Commercial Tenancy Disputes in Ontario Small Claims Court
Monetary lease and property loss claims up to $50,000, filed in the right Ontario jurisdiction
Commercial tenancy conflicts can impact business operations, property value, and financial stability. When the dispute is strictly monetary and Ontario has jurisdiction, Small Claims Court may allow commercial landlords and tenants to pursue or defend claims up to $50,000 (excluding interest and legal costs). Filing the right remedy in the right court early can prevent avoidable delays, refiling costs, or procedural setbacks.
Businesses choose Cordaie Paralegal Services because our team of Law Society of Ontario (LSO) licensed paralegal advocates brings structure and momentum back to disputes involving unpaid rent, repair or replacement costs, unreturned commercial deposits, lease breaches causing financial loss, or provable property damage.
We help you organize evidence, draft submissions, file accurately, and advocate at settlement conferences, motions, or trial when appropriate— with
flat fees quoted in advance (before HST) and disbursements charged at cost.
✔ Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario
✔ Flat-Fee Pricing — No Hidden Costs
✔ Serving Clients Across Ontario
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“We used Damian for a Small Claims Court issue, and he resolved it before it even went to trial. We have complete confidence in Cordaie Paralegal.”
— Shane R., Former Client
Commercial Lease Disputes in Ontario — Know the Rules Before You File Or Respond
Commercial lease disputes in Ontario are often interpreted under the Commercial Tenancies Act, which governs matters such as rent arrears, lease obligations, notices, deposits, distress rights, and provable financial loss tied to a breached commercial agreement.
When the remedy sought is strictly monetary, and the total claim value is $50,000 or less (excluding interest and legal costs), these matters may qualify for filing or defence in Ontario Small Claims Court, so long as the claim is brought in the correct Ontario territorial jurisdiction.
Businesses and commercial landlords or tenants choose Cordaie because we help them understand their monetary rights, prepare evidence, assemble filings, and move forward without hourly billing pressure or procedural uncertainty.
From proving lease terms to organizing exhibits and preparing for settlement conferences, motions, or trial when appropriate, you get support that helps your case start credible, compliant, and strategically positioned from the very first step.
Ontario Commercial Landlords and Tenants We Support
Our commercial tenancy services are designed for Ontario commercial landlords, tenants, and businesses involved in financial lease disputes—including unpaid rent, unreturned commercial deposits, lease breaches causing monetary loss, property damage liability, and enforcing rights under a commercial agreement interpreted through Ontario’s Commercial Tenancies Act. This support applies when the matter is monetary only and falls within Ontario Small Claims Court jurisdiction and limitation periods.
Clients choose Cordaie when they need someone who can review liability early, organize evidence, prepare filings for the correct Ontario court jurisdiction, and advocate strategically at settlement conferences, motions, or trial when appropriate. If your commercial lease dispute involves provable financial loss in Ontario, we help you start structured, supported, and moving forward with clarity — not stalled by avoidable procedural mistakes.
Ontario Commercial Lease Disputes We Help You Take Action On
Commercial tenancy disputes can put major financial pressure on landlords and business tenants alike. When a lease agreement is ignored, payments stop, or accountability becomes unclear, the issue shifts from operational disruption to provable monetary loss that requires strategic action — not more unanswered emails.
We help Ontario commercial clients take action on disputes involving unpaid rent, damage repair or replacement costs, withheld or unreturned deposits, lease breaches that cause out-of-pocket financial loss, enforcement of distress or arrears rights under Ontario’s Commercial Tenancies Act, and documented losses tied directly to a commercial lease agreement.
When your dispute qualifies and falls within Ontario Small Claims Court’s $50,000 monetary limit, early evidence organization and filing in the correct Ontario court jurisdiction can make all the difference.
With Cordaie, your case starts structured, supported, and positioned to move forward with credibility and momentum.
Evidence That Strengthens Your Claim Or Defence
In a commercial lease dispute filed in Ontario Small Claims Court, the strength of your case depends on clear, organized, and admissible evidence. You must be able to show the lease terms, responsibility for the breach or damage, steps taken to mitigate loss, and the measurable financial impact—not assumptions or unanswered communication.
Strong claims and defences are commonly supported by signed commercial leases, rent ledgers or statements, dated photos or video, invoices, estimates or bills, notices, and written communication proving obligations or dispute history.
We help Ontario businesses, landlords, and tenants organize and prepare their evidence early, so their filing starts credible, complete, and in the correct Ontario court jurisdiction from the outset — reducing procedural risk and restoring momentum in stalled disputes.
HOW IT WORKS
Ontario Small Claims Court Process — Step by Step
Navigating Small Claims Court in Ontario doesn’t have to be confusing. Here is the clear path from filing to collecting — in plain English, with no legal jargon. Whether you’re suing for unpaid work or defending a claim, this guide shows what happens next and where a licensed paralegal fits in.
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Step 1: Prepare & File the Claim
We start by gathering your facts, calculating the amount owed (up to $50,000), and drafting your Plaintiff’s Claim. We file it electronically or in-person and pay the court fee. We double-check everything — names, numbers, facts — so your claim isn’t rejected for errors.
