1. Do I need a written lease in Ontario?

Yes. Effective April 30, 2018, Ontario landlords must use the Standard Form Lease for most residential tenancies. Even if you use your own version, it should follow the rules in Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). ⚠️ Important: We strongly recommend a professional lease review to make sure you’re fully protected.

2. Can I screen tenants using a credit check?

Absolutely. In fact, you should. Tenant screening — including credit reports, ID verification, and eviction checks — is legal with tenant consent.

3. What can I ask for when screening tenants?

You can request: Proof of income (pay stubs, job letter) Credit report (with consent) Rental history or landlord references Government-issued ID ⚠️ Important: You cannot ask about race, religion, gender, age, or any other protected characteristic under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

4. Can I reject a tenant based on credit score?

Yes — as long as your decision is based on financial criteria (e.g. income or payment history) and not discrimination.

5. Is the Ontario Standard Lease enough?

Not always. It’s a great starting point, but it lacks specific clauses that protect landlords in real-world situations — like late payments, damages, or subletting. ⚠️ Important: A proper lease sets the foundation for enforceable rights and fewer disputes. We can review yours to ensure it protects your investment and supports your goals.

6. Can I collect a security deposit?

No. Ontario landlords cannot collect damage deposits. You can only collect: First month’s rent Last month’s rent (applied to the final rental period) Key deposit ⚠️ Important: Anything else may be considered illegal under the RTA.

7. What if a tenant pays partial rent?

You have options. You can: Accept it without giving up your rights to the balance Issue an N4 notice for the unpaid amount Negotiate a payment plan or Consent Order through LTB mediation (we can help with that)

8. Can I charge for utilities separately?

Yes — if it’s clearly stated in the lease. ⚠️ Important: If it’s a flat rate or included, that should be written clearly to avoid disputes.

9. How do I evict a tenant in Ontario?

Evictions follow a formal LTB process. It starts with a proper notice, followed by an LTB application. We assist with: Notices Applications Mediation Sheriff enforcement

10. How long does it take to evict a non-paying tenant?

Timelines vary by region, but typical eviction through LTB (including wait times) can take 3–5 months or longer. ⚠️Important: Mediation and proper filings can speed things up significantly. Ask us how to reduce delays.

11. Can I use LTB mediation instead of a hearing?

Yes — and it’s often a smart move. Mediation can help you: Recover rent faster Negotiate move-out dates Get enforceable Consent Orders We offer representation to help you get solid outcomes without giving in.

12. How much do your services cost?

Your initial consultation is always free. The majority of our fees are listed right here on our website. If you need a custom quote, please contact us directly. For your peace of mind, we’ll always quote upfront — no hidden fees.

13. Do you offer bundled services?

Yes! Many landlords choose bundled packages. Ask about discounted rates for portfolio landlords and repeat clients.

14. Do I need a licensed paralegal?

For legal notices, hearings, and mediation, it’s highly recommended. Our licensed paralegals speak on your behalf, protect your interests, and help avoid costly mistakes.

Ontario Landlord FAQs | Common Legal Questions Answered

1. Do I need a written lease in Ontario?
Yes. Effective April 30, 2018, Ontario landlords must use the Standard Form Lease for most residential tenancies.

Even if you use your own version, it should follow the rules in Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).

⚠️Important: We strongly recommend a professional lease review to make sure you’re fully protected.
2. Can I screen tenants using a credit check?
Absolutely. In fact, you should. Tenant screening — including credit reports, ID verification, and eviction checks — is legal with tenant consent.
3. What can I ask for when screening tenants?
You can request:

Proof of income (pay stubs, job letter)
Credit report (with consent)
Rental history or landlord references
Government-issued ID

⚠️Important: You cannot ask about race, religion, gender, age, or any other protected characteristic under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
4. Can I reject a tenant based on credit score?
Yes — as long as your decision is based on financial criteria (e.g. income or payment history) and not discrimination.
5. Is the Ontario Standard Lease enough?
Not always. It’s a great starting point, but it lacks specific clauses that protect landlords in real-world situations — like late payments, damages, or subletting.

⚠️Important: A proper lease sets the foundation for enforceable rights and fewer disputes. We can review yours to ensure it protects your investment and supports your goals.
6. Can I collect a security deposit?
No. Ontario landlords cannot collect damage deposits. You can only collect:

First month’s rent
Last month’s rent (applied to the final rental period)
Key deposit

⚠️Important: Anything else may be considered illegal under the RTA.
7. What if a tenant pays partial rent?
You have options.

You can:

Accept it without giving up your rights to the balance
Issue an N4 notice for the unpaid amount
Negotiate a payment plan or Consent Order through LTB mediation (we can help with that)
8. Can I charge for utilities separately?
Yes — if it’s clearly stated in the lease.

⚠️Important: If it’s a flat rate or included, that should be written clearly to avoid disputes.
9. How do I evict a tenant in Ontario?
Evictions follow a formal LTB process.

It starts with a proper notice, followed by an LTB application.

We assist with:

Notices
Applications
Mediation
Sheriff enforcement
10. How long does it take to evict a non-paying tenant?
Timelines vary by region, but typical eviction through LTB (including wait times) can take 3–5 months or longer.

⚠️Important: Mediation and proper filings can speed things up significantly. Ask us how to reduce delays.
11. Can I use LTB mediation instead of a hearing?
Yes — and it’s often a smart move.

Mediation can help you:

Recover rent faster
Negotiate move-out dates
Get enforceable Consent Orders

We offer representation to help you get solid outcomes without giving in.
12. How much do your services cost?
Your initial consultation is always free. The majority of our fees are listed right here on our website.

If you need a custom quote, please contact us directly.

For your peace of mind, we’ll always quote upfront — no hidden fees.
13. Do you offer bundled services?
Yes! Many landlords choose bundled packages.

Ask about discounted rates for portfolio landlords and repeat clients.
14. Do I need a licensed paralegal?
For legal notices, hearings, and mediation, it’s highly recommended.

Our licensed paralegals speak on your behalf, protect your interests, and help avoid costly mistakes.

“Wow, I’m thoroughly impressed with how kind and knowledgeable Damian is. I called him on Saturday morning about tenants who were really stressing me out and for free he gave me great advice that would protect me. I will definitely use this paralegal team for bigger issues that may arise. Just that conversation with Damian made me feel lighter and I now know how to deal with this situation! I can’t say thank you enough Cordaie Paralegal Services.”

Aliki L., Former Client

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Whether you own a single rental unit or manage multiple properties, we’re here to support you anywhere in Ontario. Our services are provided virtually, which means you can get legal guidance, document review, and representation without needing to travel or take time away from your schedule.

We assist landlords in major cities and small communities alike — including Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, Mississauga, Brampton, London, Windsor, Barrie, Kitchener-Waterloo, Kingston, and everywhere in between.

No matter where your property is located, you’ll receive the same attentive, knowledgeable, and results-focused service.

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