terminated only in accordance with this Act.

Same

(2) A notice of termination need not be given if a landlord and a tenant have agreed to terminate a tenancy.

When agreement void

(3) An agreement between a landlord and tenant to terminate a tenancy is void if it is entered into,

(a) at the time the tenancy agreement is entered into; or

(b) as a condition of entering into the tenancy agreement.

When notice void

(4) A tenant’s notice to terminate a tenancy is void if it is given,

(a) at the time the tenancy agreement is entered into; or

(b) as a condition of entering into the tenancy agreement. 1997, c. 24, s. 39.

Deemed renewal where no notice

40. (1) If a tenancy agreement for a fixed term ends and has not been renewed or terminated, the landlord and tenant shall be deemed to have renewed it as a monthly tenancy agreement containing the same terms and conditions that are in the expired tenancy agreement and subject to any increases in rent charged in accordance with this Act.

Same

(2) If the period of a periodic tenancy ends and the tenancy has not been renewed or terminated, the landlord and tenant shall be deemed to have renewed it for another week, month, year or other period, as the case may be with the same terms and conditions that are in the expired tenancy agreement and subject to any increases in rent charged in accordance with this Act. 1997, c. 24, s. 40.

Restriction on recovery of possession

41. A landlord shall not recover possession of a rental unit subject to a tenancy unless,

(a) the tenant has vacated or abandoned the unit; or

(b) an order of the Tribunal evicting the tenant has authorized the possession. 1997, c. 24, s. 41.

Disposal of abandoned property, unit vacated

42. (1) A landlord may sell, retain for the landlord’s own use or otherwise dispose of property in a rental unit or the residential complex if the rental unit has been vacated in accordance with,

(a) a notice of termination of the landlord or the tenant;

(b) an agreement between the landlord and the tenant to terminate the tenancy;

(c) subsection 68 (2); or

(d) an order of the Tribunal terminating the tenancy or evicting the tenant.

Where eviction order enforced

(2) Despite subsection (1), where an order is made to evict a tenant, the landlord shall not sell, retain or otherwise dispose of the tenant’s property before 48 hours have elapsed after the enforcement of the eviction order.

Same

(3) A landlord shall make an evicted tenant’s property available to be retrieved at a location proximate to the rental unit for 48 hours after the enforcement of an eviction order.

Liability of landlord

(4) A landlord is not liable to any person for selling, retaining or otherwise disposing of a tenant’s property in accordance with this section.

Agreement

(5) A landlord and a tenant may agree to terms other than those set out in this section with regard to the disposal of the tenant’s property. 1997, c. 24, s. 42.

Notice of Termination – General Provisions

Notice of termination

43. (1) Where this Act permits a landlord or tenant to terminate a tenancy by notice, the notice shall be in a form approved by the Tribunal and shall,

(a) identify the rental unit for which the notice is given;

(b) state the date on which the tenancy is to terminate; and

(c) be signed by the person giving the notice, or the person’s agent.

Same

(2) If the notice is given by a landlord, it shall also set out the reasons and details respecting the termination and inform the tenant that,

(a) if the tenant does not vacate the rental unit, the landlord may apply to the Tribunal for an order terminating the tenancy and evicting the tenant; and

(b) if the landlord applies for an order, the tenant is entitled to dispute the application. 1997, c. 24, s. 43.

Where notice void

44. (1) A notice of termination becomes void 30 days after the termination date specified in the notice unless,

(a) the tenant vacates the rental unit before that time; or

(b) the landlord applies for an order terminating the tenancy and evicting the tenant before that time.

Exception

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply with respect to a notice based on a tenant’s failure to pay rent. 1997, c. 24, s. 44.

Compensation, unit not vacated

45. (1) A landlord is entitled to compensation for the use and occupation of a rental unit by a person who is,

(a) an unauthorized occupant of the unit; or

(b) a tenant who does not vacate the unit after his or her tenancy is terminated by order, notice or agreement. 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4 (1).

Effect of payment

(2) Unless a landlord and tenant agree otherwise, the landlord does not waive a notice of termination, reinstate a tenancy or create a new tenancy,

(a) by giving the tenant a notice of rent increase; or

(b) by accepting arrears of rent or compensation for the use or occupation of a rental unit after,

(i) the landlord or the tenant gives a notice of termination of the tenancy,

(ii) the landlord and the tenant enter into an agreement to terminate the tenancy, or

(iii) the Tribunal makes an eviction order or an order terminating the tenancy. 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4 (1).

Notice of Termination – End of Period or Term of Tenancy

Tenant’s notice to terminate tenancy, end of period or term

46. A tenant may terminate a tenancy at the end of a period of the tenancy or at the end of the term of a tenancy for a fixed term by giving notice of termination to the landlord in accordance with section 47. 1997, c. 24, s. 46.

Period of notice

Period of notice, daily or weekly tenancy

47. (1) A notice under section 46, 60 or 96 to terminate a daily or weekly tenancy shall be given at least 28 days before the date the termination is specified to be effective and that date shall be on the last day of a rental period.

Period of notice, monthly tenancy

(2) A notice under section 46, 60 or 96 to terminate a monthly tenancy shall be given at least 60 days before the date the termination is specified to be effective and that date shall be on the last day of a rental period.

Period of notice, yearly tenancy

(3) A notice under section 46, 60 or 96 to terminate a yearly tenancy shall be given at least 60 days before the date the termination is specified to be effective and that date shall be on the last day of a yearly period on which the tenancy is based.

Period of notice, tenancy for fixed term

(4) A notice under section 46, 60 or 96 to terminate a tenancy for a fixed term shall be given at least 60 days before the expiration date specified in the tenancy agreement, to be effective on that expiration date.

Period of notice, February notices

(5) A tenant who gives notice under subsection (2), (3) or (4), which specifies that the termination is to be effective on the last day of February or the last day of March in any year, shall be deemed to have given at least 60 days notice of termination if the notice is given not later than January 1 of that year in respect of a termination which is to be effective on the last day of February or February 1 of that year in respect of a termination which is to be effective on the last day of March. 1997, c. 24, s. 47.

Notice by Tenant for Termination Assignment of Tenancy Refused

Notice by tenant

48. (1) A tenant may give notice of termination of a tenancy if the circumstances set out in subsection 17 (4) apply.

Same

(2) The date for termination specified in the notice shall be at least a number of days after the date of the notice that is the lesser of the notice period otherwise required under this Act and 30 days. 1997, c. 24, s. 48.

Death of Tenant

Death of tenant

49. (1) If a tenant of a rental unit dies and there are no other tenants of the rental unit, the tenancy shall be deemed to be terminated 30 days after the death of the tenant.

Reasonable access

(2) The landlord shall, until the tenancy is terminated under subsection (1),

(a) preserve any property of a tenant who has died that is in the rental unit or the residential complex other than property that is unsafe or unhygienic; and

(b) afford the executor or administrator of the tenant’s estate, or if there is no executor or administrator, a member of the tenant’s family reasonable access to the rental unit and the residential complex for the purpose of removing the tenant’s property. 1997, c. 24, s. 49.

Landlord may dispose of property

50. (1) The landlord may sell, retain for the landlord’s own use or otherwise dispose of property of a tenant who has died that is in a rental unit and in the residential complex in which the rental unit is located,

(a) if the property is unsafe or unhygienic, immediately; and

(b) otherwise, after the tenancy is terminated under section 49.

Same

(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), a landlord is not liable to any person for selling, retaining or otherwise disposing of the property of a tenant in accordance with subsection (1).

Same

(3) If, within six months after the tenant’s death, the executor or administrator of the estate of the tenant, or if there is no executor or administrator, a member of the tenant’s family claims any property of the tenant that the landlord has sold, the landlord shall pay to the estate the amount by which the proceeds of sale exceed the sum of,

(a) the landlord’s reasonable out of pocket expenses for moving, storing, securing or selling the property; and

(b) any arrears of rent.

Same

(4) If, within the six-month period after the tenant’s death, the executor or administrator of the estate of the tenant, or if there is no executor or administrator, a member of the tenant’s family claims any property of the tenant that the landlord has retained for the landlord’s own use, the landlord shall return the property to the tenant’s estate.

Agreement

(5) A landlord and the executor or administrator of a deceased tenant’s estate may agree to terms other than those set out in this section with regard to the termination of the tenancy and disposal of the tenant’s property. 1997, c. 24, s. 50.

Notice by Landlord for Termination at End of Period or Term

Notice, landlord personally, etc., requires unit

51. (1) A landlord may, by notice, terminate a tenancy if the landlord in good faith requires possession of the rental unit for the purpose of residential occupation by the landlord, the landlord’s spouse or same-sex partner or a child or parent of one of them. 1997, c. 24, s. 51 (1); 1999, c. 6, s. 62 (4).

Same

(2) The date for termination specified in the notice shall be at least 60 days after the notice is given and shall be the day a period of the tenancy ends or, where the tenancy is for a fixed term, the end of the term.

Earlier termination by tenant

(3) A tenant who receives notice of termination under subsection (1) may, at any time before the date specified in the notice, terminate the tenancy, effective on a specified date earlier than the date set out in the landlord’s notice.

Same

(4) The date for termination specified in the tenant’s notice shall be at least 10 days after the date the tenant’s notice is given. 1997, c. 24, s. 51 (2-4).

Where purchaser personally requires unit

52. (1) A landlord of a residential complex that contains no more than three residential units who has entered into an agreement of purchase and sale of the residential complex may, on behalf of the purchaser, give the tenant of a unit in the residential complex a notice terminating the tenancy, if the purchaser in good faith requires possession of the residential complex or the unit for the purpose of residential occupation by the purchaser, the purchaser’s spouse or same-sex partner, or a child or parent of one of them. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (9).

Same, condominium

(1.1) If a landlord who is an owner as defined in clause (a) or (b) of the definition of “owner” in subsection 1 (1) of the Condominium Act, 1998 owns a unit, as defined in subsection 1 (1) of that Act, that is a rental unit and has entered into an agreement of purchase and sale of the unit, the landlord may, on behalf of the purchaser, give the tenant of the unit a notice terminating the tenancy, if the purchaser in good faith requires possession of the unit for the purpose of residential occupation by the purchaser, the purchaser’s spouse or same-sex partner, or a child or parent of one of them. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (10).

Period of notice

(2) The date for termination specified in a notice given under subsection (1) or (1.1) shall be at least 60 days after the notice is given and shall be the day a period of the tenancy ends or, where the tenancy is for a fixed term, the end of the term. 1997, c. 24, s. 52 (2); 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (11).

Earlier termination by tenant

(3) A tenant who receives notice of termination under subsection (1) or (1.1) may, at any time before the date specified in the notice, terminate the tenancy, effective on a specified date earlier than the date set out in the landlord’s notice. 1997, c. 24, s. 52 (3); 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (12).

Same

(4) The date for termination specified in the tenant’s notice shall be at least 10 days after the date the tenant’s notice is given. 1997, c. 24, s. 52 (4).

Notice, demolition, conversion or repairs

53. (1) A landlord may give notice of termination of a tenancy if the landlord requires possession of the rental unit in order to,

(a) demolish it;

(b) convert it to use for a purpose other than residential premises; or

(c) do repairs or renovations to it that are so extensive that they require a building permit and vacant possession of the rental unit.

Same

(2) The date for termination specified in the notice shall be at least 120 days after the notice is given and shall be the day a period of the tenancy ends or, where the tenancy is for a fixed term, the end of the term.

Same

(3) A notice under clause (1) (c) shall inform the tenant that if he or she wishes to exercise the right of first refusal under section 56 to occupy the premises after the repairs or renovations, he or she must give the landlord notice of that fact in accordance with subsection 56 (2) before vacating the rental unit.

Earlier termination by tenant

(4) A tenant who receives notice of termination under subsection (1) may, at any time before the date specified in the notice, terminate the tenancy, effective on a specified date earlier than the date set out in the landlord’s notice.

Same

(5) The date for termination specified in the tenant’s notice shall be at least 10 days after the date the tenant’s notice is given. 1997, c. 24, s. 53.

Conversion to condominium, security of tenure

54. (1) If a part or all of a residential complex becomes subject to a registered declaration and description under the Condominium Act or the Condominium Act, 1998 on or after June 17, 1998, a landlord may not give a notice under section 51 or 52 to a person who was a tenant of a rental unit when it became subject to the registered declaration and description. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (13).

Proposed units, security of tenure

(2) If a landlord has entered into an agreement of purchase and sale of a rental unit that is a proposed unit under the Condominium Act or the Condominium Act, 1998, a landlord may not give a notice under section 51 or 52 to the tenant of the rental unit who was the tenant on the date the agreement of purchase and sale was entered into. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (13).

Non-application

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply with respect to a residential complex if no rental unit in the complex was rented before July 10, 1986 and all or part of the complex becomes subject to a registered declaration and description under the Condominium Act or the Condominium Act, 1998 before the later of,

(a) the day that is two years after the day on which the first rental unit in the complex was first rented; and

(b) June 17, 2000. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (13).

Assignee of tenant not included

(4) Despite subsection 17 (8), a reference to a tenant in subsection (1), (2) or (5) does not include a person to whom the tenant subsequently assigns the rental unit. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (13).

Conversion to condominium, right of first refusal

(5) If a landlord receives an acceptable offer to purchase a condominium unit converted from rented residential premises and still occupied by a tenant who was a tenant on the date of the registration referred to in subsection (1) or an acceptable offer to purchase a rental unit intended to be converted to a condominium unit, the tenant has a right of first refusal to purchase the unit at the price and subject to the terms and conditions in the offer. 1997, c. 24, s. 54 (5).

Same

(6) The landlord shall give the tenant at least 72 hours notice of the offer to purchase the unit before accepting the offer. 1997, c. 24, s. 54 (6).

Exception

(7) Subsection (5) does not apply when,

(a) the offer to purchase is an offer to purchase more than one unit; or

(b) the unit has been previously purchased since that registration, but not together with any other units. 1997, c. 24, s. 54 (7).

Compensation, demolition or conversion

55. A landlord shall compensate a tenant in an amount equal to three months rent or offer the tenant another rental unit acceptable to the tenant if,

(a) the tenant receives notice of termination of the tenancy for the purposes of demolition or conversion to non-residential use;

(b) the residential complex in which the rental unit is located contains at least five residential units; and

(c) in the case of a demolition, it was not ordered to be carried out under the authority of any other Act. 1997, c. 24, s. 55.

Tenant’s right of first refusal, repair or renovation

56. (1) A tenant who receives notice of termination of a tenancy for the purpose of repairs or renovations may, in accordance with this section, have a right of first refusal to occupy the rental unit as a tenant when the repairs or renovations are completed.

Written notice

(2) A tenant who wishes to have a right of first refusal shall give the landlord notice in writing before vacating the rental unit.

Rent to be charged

(3) A tenant who exercises a right of first refusal may re-occupy the rental unit at a rent that is no more than what the landlord could have lawfully charged if there had been no interruption in the tenant’s tenancy.

Change of address

(4) It is a condition of the tenant’s right of first refusal that the tenant inform the landlord in writing of any change of address. 1997, c. 24, s. 56.

Tenant’s right to compensation, repair or renovation

57. (1) A landlord shall compensate a tenant who receives notice of termination of a tenancy under section 53 for the purpose of repairs or renovations in an amount equal to three months rent or shall offer the tenant another rental unit acceptable to the tenant if,

(a) the tenant does not intend to return to the rental unit after the repairs or renovations are complete;

(b) the residential complex in which the rental unit is located contains at least five residential units; and

(c) the repair or renovation was not ordered to be carried out under the authority of this or any other Act.

Same

(2) If a tenant has given a landlord notice under subsection 56 (2) with respect to a rental unit in a residential complex containing at least five residential units, the tenant is entitled to compensation in an amount equal to the rent for the lesser of three months and the period the unit is under repair or renovation. 1997, c. 24, s. 57.

Tenant’s right to compensation, severance

58. A landlord of a residential complex that is created as a result of a severance shall compensate a tenant of a rental unit in that complex in an amount equal to three months rent or offer the tenant another rental unit acceptable to the tenant if,

(a) before the severance, the residential complex from which the new residential complex was created had at least five residential units;

(b) the new residential complex has fewer than five residential units; and

(c) the landlord gives the tenant a notice of termination under section 53 less than two years after the date of the severance. 1997, c. 24, s. 58.

