Best Landlord & Tenant Lawyers in Thornhill

About Landlord & Tenant Law in Thornhill, Canada

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.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal assistance may be necessary in several common landlord and tenant situations, such as:

• Eviction notices or disputes over eviction grounds
• Issues with unpaid rent or rent arrears
• Damage to rental property disputes
• Disagreements over repairs, maintenance, or essential services
• Issues with rent increases or illegal entry by a landlord
• Claims of harassment or privacy violations
• Navigating lease terminations or renewals
• Challenging or enforcing rules regarding deposits and last month’s rent
• Understanding or negotiating commercial leases
• Preparing or reviewing lease agreements to ensure legal compliance

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.

Local Laws Overview

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:

• Leases: For residential tenancies, a written lease is required using Ontario’s standard lease form.
• Security Deposits: Only last month’s rent deposits are permitted; damage deposits are not allowed.
• Rent Increases: Landlords must follow government guidelines for rent increases and provide at least 90 days’ written notice.
• Repairs & Maintenance: Landlords are responsible for keeping rental units in good repair, meeting health and safety standards, and providing essential services.
• Entry to Property: Landlords must give 24 hours’ written notice before entering a tenant’s unit (except in emergencies).
• Eviction: Eviction can only occur for specific reasons (e.g., non-payment of rent, owner use) and must follow legal procedures, often subject to review by the Landlord and Tenant Board.
• Ending the Tenancy: Tenants must provide proper notice if they intend to move out, and certain rules safeguard tenants from retaliatory eviction.
• Discrimination: The Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination in housing.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the notice period for ending a lease in Thornhill, Ontario?

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.

Can my landlord increase my rent at any time?

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.

What should I do if my landlord is not making necessary repairs?

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.

Can a landlord evict a tenant for having pets?

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).

What happens if I don’t pay my rent on time?

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.

Is my landlord allowed to enter my apartment without notice?

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.).

Are deposits legal in Ontario?

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.

How do I deal with harassment by my landlord or tenant?

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.

What rights do I have if my landlord wants to sell the property?

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.

Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because of my age, race, or family status?

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.

Additional Resources

Consider the following organizations and resources for information and assistance:

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) of Ontario – for forms, applications, and dispute resolution
• Community Legal Clinics, such as the Community Legal Clinic of York Region
• Ontario’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
• Ontario Human Rights Commission – for discrimination and harassment issues
• Legal Aid Ontario – for low-income legal assistance
• Local bar associations and legal referral services for connecting with private lawyers

Next Steps

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:

1. Identify your legal issue and gather all related documents.
2. Visit the Landlord and Tenant Board website to access forms, resources, and application procedures.
3. Reach out to local community legal clinics or Legal Aid Ontario if you need free or low-cost legal advice.
4. If your matter is complex, involves large sums, or requires professional advocacy, contact a lawyer experienced in landlord and tenant law in Ontario.
5. Prepare for any hearings by organizing your documentation and, if necessary, arranging for witnesses or statements.

Taking early action can help protect your rights and increase your chances of a favourable outcome.