Step 2: Serve the Defendant
The court requires proper legal service of documents to the defendant(s). We arrange personal service, courier, or another court-approved method — and file the required Affidavit of Service.
⚠️Important: If service isn’t done right, the court can throw your case out. We make sure it’s bulletproof.
Wait for a Defence or File for Default
The defendant has 20 days to respond. If they do, we review and prepare for the next steps. If they don’t, we help you apply for a default judgment — quickly and properly.
Defendants often try to delay or avoid service. We stay on top of it so you don’t lose momentum.
Attend the Settlement Conference
A mandatory conference is held with a judge or deputy judge to explore settlement options. You must bring your documents and be prepared to discuss your case. We attend with you — or on your behalf.
Most cases settle here. We negotiate firmly and look for smart resolutions without trial.
Trial and Enforcement
If settlement fails, we go to trial. We organize your evidence, prepare witnesses, draft legal arguments, and represent you in court. This is where strong advocacy makes the difference.
If you win, the court issues a judgment. But collecting is another battle.
We help enforce it via:
- Wage garnishment
- Writs of seizure and sale
- Bank garnishment
- Debtor examinations
- And more
We turn your judgment into actual money — not just a piece of paper.
“Damian is a great professional and a kind man. We were privileged to have had him advocating on behalf of our interests. We utilized his services for a Small Claims Court issue, and he resolved it even before it went to trial. We have unwavering faith in Cordaie Paralegal and thank them for their services!”
Shane R., Former Client
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Why Ontario Clients Choose Cordaie for Small Claims Court Advocacy
Small Claims Court cases move with more credibility when they’re filed with accuracy, organized evidence, and strategic preparation from the start. Clients across Ontario rely on Cordaie because our team of LSO licensed paralegal advocates brings clarity to the process, strength to the filings, and confidence to settlement conferences, motions, and trials when appropriate—without unpredictable hourly billing pressure.
We support monetary claims up to $50,000, including contract and commercial lease disputes interpreted under Ontario’s Commercial Tenancies Act when applicable, plus document assembly, procedural tracking, and judgment enforcement guidance.
With flat fees quoted in advance (before HST) and disbursements billed at cost, clients choose us for practical advocacy that keeps their case structured, compliant, and moving forward with momentum—not stalled by avoidable filing errors or guesswork.
Commercial Lease Disputes in Ontario Small Claims Court — FAQs Answered Clearly
When a commercial lease dispute becomes a matter of provable financial loss, breached lease terms, or unresolved accountability, choosing the right Ontario court and filing the right remedy early can protect your time and revenue.
Ontario Small Claims Court can hear monetary commercial lease claims up to $50,000 (excluding interest and legal costs), often interpreted through Ontario’s Commercial Tenancies Act when lease rights and obligations are in question.
These FAQs break down what Ontario businesses, commercial landlords, and tenants ask most. Clear answers mean fewer delays, stronger filings, and more informed decisions from the outset.
1. Can I evict a commercial tenant via Small Claims?
No — Small Claims can only award money or property, not orders to evict or specific performance.
2. Can a verbal lease be enforceable?
Yes, in some circumstances a verbal agreement or offer to lease may bind parties if essential terms are present (rent, space, term).
3. Must I re‑rent the premises when a tenant abandons?
Yes — you are required to try to mitigate losses by re‑letting in a commercially reasonable way.
Otherwise, your damages may be reduced.
4. What is relief from forfeiture?
It’s a legal remedy where a tenant asks that the lease not be terminated despite a breach, often paying the landlord and satisfying conditions.
5. How long do I have to bring a claim?
Generally, 2 years under the Limitations Act from the date of breach or loss, unless lease says otherwise or another statute applies.
Get Clarity Before You File
When a lease dispute turns into financial risk, the smartest move is understanding your options early. Your consultation gives you straight answers on claim value, evidence strength, limitation periods, and Ontario court jurisdiction—so you can move forward without costly filing mistakes or delays.
This conversation is no pressure, fully confidential, and designed to give direction, not confusion. We’ll help you understand the right next step for your commercial tenancy matter, and what to expect if you choose to proceed in Ontario Small Claims Court.
Most importantly, you’ll leave the call knowing:
- If your matter may qualify for a monetary claim or defence up to $50,000
- What evidence your case currently has (and what to gather next)
- The correct Ontario court to file in
- A practical path forward that protects your financial interests
Ontario-Wide Commercial Lease Dispute Support for Small Claims Court
Wherever you operate in Ontario—from major cities to growing and northern business communities — resolving a commercial lease dispute shouldn’t pull you away from your work. Our remote-friendly process is built to remove barriers, reduce stress, and help you take the right next step sooner, without unnecessary travel or procedural guesswork.
We handle the filings, deadlines, evidence organization, and case strategy so your claim or defence starts structured and credible in the correct Ontario Small Claims Court jurisdiction when your matter qualifies. With flat fees quoted in advance (before HST) and disbursements billed at cost, you get practical advocacy that protects your financial interests while you stay focused on running your business—not court procedure.