Security of tenure, severance, subdivision

59. Where a rental unit becomes separately conveyable property due to a consent under section 53 of the Planning Act or a plan of subdivision under section 51 of that Act, a landlord may not give a notice under section 51 or 52 to a person who was a tenant of the rental unit at the time of the consent or approval. 1997, c. 24, s. 59.

Notice end of term, additional grounds

60. (1) A landlord may give a tenant notice of termination of their tenancy on any of the following grounds:

1. The tenant has persistently failed to pay rent on the date it becomes due and payable.

2. The rental unit that is the subject of the tenancy agreement is a rental unit as described in paragraph 1, 1.1, 2 or 3 of subsection 5 (1) and the tenant has ceased to meet the qualifications required for occupancy of the rental unit.

3. The tenant was an employee of an employer who provided the tenant with the rental unit during the tenant’s employment and the employment has terminated.

4. The tenancy arose by virtue of or collateral to an agreement of purchase and sale of a proposed unit within the meaning of the Condominium Act in good faith and the agreement of purchase and sale has been terminated. 1997, c. 24, s. 60 (1); 2000, c. 27, s. 179 (7).

Period of notice

(2) The date for termination specified in the notice shall be at least the number of days after the date the notice is given that is set out in section 47 and shall be the day a period of the tenancy ends or, where the tenancy is for a fixed term, the end of the term. 1997, c. 24, s. 60 (2).

Notice by Landlord for Termination before End of Period or Term

Non-payment of rent

61. (1) If a tenant fails to pay rent lawfully owing under a tenancy agreement, the landlord may give the tenant notice of termination of the tenancy effective not earlier than,

(a) the 7th day after the notice is given, in the case of a daily or weekly tenancy; and

(b) the 14th day after the notice is given, in all other cases. 1997, c. 24, s. 61 (1).

Contents of notice

(2) The notice of termination shall set out the amount of rent due and shall specify that the tenant may avoid the termination of the tenancy by paying, on or before the termination date specified in the notice, the rent due as set out in the notice and any additional rent that has become due under the tenancy agreement as at the date of payment by the tenant. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (14).

Notice void if rent paid

(3) The notice of termination is void if, before the day the landlord applies to the Tribunal for an order terminating the tenancy and evicting the tenant based on the notice, the tenant pays,

(a) the rent that is in arrears under the tenancy agreement; and

(b) the additional rent that would have been due under the tenancy agreement as at the date of payment by the tenant had notice of termination not been given. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (14).

Termination for cause, illegal acts, misrepresentation

Termination for cause, illegal act

62. (1) A landlord may give a tenant notice of termination of the tenancy if the tenant commits an illegal act or carries on an illegal trade, business or occupation or permits a person to do so in the rental unit or the residential complex. 1997, c. 24, s. 62 (1).

Termination for cause, misrepresentation of income

(2) A landlord may give a tenant notice of termination of the tenancy if the rental unit is a rental unit described in paragraph 1, 1.1, 2 or 3 of subsection 5 (1) and the tenant has knowingly and materially misrepresented his or her income or that of other members of his or her family occupying the rental unit. 1997, c. 24, s. 62 (2); 2000, c. 27, s. 179 (8).

Notice

(3) A notice of termination under this section shall set out the grounds for termination and shall provide a termination date not earlier than,

(a) the 10th day after the notice is given, in the case of a notice under subsection (1) grounded on an illegal act, trade, business or occupation involving,

(i) the production of an illegal drug,

(ii) the trafficking in an illegal drug, or

(iii) the possession of an illegal drug for the purposes of trafficking; or

(b) the 20th day after the notice is given, in all other cases. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (15).

Definition of “illegal drug”

(4) In this section,

“illegal drug” means a controlled substance or precursor as those terms are defined in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada); (“drogue illicite”)

“possession” has the same meaning as in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada); (“possession”)

“production” means, with respect to an illegal drug, to produce the drug within the meaning of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada); (“production”)

“trafficking” means, with respect to an illegal drug, to traffic in the drug within the meaning of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada). (“trafic”) 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (15).

Termination for cause, damage

63. (1) A landlord may give a tenant notice of termination of the tenancy if the tenant or a person whom the tenant permits in the residential complex wilfully or negligently causes undue damage to the rental unit or the residential complex.

Notice

(2) A notice of termination under this section shall,

(a) provide a termination date not earlier than the 20th day after the notice is given;

(b) set out the grounds for termination; and

(c) require the tenant, within seven days, to pay to the landlord the reasonable costs of repair or to make the repairs.

Notice void if tenant complies

(3) The notice of termination under this section is void if the tenant, within seven days after receiving the notice, makes the repair, pays the reasonable costs of repair or makes arrangements satisfactory to the landlord to pay the costs or to make the repairs. 1997, c. 24, s. 63.

Termination for cause, reasonable enjoyment

64. (1) A landlord may give a tenant notice of termination of the tenancy if the conduct of the tenant, another occupant of the rental unit or a person permitted in the residential complex by the tenant is such that it substantially interferes with the reasonable enjoyment of the residential complex for all usual purposes by the landlord or another tenant or substantially interferes with another lawful right, privilege or interest of the landlord or another tenant.

Notice

(2) A notice of termination under subsection (1) shall,

(a) provide a termination date not earlier than the 20th day after the notice is given;

(b) set out the grounds for termination; and

(c) require the tenant, within seven days, to stop the conduct or activity or correct the omission set out in the notice.

Notice void if tenant complies

(3) The notice of termination under subsection (1) is void if the tenant, within seven days after receiving the notice, stops the conduct or activity or corrects the omission. 1997, c. 24, s. 64.

Termination for cause, act impairs safety

65. (1) A landlord may give a tenant notice of termination of the tenancy if,

(a) an act or omission of the tenant, another occupant of the rental unit or a person permitted in the residential complex by the tenant seriously impairs or has seriously impaired the safety of any person; and

(b) the act or omission occurs in the residential complex.

Same

(2) A notice of termination under this section shall provide a termination date not earlier than the 10th day after the notice is given and set out the grounds for termination. 1997, c. 24, s. 65.

Termination for cause, too many persons

66. (1) A landlord may give a tenant notice of termination of the tenancy if the number of persons occupying the rental unit on a continuing basis results in a contravention of health, safety or housing standards required by law.

Notice

(2) A notice of termination under this section shall,

(a) provide a termination date not earlier than the 20th day after the notice is given;

(b) set out the details of the grounds for termination; and

(c) require the tenant, within seven days, to reduce the number of persons occupying the rental unit to comply with health, safety or housing standards required by law.

Notice void if tenant complies

(3) The notice of termination under this section is void if the tenant, within seven days after receiving the notice, sufficiently reduces the number of persons occupying the rental unit. 1997, c. 24, s. 66.

Notice of termination, further contravention

67. (1) A landlord may give a tenant notice of termination of the tenancy if,

(a) a notice of termination under section 63, 64 or 66 or under an equivalent provision of Part IV of the Landlord and Tenant Act has become void as a result of the tenant’s compliance with the terms of the notice; and

(b) within six months after the notice mentioned in clause (a) has become void, an activity takes place, conduct occurs or a situation arises that constitutes grounds for a notice of termination under section 62, 63, 64 or 66, other than an activity, conduct or a situation that is described in subsection 62 (1) and that involves an illegal act, trade, business or occupation described in clause 62 (3) (a). 1997, c. 24, s. 67 (1); 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (16).

Same

(2) The notice under this section shall set out the date it is to be effective and that date shall not be earlier than the 14th day after the notice is given. 1997, c. 24, s. 67 (2).

Superintendent’s Premises

Superintendent’s premises

68. (1) If a landlord has entered into a tenancy agreement with respect to a superintendent’s premises, unless otherwise agreed, the tenancy terminates on the day on which the employment of the tenant is terminated.

Same

(2) A tenant shall vacate a superintendent’s premises within one week after his or her tenancy is terminated.

No rent charged for week

(3) A landlord shall not charge a tenant rent or compensation or receive rent or compensation from a tenant with respect to the one-week period mentioned in subsection (2). 1997, c. 24, s. 68.

Application to Tribunal by Landlord – Landlord has given Notice of Termination

Application by landlord

69. (1) A landlord may apply to the Tribunal for an order terminating a tenancy and evicting the tenant if the landlord has given notice to terminate the tenancy under this Act or under the former Part IV of the Landlord and Tenant Act.

Same

(2) An application under subsection (1) may not be made later than 30 days after the termination date specified in the notice.

Exception

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply with respect to an application based on the tenant’s failure to pay rent. 1997, c. 24, s. 69.

Landlord personally requires premises

70. (1) The Tribunal shall not make an order terminating a tenancy and evicting the tenant in an application under section 69 based on a notice of termination under section 51 or 52 unless the person who personally requires the rental unit files with the Tribunal a declaration certifying that the person in good faith requires the rental unit for his or her own personal use. 1997, c. 24, s. 70 (1).

Same

(2) The Tribunal shall not make an order terminating a tenancy and evicting the tenant in an application under section 69 based on a notice of termination under section 51 or 52 where the landlord’s claim is based on a tenancy agreement or occupancy agreement that purports to entitle the landlord to reside in the rental unit unless,

(a) the application is brought in respect of premises situate in a building containing not more than four residential units; or

(b) the landlord, the landlord’s spouse or same-sex partner or a child or parent of the landlord or his or her spouse or same-sex partner has previously been a genuine occupant of the premises. 1997, c. 24, s. 70 (2); 1999, c. 6, s. 62 (6).

Demolition, conversion, repairs

71. The Tribunal shall not make an order terminating a tenancy and evicting the tenant in an application under section 69 based on a notice of termination under section 53 unless it is satisfied that,

(a) the landlord intends in good faith to carry out the activity on which the notice of termination was based; and

(b) the landlord has obtained all necessary permits or other authority that may be required to do so. 1997, c. 24, s. 71.

Non-payment of rent

72. (1) A landlord may not apply to the Tribunal under section 69 for an order terminating a tenancy and evicting the tenant based on a notice of termination under section 61 before the day following the termination date specified in the notice. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (17).

Discontinuance of application

(2) An application by a landlord under section 69 for an order terminating a tenancy and evicting the tenant based on a notice of termination under section 61 shall be discontinued if, before the Tribunal issues the eviction order, the Tribunal is satisfied that the tenant has paid to the landlord or to the Tribunal,

(a) the rent that is in arrears under the tenancy agreement;

(b) the additional rent that would have been due under the tenancy agreement as at the date of payment by the tenant had notice of termination not been given; and

(c) the landlord’s application fee. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (17).

Order of Tribunal

(3) An order of the Tribunal terminating a tenancy and evicting the tenant in an application under section 69 based on a notice of termination under section 61 shall,

(a) specify the following amounts:

(i) the amount of rent that is in arrears under the tenancy agreement,

(ii) the daily amount of compensation that must be paid under section 45, and

(iii) any costs ordered by the Tribunal; and

(b) inform the tenant and the landlord that the order will become void if, before the order becomes enforceable, the tenant pays to the landlord or to the Tribunal the amount required under subsection (4) and specify that amount. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (17).

Order void

(4) An eviction order referred to in subsection (3) is void if the tenant pays to the landlord or to the Tribunal, before the order becomes enforceable,

(a) the rent that is in arrears under the tenancy agreement;

(b) the additional rent that would have been due under the tenancy agreement as at the date of payment by the tenant had notice of termination not been given;

(c) the amount of NSF cheque charges charged by financial institutions to the landlord in respect of cheques tendered to the landlord by or on behalf of the tenant, as allowed by the Tribunal in an application by the landlord under section 86;

(d) the amount of administration charges payable by the tenant for the NSF cheques, as allowed by the Tribunal in an application by the landlord under section 86; and

(e) the costs ordered by the Tribunal. 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4 (2).

Notice of void order

(5) If before the eviction order becomes enforceable the tenant pays the amount specified in the order under clause (3) (b) to the Tribunal, an employee of the Tribunal shall issue a notice to the tenant and the landlord acknowledging that the eviction order is void under subsection (4). 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (17).

Determination that full amount has been paid

(6) If before the eviction order becomes enforceable the tenant pays the amount due under subsection (4) either in whole to the landlord or in part to the landlord and in part to the Tribunal, the tenant may make a motion to the Tribunal, without notice to the landlord, for an order determining that the tenant has paid the full amount due under subsection (4) and confirming that the eviction order is void under subsection (4). 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (17).

Evidence

(7) A tenant who makes a motion under subsection (6) shall provide the Tribunal with an affidavit setting out the details of any payments made to the landlord and with any supporting documents the tenant may have. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (17).

No hearing

(8) The Tribunal shall make an order under subsection (6) without holding a hearing. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (17).

Motion by landlord

(9) Within 10 days after an order is issued under subsection (6), the landlord may, on notice to the tenant, make a motion to the Tribunal to have the order set aside. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (17).

Order of Tribunal

(10) On a motion under subsection (9), the Tribunal shall hold a hearing and shall,

(a) if satisfied that the tenant did not pay the full amount due under subsection (4) before the eviction order became enforceable, set aside the order made under subsection (6) and confirm that the eviction order is not void under subsection (4); or

(b) if satisfied that the tenant paid the full amount due under subsection (4) before the eviction order became enforceable, refuse to set aside the order made under subsection (6). 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (17).

Illegal act or misrepresentation of income

73. The Tribunal may issue an order terminating a tenancy and evicting a tenant in an application referred to under section 69 based on a notice of termination under section 62 whether or not the tenant or other person has been convicted of an offence relating to an illegal act, trade, business or occupation. 1997, c. 24, s. 73.

Correction; animals

Notice gives seven days to correct

74. (1) A landlord may not apply to the Tribunal for an order terminating a tenancy and evicting the tenant based on a notice of termination under section 63, 64 or 66 before the seven-day remedy period specified in the notice expires.

Application based on animals

(2) If an application based on a notice of termination under section 64 or 65 is grounded on the presence, control or behaviour of an animal in or about the residential complex, the Tribunal shall not make an order terminating the tenancy and evicting the tenant without being satisfied that the tenant is keeping an animal and that,

(a) subject to subsection (3), the past behaviour of an animal of that species has substantially interfered with the reasonable enjoyment of the residential complex for all usual purposes by the landlord or other tenants;

(b) subject to subsection (4), the presence of an animal of that species has caused the landlord or another tenant to suffer a serious allergic reaction; or

(c) the presence of an animal of that species or breed is inherently dangerous to the safety of the landlord or the other tenants.

Same

(3) The Tribunal shall not make an order terminating the tenancy and evicting the tenant relying on clause (2) (a) if it is satisfied that the animal kept by the tenant did not cause or contribute to the substantial interference.

Same

(4) The Tribunal shall not make an order terminating the tenancy and evicting the tenant relying on clause (2) (b) if it is satisfied that the animal kept by the tenant did not cause or contribute to the allergic reaction. 1997, c. 24, s. 74.

Immediate application

75. Unless specifically provided otherwise in this Act or the former Part IV of the Landlord and Tenant Act, a landlord who has served a notice of termination may apply immediately to the Tribunal under section 69 for an order terminating the tenancy and evicting the tenant. 1997, c. 24, s. 75.

Application to Tribunal by Landlord – Landlord has not given Notice of Termination

Agreement to terminate, tenant’s notice

76. (1) A landlord may, without notice to the tenant, apply to the Tribunal for an order terminating a tenancy and evicting the tenant if,

(a) the landlord and tenant have entered into an agreement to terminate the tenancy; or

(b) the tenant has given the landlord notice of termination of the tenancy.

Same

(2) The landlord shall include with the application an affidavit verifying the agreement or notice of termination, as the case may be.

Same

(3) An application under subsection (1) shall not be made later than 30 days after the termination date specified in the agreement or notice.

Order

(4) On receipt of the application, the Tribunal may make an order terminating the tenancy and evicting the tenant.

Same

(5) An order under subsection (4) shall be effective not earlier than,

(a) the date specified in the agreement, in the case of an application under clause (1) (a); or

(b) the termination date set out in the notice, in the case of an application under clause (1) (b).

Set aside order

(6) The respondent may make a motion to the Tribunal, on notice to the applicant, to have the order set aside within 10 days after the order is issued.

Same

(7) An order under subsection (4) is stayed when a motion to have the order set aside is received by the Tribunal and shall not be enforced under this Act or as an order of the court during the stay.

Same

(8) If the Tribunal sets the order aside, the Tribunal shall hear the merits of the application. 1997, c. 24, s. 76.

