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Landlord and tenant law in Thornhill, Canada, regulates the relationship between individuals who rent residential or commercial properties and those who own them. Thornhill, located within the province of Ontario, follows Ontario’s legal framework-the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA)-and is supported by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). This legal area sets out the rights and responsibilities of both parties in a rental agreement and provides dispute resolution services. The goal is to strike a fair balance between protecting tenants against unfair practices and ensuring landlords’ property rights.
Legal assistance may be necessary in several common landlord and tenant situations, such as:
A lawyer can explain your legal rights, guide you through complex regulations, help settle disputes, and represent you at the Landlord and Tenant Board or in court.
Thornhill, as part of Ontario, adheres to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) for residential tenancies. Here are several key elements relevant to the local context:
Commercial tenancies are governed by the Commercial Tenancies Act and are generally subject to the terms of the negotiated lease, with less statutory protection compared to residential tenancies.
For monthly tenancies, tenants must give at least 60 days’ written notice before ending a lease. Landlords must provide notice using specific grounds (e.g., non-payment of rent, landlord use), and the period can vary depending on the reason.
No. Landlords can usually only increase rent once every 12 months and must give at least 90 days’ written notice, following the Ontario government’s rent increase guideline unless the unit is exempt.
Tenants should inform their landlord in writing about the needed repairs. If the issue remains unaddressed, tenants may file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board to seek remedies.
In most cases, a tenancy cannot be terminated simply because a tenant has a pet, unless the pet is causing damage, allergic reactions, or is prohibited by law (e.g., dangerous breed bans).
A landlord can serve a "Notice to End your Tenancy Early for Non-payment of Rent." If the rent remains unpaid, the landlord may apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an eviction order.
Except in emergencies or if the tenant consents, landlords must give 24 hours’ written notice stating the reason, date, and time of entry (between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.).
Landlords are only permitted to collect a rent deposit (last month’s rent) and cannot ask for additional security or damage deposits for residential tenancies.
Both landlords and tenants are protected from harassment under the Residential Tenancies Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Complaints can be brought to the Landlord and Tenant Board or the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, depending on the situation.
A tenancy does not automatically end if a property is sold. New owners must honour the existing tenancy agreement, and any termination for personal use must follow legal procedures and provide proper notice.
No. The Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to a person based on protected grounds such as race, age, religion, family status, disability, and more.
Consider the following organizations and resources for information and assistance:
If you are facing a landlord and tenant issue in Thornhill, it is important to act promptly. Begin by documenting relevant events, communications, and collecting any written agreements or notices. Consider the following steps:
Taking early action can help protect your rights and increase your chances of a favourable outcome.
