I’m a Tenant who wants to make my voice heard for fairness for both Tenants and landlords. By communicating our concerns to each other I hope to help improve the Ontario rental industry. Thank you for this very fair platform to “make things better” in these trying times. I think all good landlords will agree that this situation is unfair and help us fix this “loop hole”.
The news was shocking! Landlords can now “step aside” the Landlord and Tenant Board. And it’s so easy!
This is right out of the show Black Mirror!
It’s like you can use some “drivers ap” to drive and you can speed and even do hit and runs with no punishments!!!
Background
A family from Switzerland came to Toronto with their kids. They needed long term housing, as both Mom and Dad had proof of a work permit and their kids were in school. They signed a one year contract with Airbnb to live in a nice area and paid rent on time.
They only decided on this property because they signed a nearly one year agreement.
A few months into this long term contract the landlords ordered the Tenants to “move out” and eventually locked them out!
You can read more about this here.
Landlord Tenant Board Should Be Called The Landlord Board
The Tenants and the landlords both filed at the LTB
The result was shocking and unfair…and a HUGE WAKE UP CALL FOR TENANTS!
The Tenants lost because the adjudicator said they were just like “on vacation” like “living in a hotel”.
Facts Were Ignored At The Landlord And Tenant Board
The Tenants and landlords agreed to a long term agreement.
For a year.
It was a contract and the nice family wanted a year of stability and safety.
It Was A Long Term Rental From Day 1, Not A “Vacation Hotel”!
Tenants were not on “vacation” they signed the contract for a long term rental:
-they both had year long work permits
-were working
-their kids in a local school for long term education.
When The System Is Broken – And It is Broken
We hope the Tenant appeals, but they are still locked out of their home.
Harsh Results!
The Tenants signed for the long term. Now they are faced with horrific challenges. They need to find new housing, new schools, expensive moving their belongings, and even might have to quit their jobs.
The Emotional Toll Was Huge!
Imagine having your home taken away from you. All because of a loophole that allows landlords to use an “ap” as a weapon. We need more protections!
Good Landlords Will Understand Your Worries And Offer You A Real Lease That Protect BOTH Parties!
I’m not saying all landlords will use this “LTB/RTA LOOPHOLE” but based on this experience it’s important for all of us to do whatever it takes to protect ourselves and our family.
Good landlords will always be happy to get you to sign with the Ontario Government Lease.
How Can You Download The Ontario Government Lease To Sign With Your Landlord?
You can download it for free here.
When this is signed you get Tenant protections from the Landlord and Tenant Board under the laws of the Residential Tenancies Act.
Stay Informed And Stay Safe
With scorching rising rents and fewer and fewer affordable rentals out there make sure you are informed and make sure you protect you and your family.