Application based on previous order, mediated settlement

77. (1) A landlord may, without notice to the tenant, apply to the Tribunal for an order terminating a tenancy or evicting the tenant if,

(a) the landlord previously applied to the Tribunal for an order terminating the tenancy or evicting the tenant;

(b) an order or a settlement mediated under section 181 with respect to the previous application imposed conditions on the tenant;

(c) among the conditions imposed by the order or settlement were conditions that, if not met by the tenant, would give rise to the same grounds for terminating the tenancy as were claimed in the previous application;

(d) the order or settlement provided that the landlord could apply under this section if the tenant did not meet the conditions described in clause (c); and

(e) the tenant has not met the conditions described in clause (c). 1997, c. 24, s. 77 (1); 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (18).

Arrears of rent

(1.1) In an application under subsection (1), the landlord may also request that the Tribunal order the payment of arrears of rent and the amount of any compensation payable under section 45, if the following conditions are satisfied:

1. The landlord previously applied for an order for the payment of arrears of rent.

2. The previous application was made at the same time as the application described in clause (1) (a).

3. The order or the settlement mediated under section 181 on the previous application requires the tenant to pay rent or some or all of the arrears of rent. 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4 (3).

Same

(2) The landlord shall include with the application a copy of the order or settlement and an affidavit setting out what conditions of the order or settlement have not been met and how they have not been met. 1997, c. 24, s. 77 (2).

Affidavit

(2.1) If the landlord requests an order under subsection (1.1), the affidavit included with the application under subsection (1) must also provide the following information:

1. The amount of rent payable to the landlord under the order or the terms of the settlement that is in arrears.

2. The amount and date of each payment made under the order or the terms of the settlement and what the payment was for.

3. The amount of any additional arrears of rent arising after the date of the order or the settlement.

4. The amount of NSF cheque charges, if any, claimed by the landlord that were charged by financial institutions in respect of cheques tendered to the landlord by or on behalf of the tenant, to the extent the landlord has not been reimbursed for the charges.

5. The amount of any rent deposit, the date it was given and the last period for which interest was paid on the rent deposit. 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4 (3).

Same

(3) An application under this section shall not be made later than 30 days after a failure of the tenant to meet a condition specified in the order or settlement. 1997, c. 24, s. 77 (3).

Order terminating tenancy

(4) If the Tribunal finds that the landlord is entitled to an order under subsection (1), the Tribunal may make an order terminating the tenancy and evicting the tenant. 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4 (4).

Order for arrears

(4.1) In an order made under subsection (4), the Tribunal may order the payment of the following amounts if the Tribunal finds that the landlord is entitled to an order under subsection (1.1):

1. The amount of arrears of rent that arose after the date of the order or settlement referred to in clause (1) (b).

2. If no order was made on the previous application referred to in clause (1) (a), the amount of arrears of rent payable under the terms of the settlement mediated under section 181 that has not been paid.

3. The amount of any compensation payable under section 45.

4. Such amount as the Tribunal may allow in respect of NSF cheque charges claimed by the landlord that were charged by financial institutions in respect of cheques tendered by or on behalf of the tenant and for which the landlord has not been reimbursed.

5. Such amount as the Tribunal may allow in respect of NSF administration charges claimed by the landlord in respect of NSF cheques tendered by or on behalf of the tenant, not exceeding the amount per cheque that is prescribed as a specified amount exempt from the operation of section 140. 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4 (4).

Credit for rent deposit

(4.2) In determining the amount payable by the tenant to the landlord, the Tribunal shall ensure that the tenant is credited with the amount of any rent deposit and interest on the deposit that would be owing to the tenant on the termination of the tenancy. 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4 (4).

Motion to set aside order

(4.3) Subsections 76 (6) and (7) apply with necessary modifications to an order made under this section. 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4 (4).

Same

(5) If the Tribunal sets the order aside, the Tribunal shall consider whether a failure to meet the conditions occurred. 1997, c. 24, s. 77 (5).

Abandonment of rental unit

78. If a landlord believes that a tenant has abandoned a rental unit, the landlord may apply to the Tribunal for an order terminating the tenancy. 1997, c. 24, s. 78.

Landlord may dispose of property, abandoned unit

79. (1) A landlord may dispose of property in a rental unit that a tenant has abandoned and property of persons occupying the rental unit that is in the residential complex in which the rental unit is located in accordance with subsections (2) and (3) if,

(a) the landlord obtains an order terminating the tenancy under section 78; or

(b) the landlord gives notice to the tenant of the rental unit and to the Tribunal of the landlord’s intention to dispose of the property.

Same

(2) If the tenant has abandoned the rental unit, the landlord may dispose of any unsafe or unhygienic items immediately.

Same

(3) The landlord may sell, retain for the landlord’s own use or otherwise dispose of any other items if 30 days have passed after obtaining the order referred to in clause (1) (a) or giving the notice referred to in clause (1) (b) to the tenant and the Tribunal.

Tenant’s claim to property

(4) If, before the 30 days have passed, the tenant notifies the landlord that he or she intends to remove property referred to in subsection (3), the tenant may remove the property within that 30-day period.

Same

(5) If the tenant notifies the landlord in accordance with subsection (4) that he or she intends to remove the property, the landlord shall make the property available to the tenant at a reasonable time and within a reasonable proximity to the rental unit.

Same

(6) The landlord may require the tenant to pay the landlord for arrears of rent and any reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by the landlord in moving, storing or securing the tenant’s property before allowing the tenant to remove the property.

Same

(7) If, within six months after the date the notice referred to in clause (1) (b) is given to the tenant and the Tribunal or the order terminating the tenancy is issued, the tenant claims any of his or her property that the landlord has sold, the landlord shall pay to the tenant the amount by which the proceeds of sale exceed the sum of,

(a) the landlord’s reasonable out of pocket expenses for moving, storing, securing or selling the property; and

(b) any arrears of rent.

No liability

(8) Subject to subsections (5) and (7), a landlord is not liable to any person for selling, retaining or otherwise disposing of the property of a tenant in accordance with this section. 1997, c. 24, s. 79.

Superintendent’s premises

80. The landlord may apply to the Tribunal for an order terminating the tenancy of a tenant of superintendent’s premises and evicting the tenant if the tenant does not vacate the rental unit within one week of the termination of his or her employment. 1997, c. 24, s. 80.

Unauthorized occupancy

81. (1) If a tenant transfers the occupancy of a rental unit to a person in a manner other than by an assignment authorized under section 17 or a subletting authorized under section 18, the landlord may apply to the Tribunal for an order evicting the person to whom occupancy of the rental unit was transferred.

Time limitation

(2) An application under this section must be made no later than 60 days after the landlord discovers the unauthorized occupancy. 1997, c. 24, s. 81.

Landlord or Tenant Application Overholding Subtenant

Overholding subtenant

82. (1) If a subtenant continues to occupy a rental unit after the end of the subtenancy, the landlord or the tenant may apply to the Tribunal for an order evicting the subtenant.

Time limitation

(2) An application under this section must be made within 60 days after the end of the subtenancy. 1997, c. 24, s. 82.

Eviction Orders

Effective date of order

83. (1) If a notice of termination of a tenancy has been given and the landlord has subsequently applied to the Tribunal for an order evicting the tenant, the order of the Tribunal evicting the tenant may not be effective earlier than the date of termination set out in the notice. 1997, c. 24, s. 83 (1).

Same, default order

(2) If the order of the Tribunal evicting the tenant is a default order, it shall take effect on the later of,

(a) the 11th day after the day the order is issued; and

(b) the date of termination set out in the notice of termination. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (19).

Expiry date of order

83.1 An order of the Tribunal evicting a person from a rental unit expires six months after the day on which the order takes effect if it is not filed within those six months with the sheriff who has territorial jurisdiction where the rental unit is located. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (20).

Power of Tribunal, eviction

84. (1) Upon an application for an order evicting a tenant or subtenant, the Tribunal may, despite any other provision of this Act or the tenancy agreement,

(a) refuse to grant the application unless satisfied, having regard to all the circumstances, that it would be unfair to refuse; or

(b) order that the enforcement of the order of eviction be postponed for a period of time.

Same

(2) Without restricting the generality of subsection (1), the Tribunal shall refuse to grant the application where satisfied that,

(a) the landlord is in serious breach of the landlord’s responsibilities under this Act or of any material covenant in the tenancy agreement;

(b) the reason for the application being brought is that the tenant has complained to a governmental authority of the landlord’s violation of a law dealing with health, safety, housing or maintenance standards;

(c) the reason for the application being brought is that the tenant has attempted to secure or enforce his or her legal rights;

(d) the reason for the application being brought is that the tenant is a member of a tenants’ association or is attempting to organize such an association; or

(e) the reason for the application being brought is that the rental unit is occupied by children and the occupation by the children does not constitute overcrowding.

No eviction before compensation, demolition or conversion

(3) The Tribunal shall not issue an eviction order in a proceeding regarding termination of a tenancy for the purposes of demolition, conversion to non-residential rental use, renovations or repairs until the landlord has complied with section 55, 57 or 58, as the case may be.

No eviction before compensation, repair or renovation

(4) If a tenant has given a landlord notice under subsection 56 (2), the Tribunal shall not issue an eviction order in a proceeding regarding termination of the tenancy until the landlord has compensated the tenant in an amount equal to the rent for the amount of time the landlord estimates is required to complete the repair or renovation. 1997, c. 24, s. 84.

Effect of eviction order

85. An order evicting a person shall have the same effect, and shall be enforced in the same manner, as a writ of possession. 1997, c. 24, s. 85.

Other Landlord Applications

Compensation

Arrears of rent

86. (1) A landlord may apply to the Tribunal for an order for the payment of arrears of rent if,

(a) the tenant has not paid rent lawfully required under the tenancy agreement; and

(b) the tenant is in possession of the rental unit. 1997, c. 24, s. 86 (1).

Compensation, overholding tenant

(2) If a tenant is in possession of a rental unit after the tenancy has been terminated, the landlord may apply to the Tribunal for an order for the payment of compensation for the use and occupation of a rental unit after a notice of termination or an agreement to terminate the tenancy has taken effect. 1997, c. 24, s. 86 (2).

Compensation, unauthorized occupant

(2.1) A landlord who makes an application under section 81 may also apply to the Tribunal for an order for the payment of compensation by the unauthorized occupant for the use and occupation of the rental unit, if the unauthorized occupant is in possession of the rental unit at the time the application is made. 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4 (5).

Same

(3) In determining the amount of arrears of rent, compensation or both owing in an order for termination of a tenancy and the payment of arrears of rent, compensation or both, the Tribunal shall subtract from the amount owing the amount of any rent deposit or interest on a rent deposit that would be owing to the tenant on termination. 1997, c. 24, s. 86 (3).

NSF cheque charges

(4) On an application by a landlord under this section, the Tribunal may include the following amounts in determining the total amount owing to a landlord by a tenant or by an unauthorized occupant in respect of a rental unit:

1. The amount of NSF cheque charges claimed by the landlord and charged by financial institutions in respect of cheques tendered to the landlord by or on behalf of the tenant or occupant, to the extent the landlord has not been reimbursed for the charges.

2. The amount of unpaid administration charges in respect of the NSF cheques, if claimed by the landlord, that do not exceed the amount per cheque that is prescribed as a specified payment exempt from the operation of section 140. 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4 (5).

Compensation for damage

87. A landlord may apply to the Tribunal for an order for compensation if the tenant or a person whom the tenant permits in the residential complex wilfully or negligently causes undue damage to the rental unit or the residential complex and the tenant is in possession of the rental unit. 1997, c. 24, s. 87.

Compensation, misrepresentation of income

88. If a landlord has a right to give a notice of termination under subsection 62 (2), the landlord may apply to the Tribunal for an order for the payment of money the tenant would have been required to pay if the tenant had not misrepresented his or her income or that of other members of his or her family, so long as the application is made while the tenant is in possession of the rental unit. 1997, c. 24, s. 88.

Other Tenant Notices and Applications

Compensation, overholding subtenant

89. A tenant may apply to the Tribunal for an order for compensation for use and occupation by an overholding subtenant after the end of the subtenancy if the overholding subtenant is in possession of the rental unit at the time of the application. 1997, c. 24, s. 89.

Tenant’s notice, application re subtenant

90. Sections 61 to 67, 69, 86, 87 and 99 apply with necessary modifications with respect to a tenant who has sublet a rental unit as if the tenant were the landlord and the subtenant were the tenant. 1997, c. 24, s. 90.

PART IV
CARE HOMES

Rights and Duties of Landlords and Tenants

Agreement required

91. (1) There shall be a written tenancy agreement relating to the tenancy of every tenant in a care home.

Contents of agreement

(2) The agreement shall set out what has been agreed to with respect to care services and meals and the charges for them. 1997, c. 24, s. 91.

Information to tenant

92. (1) Before entering into a tenancy agreement with a new tenant in a care home, the landlord shall give to the new tenant an information package containing the prescribed information.

Effect of non-compliance

(2) The landlord shall not give a notice of rent increase or a notice of increase of a charge for providing a care service or meals until after giving the required information package to the tenant. 1997, c. 24, s. 92.

Tenancy agreement: consultation, cancellation

Tenancy agreement: right to consult

93. (1) Every tenancy agreement relating to the tenancy of a tenant in a care home shall contain a statement that the tenant has the right to consult a third party with respect to the agreement and to cancel the agreement within five days after the agreement has been entered into.

Cancellation

(2) The tenant may cancel the tenancy agreement by written notice to the landlord within five days after entering into it. 1997, c. 24, s. 93.

Entry check condition of tenant

94. (1) Despite section 19, a landlord may enter a rental unit in a care home at regular intervals to check the condition of a tenant in accordance with the tenancy agreement if the agreement requires the landlord to do so.

Right to revoke provision

(2) A tenant whose tenancy agreement contains a provision requiring the landlord to regularly check the condition of the tenant may unilaterally revoke that provision by written notice to the landlord. 1997, c. 24, s. 94.

Assignment, subletting in care homes

95. A landlord may withhold consent to an assignment or subletting of a rental unit in a care home if the effect of the assignment or subletting would be to admit a person to the care home contrary to the admission requirements or guidelines set by the landlord. 1997, c. 24, s. 95.

Notice of termination

96. (1) A landlord may, by notice, terminate the tenancy of a tenant in a care home if,

(a) the rental unit was occupied solely for the purpose of receiving rehabilitative or therapeutic services agreed upon by the tenant and the landlord;

(b) no other tenant of the care home occupying a rental unit solely for the purpose of receiving rehabilitative or therapeutic services is permitted to live there for longer than two years; and

(c) the period of tenancy agreed to has expired.

Period of notice

(2) The date for termination specified in the notice shall be at least the number of days after the date the notice is given that is set out in section 47 and shall be the day a period of the tenancy ends or, where the tenancy is for a fixed term, the end of the term. 1997, c. 24, s. 96.

Termination, care homes

97. Despite section 47, a tenant of a care home may terminate a tenancy at any time by giving at least 30 days notice of termination to the landlord. 1997, c. 24, s. 97.

Notice of termination, demolition, conversion or repairs

98. (1) A landlord who gives a tenant of a care home a notice of termination under section 53 shall make reasonable efforts to find appropriate alternate accommodation for the tenant.

Same

(2) Sections 55 and 57 do not apply with respect to a tenant of a care home who receives a notice of termination under section 53 and chooses to take alternate accommodation found by the landlord for the tenant under subsection (1). 1997, c. 24, s. 98.

Transferring Tenancy

Transferring tenancy

Application

99. (1) A landlord may apply to the Tribunal for an order transferring a tenant out of a care home and evicting the tenant if,

(a) the tenant no longer requires the level of care provided by the landlord; or

(b) the tenant requires a level of care that the landlord is not able to provide.

Order

(2) The Tribunal may issue an order under clause (1) (b) only if it is satisfied that,

(a) appropriate alternate accommodation is available for the tenant; and

(b) the level of care that the landlord is able to provide when combined with the community based services provided to the tenant in the care home cannot meet the tenant’s care needs.

Same

(3) The Tribunal may not issue a default order in an application under this section.

Mandatory mediation

(4) If a dispute arises, the dispute shall be sent to mediation before the Tribunal makes an order.

Same

(5) If the landlord fails to participate in the mediation, the Tribunal may dismiss the landlord’s application. 1997, c. 24, s. 99.

