the daily snivel
A couple of things a tenant should know
Between representing tenants at the legal clinic and my ever-ongoing search for a new apartment, I've come across some resources that are really helpful for tenants who want to know more about their rights and obligations. One of the reasons I went to law school was because I didn't know much about what being a tenant entailed and got taken advantage of as a result. Additionally, I really found it satisfying in those times when played the part of an advocate and stood up for some housemates who were being treated poorly by other tenants (including one case when a housemate was about to be summarily evicted by the lease-holding tenant) and wanted to be able to stand up for others.
Anyway, a lot of people just starting out have some misconceptions about what it means to be a tenant. They think you can break a lease by giving 60 days notice or that if your roommates move out, you're not responsible for their share of the rent. Most people don't know that your landlord is obliged (in Ontario) to pay you annual interest on your last month's rent deposit. The links I have are relevant to Ontario law only, but they're good things to know.
University of Ottawa rental housing checklist of things to do and not to do
Tenant Tip Sheets from the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario. A great resource with fact sheets about such matters as rent increases, what sorts of deposits are illegal, what to do in the case of an illegal eviction.
Landlord and Tenant publications by Community Legal Education Ontario. More great booklets on such topics as how the eviction process works, how to make an application to the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal, and the legal ways to move out early.
The Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal website -- The mothership itself. This is where you can find out more information about accessing the Tribunal and download lots of handy forms.
As always, let it be said that none of this is legal advice. If you have a legal problem or question, please consult your local Community Legal Clinic (check www.legalaid.on.ca or your phone book).
Comments:Anyway, a lot of people just starting out have some misconceptions about what it means to be a tenant. They think you can break a lease by giving 60 days notice or that if your roommates move out, you're not responsible for their share of the rent. Most people don't know that your landlord is obliged (in Ontario) to pay you annual interest on your last month's rent deposit. The links I have are relevant to Ontario law only, but they're good things to know.
University of Ottawa rental housing checklist of things to do and not to do
Tenant Tip Sheets from the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario. A great resource with fact sheets about such matters as rent increases, what sorts of deposits are illegal, what to do in the case of an illegal eviction.
Landlord and Tenant publications by Community Legal Education Ontario. More great booklets on such topics as how the eviction process works, how to make an application to the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal, and the legal ways to move out early.
The Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal website -- The mothership itself. This is where you can find out more information about accessing the Tribunal and download lots of handy forms.
As always, let it be said that none of this is legal advice. If you have a legal problem or question, please consult your local Community Legal Clinic (check www.legalaid.on.ca or your phone book).
Here are a couple more resources:
the Ontario Tenants Rights website
and their Ottawa apartments for rent and Ottawa Tenants community directory
the Ontario Tenants Rights website
and their Ottawa apartments for rent and Ottawa Tenants community directory