Rules Related to Rent

Rent in care home

100. If there is more than one tenancy agreement for a rental unit in a care home, the provisions of Part VI apply with respect to each tenancy agreement as if it were an agreement for a separate rental unit. 1997, c. 24, s. 100.

Notice of increased charges

101. (1) A landlord shall not increase a charge for providing a care service or meals to a tenant of a rental unit in a care home without first giving the tenant at least 90 days notice of the landlord’s intention to do so.

Contents of notice

(2) The notice shall be in writing in the form approved by the Tribunal and shall set out the landlord’s intention to increase the charge and the new charges for care services and meals.

Effect of non-compliance

(3) An increase in a charge for a care service or meals is void if the landlord has not given the notice required by this section, and before the landlord can take the increase the landlord must give a new notice. 1997, c. 24, s. 101.

Certain charges permitted

102. (1) Nothing in subsection 140 (1) limits the right of a landlord to charge a tenant of a rental unit in a care home for providing care services or meals to the tenant so long as the landlord has complied with the requirements of sections 92 and 101.

Same

(2) Nothing in subsection 140 (3) limits the right of a tenant or a person acting on behalf of a tenant to charge a subtenant of a rental unit in a care home for providing care services or meals to the subtenant. 1997, c. 24, s. 102.

PART V
MOBILE HOME PARKS AND LAND LEASE COMMUNITIES

Interpretation

Part applies to land lease communities

103. This Part applies with necessary modifications with respect to tenancies in land lease communities, as if the tenancies were in mobile home parks. 1997, c. 24, s. 103.

Interpretation

104. A reference in this Part to a tenant’s mobile home shall be interpreted to be a reference to a mobile home owned by the tenant and situated within a mobile home park of the landlord with whom the tenant has a tenancy agreement. 1997, c. 24, s. 104.

Rights and Duties of Landlords and Tenants

Tenant’s right to sell, etc.

105. (1) A tenant has the right to sell or lease his or her mobile home without the landlord’s consent.

Landlord as agent

(2) A landlord may act as the agent of a tenant in negotiations to sell or lease a mobile home only in accordance with a written agency contract entered into for the purpose of beginning those negotiations.

Same

(3) A provision in a tenancy agreement requiring a tenant who owns a mobile home to use the landlord as an agent for the sale of the mobile home is void. 1997, c. 24, s. 105.

Landlord’s right of first refusal

106. (1) This section applies if a tenancy agreement with respect to a mobile home contains a provision prohibiting the tenant from selling the mobile home without first offering to sell it to the landlord.

Same

(2) If a tenant receives an acceptable offer to purchase a mobile home, the landlord has a right of first refusal to purchase the mobile home at the price and subject to the terms and conditions in the offer.

Same

(3) A tenant shall give a landlord at least 72 hours notice of a person’s offer to purchase a mobile home before accepting the person’s offer.

Landlord’s purchase at reduced price

(4) If a provision described in subsection (1) permits a landlord to purchase a mobile home at a price that is less than the one contained in a prospective purchaser’s offer to purchase, the landlord may exercise the option to purchase the mobile home, but the provision is void with respect to the landlord’s right to purchase the mobile home at the lesser price. 1997, c. 24, s. 106.

Advertising a sale

For sale signs

107. (1) A landlord shall not prevent a tenant who owns a mobile home from placing in a window of the mobile home a sign that the home is for sale, unless the landlord does so in accordance with subsection (2).

Alternative method of advertising a sale

(2) A landlord may prevent a tenant who owns a mobile home from placing a for sale sign in a window of a mobile home if all of the following conditions are met:

1. The prohibition applies to all tenants in the mobile home park.

2. The landlord provides a bulletin board for the purpose of placing for sale advertisements.

3. The bulletin board is provided to all tenants in the mobile home park free of charge.

4. The bulletin board is placed in a prominent place and is accessible to the public at all reasonable times. 1997, c. 24, s. 107.

Assignment

108. A landlord may not refuse consent to the assignment of a site for a mobile home on a ground set out in clause 17 (2) (b) or 17 (3) (c) if the potential assignee has purchased or has entered into an agreement to purchase the mobile home on the site. 1997, c. 24, s. 108.

Restraint of trade prohibited

109. (1) A landlord shall not restrict the right of a tenant to purchase goods or services from the person of his or her choice, except as provided in subsection (2).

Standards

(2) A landlord may set reasonable standards for mobile home equipment. 1997, c. 24, s. 109.

Responsibility of landlord

110. (1) A landlord is responsible for,

(a) removing or disposing of garbage or ensuring the availability of a means for removing or disposing of garbage in the mobile home park at reasonable intervals;

(b) maintaining mobile home park roads in a good state of repair;

(c) removing snow from mobile home park roads;

(d) maintaining the water supply, sewage disposal, fuel, drainage and electrical systems in the mobile home park in a good state of repair;

(e) maintaining the mobile home park grounds and all buildings, structures, enclosures and equipment intended for the common use of tenants in a good state of repair; and

(f) repairing damage to a tenant’s property, if the damage is caused by the wilful or negligent conduct of the landlord.

Application for relief

(2) A tenant or former tenant may apply to the Tribunal for relief as a result of a breach of the landlord’s obligations under this section if the application is made within one year after the date the landlord breached the obligation.

Order

(3) In an order under this section, the Tribunal may,

(a) terminate the tenancy;

(b) order an abatement of the rent;

(c) authorize a repair that has been or is to be made and order its cost to be paid by the landlord to the tenant;

(d) order the landlord to do specified repairs or other work within a specified time;

(e) make any other order the Tribunal considers appropriate.

Same

(4) In determining the remedy under this section, the Tribunal shall consider whether the tenant or former tenant advised the landlord of the alleged breaches before applying to the Tribunal. 1997, c. 24, s. 110.

Termination of Tenancies

Mobile home abandoned

111. (1) This section applies if,

(a) the tenant has vacated the mobile home in accordance with,

(i) a notice of termination of the landlord or the tenant,

(ii) an agreement between the landlord and tenant to terminate the tenancy, or

(iii) an order of the Tribunal terminating the tenancy; or

(b) the landlord has applied for an order under section 78 and the Tribunal has made an order terminating the tenancy.

Notice to tenant

(2) The landlord shall not dispose of a mobile home without first notifying the tenant of the landlord’s intention to do so,

(a) by registered mail, sent to the tenant’s last known mailing address; and

(b) by causing a notice to be published in a newspaper having general circulation in the locality in which the mobile home park is located.

Landlord may dispose of mobile home

(3) The landlord may sell, retain for the landlord’s own use or dispose of a mobile home in the circumstances described in subsection (1) beginning 60 days after the notices referred to in subsection (2) have been given if the tenant has not made a claim with respect to the landlord’s intended disposal.

Same

(4) If, within six months after the day the notices have been given under subsection (2) the tenant makes a claim for a mobile home which the landlord has already sold, the landlord shall pay to the tenant the amount by which the proceeds of sale exceed the sum of,

(a) the landlord’s reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred with respect to the mobile home; and

(b) any arrears of rent of the tenant.

Same

(5) If within six months after the day the notices have been given under subsection (2) the tenant makes a claim for a mobile home which the landlord has retained for the landlord’s own use the landlord shall return the mobile home to the tenant.

Same

(6) Before returning a mobile home to a tenant who claims it within the 60 days referred to in subsection (3) or the six months referred to in subsection (5), the landlord may require the tenant to pay the landlord for arrears of rent and any reasonable expenses incurred by the landlord with respect to the mobile home.

No liability

(7) Subject to subsection (4) or (5), a landlord is not liable to any person for selling, retaining or otherwise disposing of the property of a tenant in accordance with this section. 1997, c. 24, s. 111.

Death of mobile home owner

112. Sections 49 and 50 do not apply if the tenant owns the mobile home. 1997, c. 24, s. 112.

Extended notice of termination, special cases

113. If a notice of termination is given under section 53 with respect to a tenancy agreement for a mobile home owned by the tenant, the date for termination specified in the notice shall be at least one year after the date the notice is given and shall be the day a period of the tenancy ends or, where the tenancy is for a fixed term, the end of the term. 1997, c. 24, s. 113.

Rules Related to Rent and Other Charges

New tenant

114. (1) Despite subsection 17 (8) and section 124, if a new tenant of a site for a mobile home has purchased or has entered into an agreement to purchase the mobile home located on the site, the landlord may not charge the new tenant a rent that is greater than the last lawful rent charged plus the prescribed amount.

Same

(2) If an assignee of a tenant of a site for a mobile home has purchased or has entered into an agreement to purchase the mobile home located on the site, the assignee shall be deemed to be a new tenant for the purposes of subsection (1).

Exception

(3) Subsection 138 (11) does not apply with respect to a site for a mobile home if there is a new tenancy agreement with respect to the site and the new tenant purchased or has entered into an agreement to purchase the mobile home located on the site. 1997, c. 24, s. 114.

Entrance and exit fees limited

115. A landlord shall not charge for any of the following matters, except to the extent of the landlord’s reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred with regard to those matters:

1. The entry of a mobile home into a mobile home park.

2. The exit of a mobile home from a mobile home park.

3. The installation of a mobile home in a mobile home park.

4. The removal of a mobile home from a mobile home park.

5. The testing of water or sewage in a mobile home park. 1997, c. 24, s. 115.

Proceedings before the Tribunal

Increased capital expenditures

116. (1) If the Tribunal finds that a capital expenditure is for infrastructure work required to be carried out by the Government of Canada or Ontario or a municipality or an agency of any of them, despite subsections 138 (9) and (10), the Tribunal may determine the number of years over which the rent increase justified by that capital expenditure may be taken.

Definition

(2) In this section,

“infrastructure work” means work with respect to roads, water supply, fuel, sewage disposal, drainage, electrical systems and other prescribed services and things provided to the mobile home park. 1997, c. 24, s. 116.

PART VI
RULES RELATING TO RENT

General Rules

Security deposits, limitation

117. (1) The only security deposit that a landlord may collect is a rent deposit collected in accordance with section 118.

Definition

(2) In this section and section 118,

“security deposit” means money, property or a right paid or given by, or on behalf of, a tenant of a rental unit to a landlord or to anyone on the landlord’s behalf to be held by or for the account of the landlord as security for the performance of an obligation or the payment of a liability of the tenant or to be returned to the tenant upon the happening of a condition. 1997, c. 24, s. 117.

Rent deposit may be required

118. (1) A landlord may require a tenant to pay a rent deposit with respect to a tenancy if the landlord does so on or before entering into the tenancy agreement.

Amount of rent deposit

(2) The amount of a rent deposit shall not be more than the lesser of the amount of rent for one rent period and the amount of rent for one month.

Same

(3) If the lawful rent increases after a tenant has paid a rent deposit, the landlord may require the tenant to pay an additional amount to increase the rent deposit up to the amount permitted by subsection (2).

Qualification

(4) A new landlord of a rental unit or a person who is deemed to be a landlord under subsection 47 (1) of the Mortgages Act shall not require a tenant to pay a rent deposit if the tenant has already paid a rent deposit to the prior landlord of the rental unit.

Exception

(5) Despite subsection (4), if a person becomes a new landlord in a sale from a person deemed to be a landlord under subsection 47 (1) of the Mortgages Act, the new landlord may require the tenant to pay a rent deposit in an amount equal to the amount with respect to the former rent deposit that the tenant received from the proceeds of sale.

Interest

(6) A landlord of a rental unit shall pay interest to the tenant annually on the amount of the rent deposit at the rate of 6 per cent per year.

Same

(7) Where the landlord has failed to make the payment required by subsection (6) when it comes due, the tenant may deduct the amount of the payment from a subsequent rent payment.

Rent deposit applied to last rent

(8) A landlord shall apply a rent deposit that a tenant has paid to the landlord or to a former landlord in payment of the rent for the last rent period before the tenancy terminates.

Transitional

(9) A security deposit paid before the day this section is proclaimed in force shall be deemed to be a rent deposit for the purposes of this section. 1997, c. 24, s. 118.

Rent deposit, prospective tenant

118.1 (1) A landlord shall repay the amount received as a rent deposit in respect of a rental unit if vacant possession of the rental unit is not given to the prospective tenant. 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4 (6).

Exception

(2) Despite subsection (1), if the prospective tenant, before he or she would otherwise obtain vacant possession of the rental unit, agrees to rent a different rental unit from the landlord,

(a) the landlord may apply the amount received as a rent deposit in respect of the other rental unit; and

(b) the landlord shall repay only the excess, if any, by which the amount received exceeds the amount of the rent deposit the landlord is entitled to receive under section 118 in respect of the other rental unit. 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4 (6).

Post-dated cheques

119. Neither a landlord nor a tenancy agreement shall require a tenant to provide post-dated cheques or other negotiable instruments for payment of rent. 1997, c. 24, s. 119.

Receipt for payment

120. A landlord shall provide free of charge to a tenant, upon the tenant’s request, a receipt for the payment of any rent, rent deposit, arrears of rent or any other amount paid to the landlord. 1997, c. 24, s. 120.

General Rules Concerning Amount of Rent Charged

Landlord not to charge more than lawful rent

121. (1) No landlord shall charge rent for a rental unit in an amount that is greater than the lawful rent permitted under this Part.

Lawful rent where discounts offered

(2) Where a landlord offers a discount in rent at the beginning of, or during, a tenancy, the lawful rent shall be calculated in accordance with the prescribed rules.

Lawful rent where higher rent for first rental period

(3) Where the rent a landlord charges for the first rental period of a tenancy is greater than the rent the landlord charges for subsequent rental periods, the lawful rent shall be calculated in accordance with the prescribed rules. 1997, c. 24, s. 121.

Landlord’s duty, rent increases

122. No landlord shall increase the rent charged to a tenant for a rental unit, except in accordance with this Part. 1997, c. 24, s. 122.

Lawful Rent

Lawful rent when this Act comes into force

123. Unless otherwise prescribed, the lawful rent charged to a tenant for a rental unit for which there is a tenancy agreement in effect on the day this Part comes into force shall be the rent that was charged on the day before this section came into force or, if that amount was not lawfully charged under the Rent Control Act, 1992, the amount that it was lawful to charge on that day. 1997, c. 24, s. 123.

New tenant

124. Subject to section 121, the lawful rent for the first rental period for a new tenant under a new tenancy agreement is the rent first charged to the tenant. 1997, c. 24, s. 124.

Miscellaneous new tenancy agreements

Assignment without consent

125. (1) If a person occupies a rental unit as a result of an assignment of the unit without the consent of the landlord, the landlord may negotiate a new tenancy agreement with the person.

Overholding subtenant

(2) If a subtenant continues to occupy a rental unit after the end of the subtenancy and the tenant has abandoned the rental unit, the landlord may negotiate a new tenancy agreement with the subtenant.

Limitation

(3) Section 124 applies to tenancy agreements entered into under subsection (1) or (2) if they are entered into no later than 60 days after the landlord discovers the unauthorized occupancy.

Deemed assignment

(4) A person’s occupation of a rental unit shall be deemed to be an assignment of the rental unit with the consent of the landlord as of the date the unauthorized occupancy began if,

(a) a tenancy agreement is not entered into under subsection (1) or (2) within the period set out in subsection (3);

(b) the landlord does not apply to the Tribunal under section 81 for an order evicting the person within 60 days of the landlord discovering the unauthorized occupancy; and

(c) neither the landlord nor the tenant applies to the Tribunal under section 82 within 60 days after the end of the subtenancy for an order evicting the subtenant. 1997, c. 24, s. 125.

12-month rule

126. (1) A landlord who is lawfully entitled to increase the rent charged to a tenant for a rental unit may do so only if at least 12 months have elapsed,

(a) since the day of the last rent increase for that tenant in that rental unit, if there has been a previous increase; or

(b) since the day the rental unit was first rented to that tenant, otherwise.

Exception

(2) An increase in rent under section 132 shall be deemed not to be an increase in rent for the purposes of this section. 1997, c. 24, s. 126.

Notice of rent increase required

127. (1) A landlord shall not increase the rent charged to a tenant for a rental unit without first giving the tenant at least 90 days written notice of the landlord’s intention to do so.

Same

(2) Subsection (1) applies even if the rent charged is increased in accordance with an order under section 138.

Contents of notice

(3) The notice shall be in a form approved by the Tribunal and shall set out the landlord’s intention to increase the rent and the amount of the new rent.

Increase void without notice

(4) An increase in rent is void if the landlord has not given the notice required by this section, and before the landlord can take the increase the landlord must give a new notice. 1997, c. 24, s. 127.

Deemed acceptance where no notice of termination

128. A tenant who does not give a landlord notice of termination of a tenancy under section 46 after receiving notice of an intended rent increase under section 127 shall be deemed to have accepted whatever rent increase would be allowed under this Act after the landlord and the tenant have exercised their rights under this Act. 1997, c. 24, s. 128.

Guideline

Guideline increase

129. (1) No landlord may increase the rent charged to a tenant or to an assignee under section 17 during the term of their tenancy by more than the guideline except in accordance with sections 130 to 139. 1997, c. 24, s. 129 (1).

Guideline

(2) The Minister shall determine the guideline in effect for each calendar year as follows:

1. Determine the rent control index taking into account the weights and the three year moving averages of the operating cost categories as set out in the prescribed Table.

2. The guideline is,

i. for any year after 2004, 55 per cent of the percentage increase in the rent control index, rounded to the nearest 1/10th of 1 per cent, and

ii. for 2004, 2.9 per cent, as published in The Ontario Gazette dated August 30, 2003.

3. Repealed: 2004, c. 7, s. 18.

1997, c. 24, s. 129 (2); 2004, c. 7, s. 18.

Publication of guideline

(3) The Minister shall have the guideline for each year published in The Ontario Gazette not later than the 31st day of August of the preceding year. 1997, c. 24, s. 129 (3).

Guideline for 1997, 1998

(4) The guideline for the calendar year 1997 and for the calendar year 1998 shall be the rent control guideline for each of those years established under the Rent Control Act, 1992. 1997, c. 24, s. 129 (4).

Agreements to Increase, Decrease Rent

Agreement

130. (1) A landlord and a tenant may agree to increase the rent charged to the tenant for a rental unit above the guideline if,

(a) the landlord has carried out or undertakes to carry out a specified capital expenditure in exchange for the rent increase; or

(b) the landlord has provided or undertakes to provide a new or additional service in exchange for the rent increase.

Same

(2) An agreement under subsection (1) shall be in the form approved by the Tribunal and shall set out the new rent, the tenant’s right under subsection (4) to cancel the agreement and the date the agreement is to take effect.

Same

(3) A landlord shall not increase rent charged under this section by more than the guideline plus 4 per cent of the previous lawful rent charged.

Right to cancel

(4) A tenant who enters into an agreement under this section may cancel the agreement by giving written notice to the landlord within five days after signing it.

Agreement in force

(5) An agreement under this section may come into force no earlier than six days after it has been signed.

Notice of rent increase not required

(6) Section 127 does not apply with respect to a rent increase under this section.

When prior notice void

(7) Despite any deemed acceptance of a rent increase under section 128, if a landlord and tenant enter into an agreement under this section, a notice of rent increase given by the landlord to the tenant before the agreement was entered into becomes void when the agreement takes effect, if the notice of rent increase is to take effect on or after the day the agreed to increase is to take effect. 1997, c. 24, s. 130.

Tenant application

131. (1) A tenant or former tenant may apply to the Tribunal for relief if the landlord and the tenant or former tenant agreed to an increase in rent under section 130 and,

(a) the landlord has failed in whole or in part to carry out an undertaking under the agreement;

(b) the agreement was based on work that the landlord claimed to have done but did not do; or

(c) the agreement was based on services that the landlord claimed to have provided but did not do so.

Time limitation

(2) No application may be made under this section more than two years after the rent increase becomes effective.

Order

(3) In an application under this section, the Tribunal may find that some or all of the rent increase above the guideline is invalid from the day on which it took effect and may order the rebate of any money consequently owing to the tenant or former tenant. 1997, c. 24, s. 131.

Additional services, etc.

132. (1) A landlord may increase the rent charged to a tenant for a rental unit as prescribed at any time if the landlord and the tenant agree that the landlord will add any of the following with respect to the tenant’s occupancy of the rental unit:

1. A parking space.

2. A prescribed service, facility, privilege, accommodation or thing.

Non-application of 12-month rule, notice of rent increase

(2) Sections 126 and 127 do not apply with respect to a rent increase under this section. 1997, c. 24, s. 132.

Coerced agreement void

133. An agreement under section 130 or 132 is void if it has been entered into as a result of coercion or as a result of a false, incomplete or misleading representation by the landlord or an agent of the landlord. 1997, c. 24, s. 133.

Decrease in services, etc.

134. A landlord shall decrease the rent charged to a tenant for a rental unit as prescribed if the landlord and the tenant agree that the landlord will cease to provide anything referred to in subsection 132 (1) with respect to the tenant’s occupancy of the rental unit. 1997, c. 24, s. 134.

Additional Grounds for Rent Increase

Increase to maximum rent

135. (1) A landlord may increase the rent charged to a tenant of a rental unit up to the maximum rent determined under subsection (2) if the tenant of the rental unit has been a tenant of the rental unit since the day before this section is proclaimed in force.

Maximum rent

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the maximum rent is the amount determined by,

(a) determining the maximum rent under the Rent Control Act, 1992 on the day before this section was proclaimed in force;

(b) adding to that amount any increases in maximum rent resulting from an order issued under section 21 of the Rent Control Act, 1992 or a notice of carry forward issued under section 22 of that Act; and

(c) subtracting from that amount the amount of any decreases in maximum rent ordered under section 28 or 33 of the Rent Control Act, 1992. 1997, c. 24, s. 135.

Reduction of Rent – Municipal Taxes Reduced

Municipal taxes reduced

136. (1) If the municipal property tax for a residential complex is reduced by more than the prescribed percentage, the lawful rent for each of the rental units in the complex is reduced in accordance with the prescribed rules.

Effective date

(2) The rent reduction shall take effect on the prescribed date, whether or not notice has been given under subsection (3).

Notice

(3) If, for a residential complex with at least the prescribed number of rental units, the rents that the tenants are required to pay are reduced under subsection (1), the local municipality shall, within the prescribed period and by the prescribed method of service, notify the landlord and all of the tenants of the residential complex of that fact.

Same

(4) The notice shall be in writing in a form approved by the Tribunal and shall,

(a) inform the tenants that their rent is reduced;

(b) set out the percentage by which their rent is reduced and the date the reduction takes effect;

(c) inform the tenants that if the rent is not reduced in accordance with the notice they may apply to the Tribunal under section 144 for the return of money illegally collected; and

(d) advise the landlord and the tenants of their right to apply for an order under section 137.

Same

(5) The local municipality shall give a copy of a notice under this section to the Tribunal or to the Ministry, on request. 1997, c. 24, s. 136.

Application for variation

137. (1) A landlord or a tenant may apply to the Tribunal under the prescribed circumstances for an order varying the amount by which the rent charged is to be reduced under section 136.

Same

(2) An application under subsection (1) must be made within the prescribed time.

Determination and order

(3) The Tribunal shall determine an application under this section in accordance with the prescribed rules and shall issue an order setting out the percentage of the rent reduction.

Same

(4) An order under this section shall take effect on the effective date determined under subsection 136 (2). 1997, c. 24, s. 137.

Landlord Application for Rent Increase

Increased operating costs, capital expenditures

138. (1) A landlord may apply to the Tribunal for an order allowing the rent charged to be increased by more than the guideline for any or all of the rental units in a residential complex in any or all of the following cases:

1. An extraordinary increase in the cost for municipal taxes and charges or utilities or both for the whole residential complex.

2. Capital expenditures incurred respecting the residential complex or one or more of the rental units in it.

3. Operating costs related to security services provided in respect of the residential complex by persons not employed by the landlord.

Same

(2) An increase in the cost of municipal taxes and charges or utilities is extraordinary if it is greater than the percentage increase set out for the corresponding cost category recognized in the Table referred to in subsection 129 (2).

When application made

(3) An application under this section shall be made at least 90 days before the effective date of the first intended rent increase referred to in the application.

Rent chargeable before order

(4) If an application is made under this section and the landlord has given a notice of rent increase as required, until an order authorizing the rent increase for the rental unit takes effect, the landlord shall not require the tenant to pay a rent that exceeds the lesser of,

(a) the new rent specified in the notice; and

(b) the greatest amount that the landlord could charge without applying for a rent increase.

Tenant may pay full amount

(5) Despite subsection (4), the tenant may choose to pay the amount set out in the notice of rent increase pending the outcome of the landlord’s application and, if the tenant does so, the landlord shall owe to the tenant any amount paid by the tenant exceeding the amount allowed by the order of the Tribunal.

Order

(6) In an application under this section, the Tribunal shall make findings in accordance with the prescribed rules with respect to all of the grounds of the application and shall order the percentage rent increase that may be taken and the time period as prescribed, during which it may be taken.

Same

(7) In making findings in an application under paragraph 2 of subsection (1), the Tribunal may disallow a capital expenditure if the Tribunal finds the capital expenditure is unreasonable.

Same

(8) The Tribunal shall not make a finding under subsection (7) that a capital expenditure is unreasonable if the capital expenditure,

(a) is necessary to protect or restore the physical integrity of the residential complex or part of it;

(b) is necessary to maintain maintenance, health, safety or other housing related standards required by law;

(c) is necessary to maintain the provision of a plumbing, heating, mechanical, electrical, ventilation or air conditioning system;

(d) provides access for persons with disabilities;

(e) promotes energy or water conservation; or

(f) maintains or improves the security of the residential complex.

Limitation

(9) The Tribunal shall not make an order with respect to a rental unit that increases the lawful rent with respect to capital expenditures or operating costs related to security services in an amount that is greater than 4 per cent of the previous lawful rent.

Same

(10) If the Tribunal determines with respect to a rental unit that an increase in lawful rent of more than 4 per cent of the previous lawful rent is justified with respect to capital expenditures, operating costs related to security services or both, the Tribunal shall also order, in accordance with the prescribed rules, increases in rent for the following years in an amount not to exceed in any year 4 per cent of the lawful rent for the previous year, until the total increase has been taken.

Order not to apply to new tenant

(11) An order of the Tribunal under subsection (6) or (10) with respect to a rental unit ceases to be of any effect on and after the day a new tenant enters into a new tenancy agreement with the landlord if that agreement takes effect on or after the day that is 90 days before the first effective date of a rent increase in the order. 1997, c. 24, s. 138.

Two ordered increases

139. If an order is made under subsection 138 (6) with respect to a rental unit and a landlord has not yet taken all the increases in rent for the rental unit permissible under a previous order under subsection 138 (10), the landlord may increase the rent for the rental unit in accordance with the prescribed rules. 1997, c. 24, s. 139.

Illegal Additional Charges

Additional charges prohibited

140. (1) Unless otherwise prescribed, no landlord shall, directly or indirectly, with respect to any rental unit,

(a) collect or require or attempt to collect or require from a tenant or prospective tenant of the rental unit a fee, premium, commission, bonus, penalty, key deposit or other like amount of money whether or not the money is refundable;

(b) require or attempt to require a tenant or prospective tenant to pay any consideration for goods or services as a condition for granting the tenancy or continuing to permit occupancy of a rental unit if that consideration is in addition to the rent the tenant is lawfully required to pay to the landlord; or

(c) rent any portion of the rental unit for a rent which, together with all other rents payable for all other portions of the rental unit, is a sum that is greater than the rent the landlord lawfully may charge for the rental unit. 1997, c. 24, s. 140 (1).

Same

(2) No superintendent, property manager or other person who acts on behalf of a landlord with respect to a rental unit shall, directly or indirectly, with or without the authority of the landlord, do any of the things mentioned in clause (1) (a), (b) or (c) with respect to that rental unit. 1997, c. 24, s. 140 (2).

Same

(3) Unless otherwise prescribed, no tenant and no person acting on behalf of the tenant shall, directly or indirectly,

(a) sublet a rental unit for a rent that is payable by one or more subtenants and that is greater than the rent that is lawfully charged by the landlord for the rental unit;

(b) Repealed: 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (22).

(c) collect or require or attempt to collect or require from any person any fee, premium, commission, bonus, penalty, key deposit or other like amount of money, for subletting a rental unit, for surrendering occupancy of a rental unit or for otherwise parting with possession of a rental unit; or

(d) require or attempt to require a person to pay any consideration for goods or services as a condition for the subletting, assignment or surrender of occupancy or possession in addition to the rent the person is lawfully required to pay to the tenant or landlord. 1997, c. 24, s. 140 (3); 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (21-23).

Rent deemed lawful

141. (1) Rent charged one or more years earlier shall be deemed to be lawful rent unless an application has been made within one year after the date that amount was first charged and the lawfulness of the rent charged is in issue in the application.

Increase deemed lawful

(2) An increase in rent shall be deemed to be lawful unless an application has been made within one year after the date the increase was first charged and the lawfulness of the rent increase is in issue in the application.

Delayed effect

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) shall not take effect until the day that is six months after this section is proclaimed in force.

s. 131 prevails

(4) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to deprive a tenant of the right to apply for and get relief in an application under section 131 within the time period set out in that section. 1997, c. 24, s. 141.

Applications to Tribunal by Tenant

Reduction in rent, reduction in services

142. (1) A tenant of a rental unit may apply to the Tribunal for an order for a reduction of the rent charged for the rental unit due to a reduction or discontinuance in services or facilities provided in respect of the rental unit or the residential complex.

Same, former tenant

(2) A former tenant of a rental unit may apply under this section as a tenant of the rental unit if the person was affected by the discontinuance or reduction of the services or facilities while the person was a tenant of the rental unit.

Order re lawful rent

(3) The Tribunal shall make findings in accordance with the prescribed rules and may order,

(a) that the rent charged be reduced by a specified amount;

(b) that there be a rebate to the tenant of any rent found to have been unlawfully collected by the landlord;

(c) that the rent charged be reduced by a specified amount for a specified period if there has been a temporary reduction in a service.

Same

(4) An order under this section reducing rent takes effect on the day that the discontinuance or reduction first occurred.

Same, time limitation

(5) No application may be made under this section more than one year after a reduction or discontinuance in a service or facility. 1997, c. 24, s. 142.

Reduction in rent, reduction in taxes

143. (1) A tenant of a rental unit may apply to the Tribunal for an order for a reduction of the rent charged for the rental unit due to a reduction in the municipal taxes and charges for the residential complex.

Order

(2) The Tribunal shall make findings in accordance with the prescribed rules and may order that the rent charged for the rental unit be reduced. 1997, c. 24, s. 143.

Money collected illegally

144. (1) A tenant or former tenant of a rental unit may apply to the Tribunal for an order that the landlord, superintendent or agent of the landlord pay to the tenant any money the person collected or retained in contravention of this Act, the Rent Control Act, 1992 or Part IV of the Landlord and Tenant Act.

Prospective tenants

(2) A prospective tenant may apply to the Tribunal for an order under subsection (1).

Subtenants

(3) A subtenant may apply to the Tribunal for an order under subsection (1) as if the subtenant were the tenant and the tenant were the landlord.

Time limitation

(4) No order shall be made under this section with respect to an application filed more than one year after the person collected or retained money in contravention of this Act, the Rent Control Act, 1992 or Part IV of the Landlord and Tenant Act. 1997, c. 24, s. 144.

PART VII
VITAL SERVICES AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS

Vital Services

Definition

145. In this section and sections 146 to 153,

“vital services by-law” means a by-law passed under section 146. 1997, c. 24, s. 145; 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.

By-laws respecting vital services

146. (1) The council of a local municipality may pass by-laws,

(a) requiring every landlord to provide adequate and suitable vital services to each of the landlord’s rental units;

(b) prohibiting a supplier from ceasing to provide the vital service until a notice has been given under subsection 147 (1);

(c) requiring a supplier to promptly restore the vital service when directed to do so by an official named in the by-law;

(d) prohibiting a person from hindering, obstructing or interfering with or attempting to hinder, obstruct or interfere with the official or person referred to in subsection 148 (1) in the exercise of a power or performance of a duty under this section or sections 147 to 153;

(e) providing that a person who contravenes or fails to comply with a by-law is guilty of an offence for each day or part of a day on which the offence occurs or continues;

(f) providing that every director or officer of a corporation that is convicted of an offence who knowingly concurs in the commission of the offence is guilty of an offence;

(g) authorizing an official named in the by-law to enter into agreements on behalf of a local municipality with suppliers of vital services to ensure that adequate and suitable vital services are provided for rental units.

Exception

(2) A vital services by-law does not apply to a landlord with respect to a rental unit to the extent that the tenant has expressly agreed to obtain and maintain the vital services.

Contents of vital services by-law

(3) A vital services by-law may,

(a) classify buildings or parts of buildings for the purposes of the by-law and designate the classes to which it applies;

(b) designate areas of the local municipality in which the by-law applies;

(c) establish standards for the provision of adequate and suitable vital services;

(d) prohibit a landlord from ceasing to provide a vital service for a rental unit except when necessary to alter or repair the rental unit and only for the minimum period necessary to effect the alteration or repair;

(e) provide that a landlord shall be deemed to have caused the cessation of a vital service for a rental unit if the landlord is obligated to pay the supplier for the vital service and fails to do so and, as a result of the non-payment, the vital service is no longer provided for the rental unit. 1997, c. 24, s. 146.

Notice by supplier

147. (1) A supplier shall give notice of an intended discontinuance of a vital service only if the vital service is to be discontinued for the rental unit because the landlord has breached a contract with the supplier for the supply of the vital service.

Same

(2) The notice shall be given in writing to the clerk of the local municipality at least 30 days before the supplier ceases to provide the vital service. 1997, c. 24, s. 147.

Inspection

148. (1) An official named in the by-law or a person acting under his or her instructions may, at all reasonable times, enter and inspect a building or part of a building with respect to which the by-law applies for the purpose of determining compliance with the by-law or a direction given under subsection 151 (1).

Same

(2) Despite subsection (1), the official or person shall not enter a rental unit,

(a) unless he or she has obtained the consent of the occupier of the rental unit after informing him or her that he or she may refuse permission to enter the unit; or

(b) unless he or she is authorized to do so by a warrant issued under section 204. 1997, c. 24, s. 148.

Services by municipality

149. (1) If a landlord does not provide a vital service for a rental unit in accordance with a vital services by-law, the local municipality may arrange for the service to be provided. 1997, c. 24, s. 149 (1).

Lien

(2) The amount spent by the local municipality under subsection (1) plus an administrative fee of 10 per cent of that amount shall, on registration of a notice of lien in the appropriate land registry office, be a lien in favour of the local municipality against the property at which the vital service is provided. 1997, c. 24, s. 149 (2).

Not special lien

(3) Subsection 349 (3) of the Municipal Act, 2001 does not apply with respect to the amount spent and the fee, and no special lien is created under that subsection. 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.

Certificate

(4) The certificate of the clerk of the local municipality as to the amount spent is proof, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, of the amount. 1997, c. 24, s. 149 (4).

Interim certificate

(5) Before issuing a certificate referred to in subsection (4), the clerk shall send an interim certificate by registered mail to the registered owner of the property that is subject to the lien and to all mortgagees or other encumbrancers registered on title. 1997, c. 24, s. 149 (5).

Appeal

150. An affected owner, mortgagee or other encumbrancer may, within 15 days after the interim certificate is mailed, appeal the amount shown on it to the council of the local municipality. 1997, c. 24, s. 150.

Payments transferred

151. (1) If the local municipality has arranged for a vital service to be provided to a rental unit, an official named in the vital services by-law may direct a tenant to pay any or all of the rent for the rental unit to the local municipality.

Effect of payment

(2) Payment by a tenant under subsection (1) shall be deemed not to constitute a default in the payment of rent due under a tenancy agreement or a default in the tenant’s obligations for the purposes of this Act. 1997, c. 24, s. 151.

Use of money

152. (1) The local municipality shall apply the rent received from a tenant to reduce the amount that it spent to provide the vital service and the related administrative fee.

Accounting and payment of balance

(2) The local municipality shall provide the person otherwise entitled to receive the rent with an accounting of the rents received for each individual rental unit and shall pay to that person any amount remaining after the rent is applied in accordance with subsection (1). 1997, c. 24, s. 152.

Immunity

153. (1) No proceeding for damages or otherwise shall be commenced against an official or a person acting under his or her instructions or against an employee or agent of a local municipality for any act done in good faith in the performance or intended performance of a duty or authority under any of sections 145 to 152 or under a by-law passed under section 146 or for any alleged neglect or default in the performance in good faith of the duty or authority.

Same

(2) Subsection (1) does not relieve a local municipality of liability to which it would otherwise be subject with respect to a tort committed by an official or a person acting under his or her instructions or by an employee or agent of the local municipality. 1997, c. 24, s. 153.

Maintenance Standards

Prescribed standards and complaints

Application of prescribed standards

154. (1) The prescribed maintenance standards apply to a residential complex and the rental units located in it if,

(a) the residential complex is located in unorganized territory;

(b) there is no municipal property standards by-law that applies to the residential complex; or

(c) the prescribed circumstances apply. 1997, c. 24, s. 154 (1).

Minister to receive complaints

(2) The Minister shall receive any written complaint from a current tenant of a rental unit respecting the standard of maintenance that prevails with respect to the rental unit or the residential complex in which it is located if the prescribed maintenance standards apply to the residential complex. 1997, c. 24, s. 154 (2).

Complaints to be investigated

(3) Upon receiving a complaint respecting a residential complex or a rental unit in it, the Minister shall cause an inspector to make whatever inspection the Minister considers necessary to determine whether the landlord has complied with the prescribed maintenance standards. 1997, c. 24, s. 154 (3).

Cost of inspection

(4) The Minister may charge a municipality and the municipality shall pay the Minister for the cost, as prescribed, associated with inspecting a residential complex in the municipality, for the purposes of investigating a complaint under this section and ensuring compliance with a work order under section 155. 1997, c. 24, s. 154 (4).

Same

(5) If a municipality fails to make payment in full within 60 days after the Minister issues a notice of payment due under subsection (4), the notice of payment may be filed in the Superior Court of Justice and enforced as if it were a court order. 1997, c. 24, s. 154 (5); 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (24).

Inspector’s work order

155. (1) If an inspector is satisfied that the landlord of a residential complex has not complied with a prescribed maintenance standard that applies to the residential complex, the inspector may make and give to the landlord a work order requiring the landlord to comply with the prescribed maintenance standard.

Same

(2) The inspector shall set out in the order,

(a) the municipal address or legal description of the residential complex;

(b) reasonable particulars of the work to be performed;

(c) the period within which there must be compliance with the terms of the work order; and

(d) the time limit for applying under section 156 to the Tribunal for a review of the work order. 1997, c. 24, s. 155.

Review of work order

156. (1) If a landlord who has received an inspector’s work order is not satisfied with its terms, the landlord may, within 20 days after the day the order is issued, apply to the Tribunal for a review of the work order.

Order

(2) On an application under subsection (1), the Tribunal may, by order,

(a) confirm or vary the inspector’s work order;

(b) rescind the work order, if it finds that the landlord has complied with it; or

(c) quash the work order. 1997, c. 24, s. 156.

PART VIII
ONTARIO RENTAL HOUSING TRIBUNAL

Tribunal established

157. (1) A tribunal to be known as the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal in English and Tribunal du logement de l’Ontario in French is hereby established.

Tribunal’s jurisdiction

(2) The Tribunal has exclusive jurisdiction to determine all applications under this Act and with respect to all matters in which jurisdiction is conferred on it by this Act.

Access to rent information

(3) The Registrar under the Rent Control Act, 1992 shall give to the Tribunal all information contained in the Rent Registry under that Act and the Tribunal shall provide any of that information to members of the public on request.

Transitional

(4) The Director of Rent Control under the Rent Control Act, 1992 shall give to the Tribunal, for its use, all records held by the Director that may be of assistance to the Tribunal in carrying out its powers and duties under this Act. 1997, c. 24, s. 157.

Composition

158. (1) The members of the Tribunal shall be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

Remuneration and expenses

(2) The members of the Tribunal who are not members of the public service of Ontario shall be paid the remuneration fixed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and the reasonable expenses incurred in the course of their duties under this Act, as determined by the Minister.

Public servant members

(3) Members of the Tribunal may be persons who are appointed or transferred under the Public Service Act. 1997, c. 24, s. 158.

Chair and vice-chair

159. (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council shall appoint one member of the Tribunal as chair and one or more members as vice-chairs.

Same

(2) The Chair may designate a vice-chair who shall exercise the powers and perform the duties of the chair when the chair is absent or unable to act.

Chair, chief executive officer

(3) The Chair shall be the chief executive officer of the Tribunal. 1997, c. 24, s. 159.

Quorum

160. One member of the Tribunal is sufficient to conduct a proceeding under this Act. 1997, c. 24, s. 160.

Conflict of interest

161. The members of the Tribunal shall file with the Tribunal a written declaration of any interests they have in residential rental property, and shall be required to comply with any conflict of interest guidelines or rules of conduct established by the Chair. 1997, c. 24, s. 161.

Power to determine law and fact

162. The Tribunal has authority to hear and determine all questions of law and fact with respect to all matters within its jurisdiction under this Act. 1997, c. 24, s. 162.

Members, mediators not compellable

163. No member of the Tribunal or person employed as a mediator by the Tribunal shall be compelled to give testimony or produce documents in a civil proceeding with respect to matters that come to his or her knowledge in the course of exercising his or her duties under this Act. 1997, c. 24, s. 163.

Rules and Guidelines Committee

164. (1) The Chair of the Tribunal shall establish a Rules and Guidelines Committee to be composed of the Chair, as Chair of the Committee, and any other members of the Tribunal the Chair may from time to time appoint to the Committee.

Committee shall adopt rules

(2) The Committee shall adopt rules of practice and procedure governing the practice and procedure before the Tribunal under the authority of this section and section 25.1 of the Statutory Powers Procedure Act.

Committee may adopt guidelines

(3) The Committee may adopt non-binding guidelines to assist members in interpreting and applying the Act and the regulations made under it.

Means of adoption

(4) The Committee shall adopt the rules and guidelines by simple majority, subject to the right of the Chair to veto the adoption of any rule or guideline.

Make public

(5) The Tribunal shall make its rules, guidelines and approved forms available to the public.

Transitional

(6) The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing may establish temporary rules of practice and procedure and guidelines for the Tribunal and those rules and guidelines shall be in force as rules and guidelines of the Tribunal until the Rules and Guidelines Committee adopts rules and guidelines for the Tribunal. 1997, c. 24, s. 164.

Information on rights and obligations

165. The Tribunal shall provide information to landlords and tenants about their rights and obligations under this Act. 1997, c. 24, s. 165.

Employees

166. Employees may be appointed for the purposes of the Tribunal in accordance with the regulations. 1997, c. 24, s. 166.

Professional assistance

167. The Tribunal may engage persons other than its members or employees to provide professional, technical, administrative or other assistance to the Tribunal and may establish the duties and terms of engagement and provide for the payment of the remuneration and expenses of those persons. 1997, c. 24, s. 167.

Reports

Annual report

168. (1) At the end of each year, the Tribunal shall file with the Minister an annual report on its affairs.

Further reports and information

(2) The Tribunal shall make further reports and provide information to the Minister from time to time as required by the Minister.

Tabled with Assembly

(3) The Minister shall submit any reports received from the Tribunal to the Lieutenant Governor in Council and then shall table them with the Assembly if it is in session or, if not, at the next session. 1997, c. 24, s. 168.

Tribunal may set, charge fees

169. (1) The Tribunal, subject to the approval of the Minister, may set and charge fees,

(a) for making an application under this Act or requesting a review of an order under section 21.2 of the Statutory Powers Procedure Act;

(b) for furnishing copies of forms, notices or documents filed with or issued by the Tribunal or otherwise in the possession of the Tribunal; or

(c) for other services provided by the Tribunal.

Same

(2) The Tribunal may treat different kinds of applications differently in setting fees and may base fees on the number of residential units affected by an application.

Make fees public

(3) The Tribunal shall ensure that its fee structure is available to the public. 1997, c. 24, s. 169.

Fee refunded, review

170. The Tribunal may refund a fee paid for requesting a review of an order under section 21.2 of the Statutory Powers Procedure Act if, on considering the request, the Tribunal varies, suspends or cancels the original order. 1997, c. 24, s. 170.

PART IX
PROCEDURE

Expeditious procedures

171. The Tribunal shall adopt the most expeditious method of determining the questions arising in a proceeding that affords to all persons directly affected by the proceeding an adequate opportunity to know the issues and be heard on the matter. 1997, c. 24, s. 171.

Form of application

172. (1) An application shall be filed with the Tribunal in the form approved by the Tribunal, shall be accompanied by the prescribed information and shall be signed by the applicant.

Application filed by agent

(2) An applicant may give an agent written authorization to sign an application and, if the applicant does so, the Tribunal may require the agent to file a copy of the authorization. 1997, c. 24, s. 172.

Combining applications

173. (1) A tenant may combine several applications into one application.

Same

(2) Two or more tenants of a residential complex may together file an application that may be filed by a tenant if each tenant applying in the application signs it.

Same

(3) A landlord may combine several applications relating to a given tenant into one application, so long as the landlord does not combine an application for a rent increase with any other application. 1997, c. 24, s. 173.

Parties

174. (1) The parties to an application are the landlord and any tenants or other persons directly affected by the application.

Add or remove parties

(2) The Tribunal may add or remove parties as the Tribunal considers appropriate. 1997, c. 24, s. 174.

Service

Service of application

175. (1) An applicant to the Tribunal shall give the other parties to the application a copy of the application within the time set out in the Rules.

Service of notice of hearing

(2) Despite the Statutory Powers Procedure Act, an applicant shall give a copy of any notice of hearing issued by the Tribunal in respect of an application to the other parties to the application.

Certificate of service

(3) A party shall file with the Tribunal a certificate of service in the form approved by the Tribunal in the circumstances set out in the Rules. 1997, c. 24, s. 175.

Tribunal may extend, shorten time

176. (1) The Tribunal may extend or shorten the time requirements related to making an application under section 138 or under section 156 in accordance with the Rules.

Same

(2) The Tribunal may extend or shorten the time requirements with respect to any matter in its proceedings, other than the prescribed time requirements, in accordance with the Rules. 1997, c. 24, s. 176.

File dispute

177. (1) A respondent wishing to dispute the following applications must do so by filing a dispute in writing with the Tribunal:

1. An application to terminate a tenancy or to evict a person.

2. A landlord’s application for arrears of rent, compensation, damages or for the payment of money as a result of misrepresentation of income.

3. A tenant’s application under section 89 (compensation, overholding subtenant).

4. A tenant’s application under section 144.

5. A tenant’s application claiming that a landlord unreasonably withheld consent to an assignment or subletting of a rental unit.

Same

(2) The time for filing a dispute shall be,

(a) in the case of an application to terminate a tenancy or to evict a person, five days after the applicant has served the notice of hearing on the respondent; and

(b) in the case of any other application, within the time provided for in the Rules. 1997, c. 24, s. 177.

How notice or document given

178. (1) A notice or document is sufficiently given to a person other than the Tribunal,

(a) by handing it to the person;

(b) if the person is a landlord, by handing it to an employee of the landlord exercising authority in respect of the residential complex to which the notice or document relates;

(c) if the person is a tenant, subtenant or occupant, by handing it to an apparently adult person in the rental unit;

(d) by leaving it in the mail box where mail is ordinarily delivered to the person;

(e) if there is no mail box, by leaving it at the place where mail is ordinarily delivered to the person;

(f) by sending it by mail to the last known address where the person resides or carries on business; or

(g) by any other means allowed in the Rules.

When notice deemed valid

(2) A notice or document that is not given in accordance with this section shall be deemed to have been validly given if it is proven that its contents actually came to the attention of the person for whom it was intended within the required time period.

Mail

(3) A notice or document given by mail shall be deemed to have been given on the fifth day after mailing. 1997, c. 24, s. 178.

How notice or document given to Tribunal

179. (1) A notice or document is sufficiently given to the Tribunal,

(a) by hand delivering it to the Tribunal at the appropriate office as set out in the Rules;

(b) by sending it by mail to the appropriate office as set out in the Rules; or

(c) by any other means allowed in the Rules.

Same

(2) A notice or document given to the Tribunal by mail shall be deemed to have been given on the earlier of the fifth day after mailing and the day on which the notice or the document was actually received. 1997, c. 24, s. 179.

Time

180. Time shall be computed in accordance with the Rules. 1997, c. 24, s. 180.

Tribunal may mediate

181. (1) The Tribunal may attempt to mediate a settlement of any matter that is the subject of an application if the parties consent to the mediation.

Settlement may override Act

(2) Despite subsection 2 (1) and subject to subsection (3), a settlement mediated under this section may contain provisions that contravene any provision under this Act.

Exception

(3) The largest rent increase that can be mediated under this section for a rental unit that is not a mobile home or a land lease home is equal to the greater of,

(a) a rent increase up to the maximum rent permitted under section 135;

(b) the sum of the guideline and 4 per cent of the previous year’s lawful rent.

Successful mediation

(4) If some or all of the issues with respect to an application are successfully mediated under this section, the Tribunal shall dispose of the application in accordance with the Rules.

Hearing

(5) If there is no mediated settlement, the Tribunal shall hold a hearing. 1997, c. 24, s. 181.

Money paid to Tribunal

182. (1) The Tribunal may, subject to the regulations, require a respondent to pay a specified sum into the Tribunal within a specified time where the Tribunal considers it appropriate to do so.

Rules re money paid

(2) The Tribunal may establish procedures in its rules for the payment of money into and out of the Tribunal.

Refuse to consider evidence, money not paid

(3) The Tribunal may refuse to consider the evidence and submissions of a respondent if the respondent fails to pay the specified sum within the specified time. 1997, c. 24, s. 182.

Tribunal may refuse to proceed if money owing

182.1 (1) Upon receiving information that an applicant owes money to the Tribunal as a result of having failed to pay any fine, fee or costs,

(a) if the information is received on or before the day the applicant submits an application, an employee of the Tribunal shall, in such circumstances as may be specified in the Rules, refuse to allow the application to be filed;

(b) if the information is received after the application has been filed but before a hearing is held, the Tribunal shall stay the proceeding until the fee, fine or costs have been paid and may discontinue the application in such circumstances as may be specified in the Rules;

(c) if the information is received after a hearing with respect to the application has begun, the Tribunal shall not issue an order until the fine, fee or costs have been paid and may discontinue the application in such circumstances as may be specified in the Rules. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (25).

Definition

(2) In subsection (1),

“fine, fee or costs” does not include money that is paid in trust to the Tribunal pursuant to an order of the Tribunal and that may be paid out to either the tenant or the landlord when the application is disposed of. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (25).

Where Tribunal may dismiss

183. (1) The Tribunal may dismiss an application without holding a hearing or refuse to allow an application to be filed if, in the opinion of the Tribunal, the matter is frivolous or vexatious, has not been initiated in good faith or discloses no reasonable cause of action.

Same

(2) The Tribunal may dismiss a proceeding without holding a hearing if the Tribunal finds that the applicant filed documents that the applicant knew or ought to have known contained false or misleading information. 1997, c. 24, s. 183.

SPPA applies

184. (1) The Statutory Powers Procedure Act applies with respect to all proceedings before the Tribunal. 1997, c. 24, s. 184 (1).

Exception

(2) Subsection 5.1 (2) of the Statutory Powers Procedure Act does not apply with respect to an application under section 137 or 143 or an application solely under paragraph 1 of subsection 138 (1). 1997, c. 24, s. 184 (2); 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4 (7).

Exception

(3) Subsection 5.1 (3) of the Statutory Powers Procedure Act does not apply to an application under section 137, 138 or 143. 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4 (8).

Joinder and severance of applications

Applications joined

185. (1) Despite the Statutory Powers Procedure Act, the Tribunal may direct that two or more applications be joined or heard together if the Tribunal believes it would be fair to determine the issues raised by them together. 1997, c. 24, s. 185 (1); 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4 (9).

Applications severed

(2) The Tribunal may order that applications that have been joined be severed or that applications that had been ordered to be heard together be heard separately. 1997, c. 24, s. 185 (2).

Application severed

185.1 The Tribunal may order that an application be severed and each severed part dealt with as though it were a separate application under this Act if,

(a) two or more applications are combined under section 173 in the application;

(b) the application is made by more than one tenant under subsection 173 (2); or

(c) the Tribunal believes it would be appropriate to deal separately with different matters included in the application. 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4 (10).

Amendment and withdrawal of applications

Amend application

186. (1) An applicant may amend an application at any time in a proceeding on notice, with the consent of the Tribunal.

Withdraw application

(2) Subject to subsection (3), an applicant may withdraw an application at any time before the hearing begins.

Same, harassment

(3) An applicant may withdraw an application under paragraph 7 of subsection 32 (1) only with the consent of the Tribunal.

Same

(4) An applicant may withdraw an application after the hearing begins with the consent of the Tribunal. 1997, c. 24, s. 186.

Other powers of Tribunal

187. (1) The Tribunal may, before, during or after a hearing,

(a) conduct any inquiry it considers necessary or authorize an employee of the Tribunal to do so;

(b) request an inspector or an employee of the Tribunal to conduct any inspection it considers necessary;

(c) question any person, by telephone or otherwise, concerning the dispute or authorize an employee of the Tribunal to do so;

(d) permit or direct a party to file additional evidence with the Tribunal which the Tribunal considers necessary to make its decision;

(e) view premises that are the subject of the hearing; or

(f) on its own motion and on notice to the parties, amend an application if the Tribunal considers it appropriate to do so and if amending the application would not be unfair to any party. 1997, c. 24, s. 187 (1); 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (26).

Same

(2) In making its determination, the Tribunal may consider any relevant information obtained by the Tribunal in addition to the evidence given at the hearing, provided that it first informs the parties of the additional information and gives them an opportunity to explain or refute it. 1997, c. 24, s. 187 (2).

Same

(3) If a party fails to comply with a direction under clause (1) (d), the Tribunal may,

(a) refuse to consider the party’s submissions and evidence respecting the matter regarding which there was a failure to comply; or

(b) if the party who has failed to comply is the applicant, dismiss all or part of the application. 1997, c. 24, s. 187 (3).

Parties may view premises with Tribunal

(4) If the Tribunal intends to view premises under clause (1) (e), the Tribunal shall give the parties an opportunity to view the premises with the Tribunal. 1997, c. 24, s. 187 (4).

Findings of Tribunal

188. In making findings on an application, the Tribunal shall ascertain the real substance of all transactions and activities relating to a residential complex or a rental unit and the good faith of the participants and in doing so,

(a) may disregard the outward form of a transaction or the separate corporate existence of participants; and

(b) may have regard to the pattern of activities relating to the residential complex or the rental unit. 1997, c. 24, s. 188.

Correction of deemed rent

189. In any application made under this Act in which rent for a rental unit is in issue, the Tribunal may correct an error in deeming the amount of rent, the date it took effect or the inclusion of a service in rent and may take into account the rent, the effective date or the service that ought to have been deemed if,

(a) the amount of rent or date it took effect was deemed to be lawful or the service was deemed to be included in the rent by the operation of the Rent Control Act, 1992 or the Residential Rent Regulation Act; and

(b) the Tribunal is satisfied that an error or omission in a document filed by a landlord or tenant led to the error in the deeming. 1997, c. 24, s. 189.

Conditions in order

190. (1) The Tribunal may include in an order whatever conditions it considers fair in the circumstances.

Order re costs

(2) The Tribunal may order a party to an application to pay the costs of another party.

Same

(3) The Tribunal may order that its costs of a proceeding be paid by a party or a paid agent or counsel to a party.

Same

(4) The amount of an order for costs shall be determined in accordance with the Rules. 1997, c. 24, s. 190.

Order payment

191. (1) The Tribunal may include in an order the following provision:

“The landlord or the tenant shall pay to the other any sum of money that is owed as a result of this order.”

Payment of order by instalments

(2) If the Tribunal makes an order for a rent increase above the guideline and the order is made three months or more after the first effective date of a rent increase in the order, the Tribunal may provide in the order that if a tenant owes any sum of money to the landlord as a result of the order, the tenant may pay the landlord the amount owing in monthly instalments.

Same

(3) If an order made under subsection (2) permits a tenant to pay the amount owing by instalments, the tenant may do so even if the tenancy is terminated.

Same

(4) An order providing for monthly instalments shall not provide for more than 12 monthly instalments. 1997, c. 24, s. 191.

Default orders

192. (1) The Tribunal may make an order with respect to any of the following applications without holding a hearing if the application is not disputed:

1. An application to terminate a tenancy or to evict a person, other than,

i. an application based in whole or in part on a notice of termination under section 65, or

ii. an application based in whole or in part on a notice of termination under subsection 62 (1) grounded on an illegal act, trade, business or occupation described in clause 62 (3) (a).

2. A landlord’s application for arrears of rent, compensation, damages or for the payment of money as a result of misrepresentation of income.

3. A tenant’s application under section 89 (compensation, overholding subtenant).

4. A tenant’s application under section 144 (money collected illegally).

5. A tenant’s application claiming that a landlord unreasonably withheld consent to an assignment or subletting of a rental unit. 1997, c. 24, s. 192 (1); 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (27).

Default order officer

(1.1) The Tribunal may designate one or more employees of the Tribunal as default order officers for the purposes of subsection (1.2). 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (28).

Delegation

(1.2) Despite subsection 157 (2), a default order officer may make an order under subsection (1) in accordance with the Rules. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (28).

Deemed order of Tribunal

(1.3) An order made under subsection (1.2) shall be deemed to be an order of the Tribunal. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (28).

Setting order aside

(2) The respondent may, within 10 days after the order is issued, make a motion to the Tribunal on notice to the applicant to have the order set aside. 1997, c. 24, s. 192 (2).

Same

(3) An order under subsection (1) is stayed when a motion to have the order set aside is received by the Tribunal and shall not be enforced under this Act or as an order of a court during the stay. 1997, c. 24, s. 192 (3).

Same

(4) The Tribunal may set aside the order if satisfied that the respondent was not reasonably able to participate in the proceeding and the Tribunal shall then proceed to hear the merits of the application. 1997, c. 24, s. 192 (4).

Monetary jurisdiction; deduction of rent; interest

Monetary jurisdiction of Tribunal

193. (1) The Tribunal may, where it otherwise has the jurisdiction, order the payment to any given person of an amount of money up to $10,000 or the monetary jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court in the area where the residential complex is located, whichever is greater.

Same

(2) A person entitled to apply under this Act but whose claim exceeds the Tribunal’s monetary jurisdiction may commence a proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for an order requiring the payment of that sum and, if such a proceeding is commenced, the court may exercise any powers that the Tribunal could have exercised if the proceeding had been before the Tribunal and within its monetary jurisdiction.

Same

(3) If a party makes a claim in an application for payment of a sum equal to or less than the Tribunal’s monetary jurisdiction, all rights of the party in excess of the Tribunal’s monetary jurisdiction are extinguished once the Tribunal issues its order.

Order may provide deduction from rent

(4) If a landlord is ordered to pay a sum of money to a person who is a current tenant of the landlord at the time of the order, the order may provide that if the landlord fails to pay the amount owing, the tenant may recover that amount plus interest by deducting a specified sum from the tenant’s rent paid to the landlord for a specified number of rental periods.

Same

(5) Nothing in subsection (4) limits the right of the tenant to collect at any time the full amount owing or any balance outstanding under the order.

Post-judgment interest

(6) The Tribunal may set a date on which payment of money ordered by the Tribunal must be made and interest shall accrue on money owing only after that date at the post-judgment interest rate under section 127 of the Courts of Justice Act. 1997, c. 24, s. 193.

Notice of decision

194. (1) The Tribunal shall send each party who participated in the proceeding, or the party’s counsel or agent, a copy of its order, including the reasons if any have been given, in accordance with section 178.

Same

(2) Section 18 of the Statutory Powers Procedure Act does not apply to proceedings under this Act. 1997, c. 24, s. 194.

Order final, binding

195. Except where this Act provides otherwise, an order of the Tribunal is final, binding and not subject to review except under section 21.2 of the Statutory Powers Procedure Act. 1997, c. 24, s. 195.

Appeal rights

196. (1) Any person affected by an order of the Tribunal may appeal the order to the Divisional Court within 30 days after being given the order, but only on a question of law.

Tribunal to receive notice

(2) A person appealing an order under this section shall give to the Tribunal any documents relating to the appeal.

Tribunal may be heard by counsel

(3) The Tribunal is entitled to be heard by counsel or otherwise upon the argument on any issue in an appeal.

Powers of Court

(4) If an appeal is brought under this section, the Divisional Court shall hear and determine the appeal and may,

(a) affirm, rescind, amend or replace the decision or order; or

(b) remit the matter to the Tribunal with the opinion of the Divisional Court.

Same

(5) The Divisional Court may also make any other order in relation to the matter that it considers proper and may make any order with respect to costs that it considers proper. 1997, c. 24, s. 196.

Tribunal may appeal Court decision

197. The Tribunal is entitled to appeal a decision of the Divisional Court on an appeal of a Tribunal order as if the Tribunal were a party to the appeal. 1997, c. 24, s. 197.

Substantial compliance sufficient

198. Substantial compliance with this Act respecting the contents of forms, notices or documents is sufficient. 1997, c. 24, s. 198.

Electronic documents

198.1 Any document referred to in this Act and specified in the regulations or in the Rules may be created, signed, filed, provided, issued, sent, received, stored, transferred, retained or otherwise dealt with electronically if it is done in accordance with the regulations or the Rules. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (29).

Contingency fees, limitation

199. (1) No agent who represents a landlord or a tenant in a proceeding under this Act or who assists a landlord or tenant in a matter arising under this Act shall charge or take a fee based on a proportion of any amount which has been or may be recovered, gained or saved, in whole or in part, through the efforts of the agent, where the proportion exceeds the prescribed amount.

Same

(2) An agreement that provides for a fee prohibited by subsection (1) is void. 1997, c. 24, s. 199.

PART X
GENERAL

Administration and Enforcement

Duties of Minister

200. The Minister shall,

(a) monitor compliance with this Act;

(b) investigate cases of alleged failure to comply with this Act; and

(c) where the circumstances warrant, commence or cause to be commenced proceedings with respect to alleged failures to comply with this Act. 1997, c. 24, s. 200.

Delegation

201. The Minister may in writing delegate to any person any power or duty vested in the Minister under this Act, subject to the conditions set out in the delegation. 1997, c. 24, s. 201.

Investigators and inspectors

202. The Minister may appoint investigators for the purpose of investigating alleged offences and inspectors for the purposes of sections 154 and 155. 1997, c. 24, s. 202.

Inspection and investigation

203. (1) Subject to subsection (6), an inspector or investigator may, at all reasonable times and upon producing proper identification, enter any property for the purpose of carrying out his or her duty under this Act and may,

(a) require the production for inspection of documents or things, including drawings or specifications, that may be relevant to the inspection or investigation;

(b) inspect and remove documents or things relevant to the inspection or investigation for the purpose of making copies or extracts;

(c) require information from any person concerning a matter related to the inspection or investigation;

(d) be accompanied by a person who has special or expert knowledge in relation to the subject matter of the inspection or investigation;

(e) alone or in conjunction with a person possessing special or expert knowledge, make examinations or take tests, samples or photographs necessary for the purposes of the inspection or investigation; and

(f) order the landlord to take and supply at the landlord’s expense such tests and samples as are specified in the order.

Samples

(2) The inspector or investigator shall divide the sample taken under clause (1) (e) into two parts and deliver one part to the person from whom the sample is taken, if the person so requests at the time the sample is taken and provides the necessary facilities.

Same

(3) If an inspector or investigator takes a sample under clause (1) (e) and has not divided the sample into two parts, a copy of any report on the sample shall be given to the person from whom the sample was taken.

Receipt

(4) An inspector or investigator shall provide a receipt for any documents or things removed under clause (1) (b) and shall promptly return them after the copies or extracts are made.

Evidence

(5) Copies of or extracts from documents and things removed under this section and certified as being true copies of or extracts from the originals by the person who made them are admissible in evidence to the same extent as and have the same evidentiary value as the originals.

Where warrant required

(6) Except under the authority of a warrant issued under section 204, an inspector or investigator shall not enter any room or place actually used as a dwelling without requesting and obtaining the consent of the occupier, first having informed the occupier that the right of entry may be refused and entry made only under the authority of a warrant. 1997, c. 24, s. 203.

Warrant

204. (1) A provincial judge or justice of the peace may at any time issue a warrant in the prescribed form authorizing a person named in the warrant to enter and search a building, receptacle or place if the provincial judge or justice of the peace is satisfied by information on oath that there are reasonable grounds to believe that an offence has been committed under this Act and the entry and search will afford evidence relevant to the commission of the offence.

Seizure

(2) In a warrant, the provincial judge or justice of the peace may authorize the person named in the warrant to seize anything that, based on reasonable grounds, will afford evidence relevant to the commission of the offence.

Receipt and removal

(3) Anyone who seizes something under a warrant shall,

(a) give a receipt for the thing seized to the person from whom it was seized; and

(b) bring the thing seized before the provincial judge or justice of the peace issuing the warrant or another provincial judge or justice to be dealt with according to law.

Expiry

(4) A warrant shall name the date upon which it expires, which shall be not later than 15 days after the warrant is issued.

Time of execution

(5) A warrant shall be executed between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. unless it provides otherwise.

Other matters

(6) Sections 159 and 160 of the Provincial Offences Act apply with necessary modifications with respect to any thing seized under this section. 1997, c. 24, s. 204.

Protection from personal liability

205. (1) No proceeding for damages shall be commenced against an investigator, an inspector, a member of the Tribunal, a lawyer for the Tribunal or an officer or employee of the Ministry or the Tribunal for any act done in good faith in the performance or intended performance of any duty or in the exercise or intended exercise of any power under this Act or for any neglect or default in the performance or exercise in good faith of such a duty or power.

Crown liability

(2) Despite subsections 5 (2) and (4) of the Proceedings Against the Crown Act, subsection (1) does not relieve the Crown of any liability to which it would otherwise be subject in respect of a tort committed by an investigator, an inspector, a member of the Tribunal, a lawyer for the Tribunal or an officer or employee of the Ministry or the Tribunal. 1997, c. 24, s. 205.

Offences

Offences

206. (1) Any person who knowingly does any of the following is guilty of an offence:

1. Restrict reasonable access to the residential complex by political candidates or their authorized representatives in contravention of section 22.

2. Alter or cause to be altered the locking system on any door giving entry to a rental unit or the residential complex in a manner that contravenes section 23.

3. Withhold reasonable supply of a vital service, care service or food or deliberately interfere with the supply in contravention of section 25.

4. Harass, hinder, obstruct or interfere with a tenant in the exercise of,

i. securing a right or seeking relief under this Act or in the court,

ii. participating in a proceeding under this Act, or

iii. participating in a tenants’ association or attempting to organize a tenants’ association.

5. Harass, coerce, threaten or interfere with a tenant in such a manner that the tenant is induced to vacate the rental unit.

6. Harass, hinder, obstruct or interfere with a landlord in the exercise of,

i. securing a right or seeking relief under this Act or in the court, or

ii. participating in a proceeding under this Act.

7. Seize any property of the tenant in contravention of section 31.

8. Obtain possession of a rental unit improperly by giving a notice to terminate in bad faith.

9. Fail to afford a tenant a right of first refusal in contravention of section 54 or 56.

10. Recover possession of a rental unit without complying with the requirements of sections 55, 57 and 58.

11. Coerce a tenant of a mobile home park or land lease community to enter into an agency agreement for the sale or lease of their mobile home or land lease home or to require an agency agreement as a condition of entering into a tenancy agreement.

12. Coerce a tenant to sign an agreement referred to in section 130. 1997, c. 24, s. 206 (1).

Same

(2) Any person who does any of the following is guilty of an offence:

1. Furnish false or misleading information in any material filed in any proceeding under this Act or provided to the Tribunal, an employee or official of the Tribunal, an inspector, an investigator, the Minister or a designate of the Minister.

2. Enter a rental unit where such entry is not permitted by section 20, 21 or 94 or enter without first complying with the requirements of section 20, 21 or 94.

3. Contravene an order of the Tribunal that,

i. orders a landlord to do specified repairs or other work within a specified time, or

ii. orders that a landlord, a superintendent or an agent of a landlord may not engage in any further activities listed in paragraphs 3 to 10 of subsection 32 (1) against any of the tenants in a residential complex.

4. Unlawfully recover possession of a rental unit.

4.1 Fail to make an evicted tenant’s property available for retrieval in accordance with subsection 42 (3).

5. Give a notice to terminate a tenancy under section 51 or 52 in contravention of section 54.

6. Give a notice of rent increase or a notice of increase of a charge in a care home without first giving an information package contrary to section 92.

7. Increase a charge for providing a care service or meals to a tenant in a care home in contravention of section 101.

8. Interfere with a tenant’s right under section 105 to sell or lease his or her mobile home.

9. Restrict the right of a tenant of a mobile home park or land lease community to purchase goods or services from the person of his or her choice in contravention of section 109.

10. Require or receive a security deposit from a tenant contrary to section 117.

11. Fail to pay to the tenant annually interest on the rent deposit held in respect of their tenancy in accordance with subsection 118 (6).

12. Fail to apply the rent deposit held in respect of a tenancy to the rent for the last month of the tenancy in contravention of subsection 118 (8).

12.1 Fail to repay an amount received as a rent deposit as required by subsection 118.1 (1) or (2).

13. Fail to provide a tenant with a receipt in accordance with section 120.

14. Charge rent in an amount greater than permitted under the Act.

15. Require a tenant to pay rent proposed in an application in contravention of subsection 138 (4).

16. Charge or collect amounts from a tenant, a prospective tenant, a subtenant, a potential subtenant, an assignee or a potential assignee in contravention of section 140.

17. Fail to comply with any or all of the items contained in a work order issued under section 155.

18. Charge an illegal contingency fee in contravention of subsection 199 (1).

19. Obstruct or interfere with an inspector or investigator exercising a power of entry under section 203. 1997, c. 24, s. 206 (2); 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (30, 31); 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4 (11).

Same

(3) Any landlord or superintendent, agent or employee of the landlord who knowingly harasses a tenant or interferes with a tenant’s reasonable enjoyment of a rental unit or the residential complex in which it is located is guilty of an offence. 1997, c. 24, s. 206 (3).

Exception

(3.1) For the purposes of subsection (3), the carrying out of repairs, maintenance and capital improvements does not constitute harassment or interference with a tenant’s reasonable enjoyment of a rental unit or the residential complex in which it is located unless it is reasonable to believe,

(a) that the date or time when the work is done or the manner in which it is carried out is intended to harass the tenant or interfere with the tenant’s reasonable enjoyment; or

(b) that the repairs, maintenance or capital improvements were carried out without reasonable regard for the tenant’s right to reasonable enjoyment. 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4 (12).

Same

(4) Any person who knowingly attempts to commit any offence referred to in subsection (1), (2) or (3) is guilty of an offence. 1997, c. 24, s. 206 (4).

Same

(5) Every director or officer of a corporation who knowingly concurs in an offence is guilty of an offence. 1997, c. 24, s. 206 (5).

Same

(6) A person, other than a corporation, who is guilty of an offence under this section is liable on conviction to a fine of not more than $10,000. 1997, c. 24, s. 206 (6).

Same

(7) A corporation that is guilty of an offence under this section is liable on conviction to a fine of not more than $50,000. 1997, c. 24, s. 206 (7).

Limitation

(8) No proceeding shall be commenced respecting an offence under paragraph 1 of subsection (2) more than two years after the date on which the facts giving rise to the offence came to the attention of the Minister. 1997, c. 24, s. 206 (8).

Same

(9) No proceeding shall be commenced respecting any other offence under this section more than two years after the date on which the offence was, or is alleged to have been, committed. 1997, c. 24, s. 206 (9).

Evidence

Proof of filed documents

207. (1) The production by a person prosecuting a person for an offence under this Act of a certificate, statement or document that appears to have been filed with or delivered to the Tribunal by or on behalf of the person charged with the offence shall be received as evidence that the certificate, statement or document was so filed or delivered. 1997, c. 24, s. 207 (1).

Proof of making

(2) The production by a person prosecuting a person for an offence under this Act of a certificate, statement or document that appears to have been made or signed by the person charged with the offence or on the person’s behalf shall be received as evidence that the certificate, statement or document was so made or signed. 1997, c. 24, s. 207 (2).

Proof of making, Tribunal or Minister

(3) The production by a person prosecuting a person for an offence under this Act of any order, certificate, statement or document, or of any record within the meaning of section 20 of the Statutory Powers Procedure Act, that appears to have been made, signed or issued by the Tribunal, the Minister, an employee of the Tribunal or an employee of the Ministry, or of any extract or copy of such an order, certificate, statement, document or record certified by the person that made it as a true extract or copy, shall be received as evidence that the order, certificate, statement, document or record was so made, signed or issued. 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (32).

Regulations

Regulations

208. (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations,

1. prescribing services that are to be included or not included in the definition of “care services” in subsection 1 (1);

2. prescribing charges not to be included in the definition of “municipal taxes and charges” in subsection 1 (1);

3. prescribing circumstances under which one or more rental units that form part of a residential complex, rather than the entire residential complex, are care homes for the purposes of the definition of “care home” in subsection 1 (1);

4. providing that specified provisions of this Act do not apply with respect to specified classes of accommodation;

5. prescribing classes of accommodation for the purposes of clause 3 (m);

6. prescribing grounds of an application for the purposes of clause 7 (1) (b);

7. respecting the rules for making findings for the purposes of subsection 7 (2);

7.1 prescribing for the purposes of section 26, paragraph 6 of subsection 32 (1) and subsection 35 (1),

i. standards and criteria to be applied by the Tribunal in determining if a landlord, superintendent or agent of a landlord has substantially interfered with the reasonable enjoyment of a rental unit or residential complex in carrying out maintenance, repairs or capital improvements to the unit or complex, and

ii. criteria to be applied by the Tribunal in determining whether to order an abatement of rent under subsection 35 (1) when a landlord, superintendent or agent of a landlord is found to have substantially interfered with the reasonable enjoyment of a rental unit or residential complex in carrying out maintenance, repairs or capital improvements to the unit or complex and rules for calculating the amount of the abatement;

8. prescribing the information that shall be contained in an information package for the purposes of section 92;

9. prescribing rules for determining the amount by which rent charged to a new tenant may exceed the last lawful rent charged for the purposes of section 114;

10. prescribing services and things for the purposes of section 116;

11. prescribing rules for calculating the lawful rent which may be charged where a landlord provides a tenant with a discount in rent at the beginning of, or during, a tenancy and the rules may differ for different types of discounts;

12. prescribing rules for the calculation of lawful rent where the rent a landlord charges for the first rental period of a tenancy is greater than the rent the landlord charges for any subsequent rental period;

13. prescribing the circumstances under which lawful rent for the purposes of section 123 will be other than that provided for in section 123 and providing the lawful rent under those circumstances;

14. prescribing the Table setting out the weights and operating costs categories needed to calculate the guideline;

15. respecting rules for increasing or decreasing rent charged for the purposes of sections 132 and 134;

16. prescribing services, facilities, privileges, accommodations and things for the purposes of paragraph 2 of subsection 132 (1);

17. prescribing rules with respect to making findings in an order under section 138 and prescribing time periods during which rent increases may be taken;

18. prescribing the rules for phasing in of an increase in rent for the purposes of subsection 138 (10);

19. prescribing rules for the purposes of section 139;

20. exempting specified payments from the operation of section 140;

21. prescribing the rules for making findings for the purposes of subsection 142 (3);

22. prescribing the rules for making findings for the purposes of subsection 143 (2) and for determining the effective date for an order under section 143;

23. prescribing maintenance standards for the purposes of section 154;

24. prescribing other criteria for determining areas in which maintenance standards apply for the purposes of subsection 154 (1);

25. respecting the amount or the determination of the amount the Minister may charge a municipality for the purposes of subsection 154 (4), including payments to inspectors, overhead costs related to inspections and interest on overdue accounts;

26. prescribing information to be filed with an application to the Tribunal;

27. respecting the appointment, including the status, duties and benefits, of employees of the Tribunal for the purposes of section 166;

28. restricting the circumstances in which the Tribunal may, under section 182, require a respondent to make a payment into the Tribunal;

29. governing the management and investment of money paid into the Tribunal, providing for the payment of interest on money paid into the Tribunal and fixing the rate of interest so paid;

30. prescribing an amount for the purposes of subsection 199 (1);

30.1 governing electronic documents for the purposes of section 198.1, including specifying the types of documents that may be dealt with electronically for the purposes of that section, regulating the use of electronic signatures in such documents and providing for the creating, filing, providing, issuing, sending, receiving, storing, transferring and retaining of such documents;

31. prescribing the form of a search warrant for the purposes of section 204;

32. prescribing any matter required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed;

33. defining any word or expression used in this Act that has not already been expressly defined in this Act. 1997, c. 24, s. 208 (1); 2000, c. 26, Sched. K, s. 6 (33); 2001, c. 9, Sched. J, s. 4 (13).

Same

(2) A regulation made under subsection (1) may be general or particular in its application. 1997, c. 24, s. 208 (2).

209.-222. Omitted (amends or repeals other Acts). 1997, c. 24, ss. 209-222.

223. Omitted (provides for transition). 1997, c. 24, s. 223.

224.-227. Omitted (amends or repeals other Acts). 1997, c. 24, ss. 224-227.

228. Omitted (provides for coming into force of provisions of this Act). 1997, c. 24, s. 228.

229. Omitted (enacts short title of this Act). 1997, c. 24, s. 229.

Note: The following transitional provisions were enacted as section 223 of the Tenant Protection Act, 1997:

Transitional

Transitional provisions

223. (1) Despite the prior repeal of the Residential Rent Regulation Act, that Act shall be deemed to be continued in force for the purpose only of continuing and finally disposing of the following matters:

1. An application made under that Act before August 10, 1992.

2. An appeal or review of an order made under that Act.

3. A court proceeding to which the Minister or the Rent Review Hearings Board is a party if the proceeding was commenced before August 10, 1992.

4. A court proceeding referred to in subsection 13 (5) of that Act.

(2) Despite the repeal of the Rent Control Act, 1992, that Act shall be deemed to be continued in force for the purpose only of continuing and finally disposing of the following matters:

1. An application made under that Act before the day this section is proclaimed in force.

2. An appeal or reconsideration of an order made under that Act.

3. A court proceeding to which the Minister, the Director, the Registrar or a rent officer is a party if the proceeding was commenced before the day this section is proclaimed in force.

4. A court proceeding in which the sum claimed exceeds the monetary jurisdiction referred to in section 30 of that Act.

5. The filing of notices of intent and the issuing of notices of carry forward under section 22 of that Act.

6. A written complaint received by the Director under section 36 of that Act.

7. The staying of orders made under section 38 of that Act and the lifting of those stays.

(3) Despite the repeal of the Rent Control Act, 1992, a notice of rent increase or a notice of increased charges in a care home prescribed under that Act may be used for the purposes of this Act any time within two months after this subsection comes into force.

(4) Any outstanding matter in a proceeding commenced before the day this section comes into force that would have been determined by the Minister or the Rent Review Hearings Board under the Residential Rent Regulation Act or by a rent officer under the Rent Control Act, 1992 shall be determined by the Tribunal unless the hearing has already commenced before the day this subsection comes into force.

(5) An order issued under section 38 of the Rent Control Act, 1992 or section 15 of the Residential Rent Regulation Act shall remain in force with respect to a rental unit until:

(a) the work order which resulted in the order is lifted by the authority which issued the work order;

(b) the work order which resulted in the order is quashed or rescinded on appeal; or

(c) the tenant who is the tenant when this subsection comes into force or an assignee under section 17 of that tenant, is no longer the tenant of the rental unit.

(6) All orders issued under section 43 of the Rent Control Act, 1992 or section 66 of the Residential Rent Regulation Act are void on the day this subsection comes into force.

(7) All work orders issued under section 37 of the Rent Control Act, 1992 or subsection 16 (4) of the Residential Rent Regulation Act shall be deemed to be work orders issued under section 155 of this Act and may be lifted by an inspector where the inspector is satisfied that the work order has been complied with.

(8) Despite the repeal of Part IV of the Landlord and Tenant Act, that Part shall be deemed to be continued in force for the purpose only of continuing and finally disposing of any applications commenced before the day this subsection comes into force, including any appeals with respect to those applications.

(9) Despite the repeal of Part IV of the Landlord and Tenant Act, a notice of termination prescribed under that Act may be used for the purposes of this Act any time within two months after this subsection comes into force.

(10) Despite the repeal of the Rental Housing Protection Act, that Act shall be deemed to be continued in force for the purpose only of continuing and finally disposing of any proceedings commenced before the day this subsection comes into force, including any appeals with respect to those proceedings.

(11) Sections 54, 55, 57, 58 and 59 of this Act do not apply where a landlord has obtained approval from the municipality under the Rental Housing Protection Act with respect to the activities referred to in those sections.

See: 1997, c. 24, s. 223.

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