{"id":451,"date":"2023-09-19T09:48:51","date_gmt":"2023-09-19T09:48:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rentals.ca\/blog\/?p=451"},"modified":"2023-09-22T19:41:31","modified_gmt":"2023-09-22T19:41:31","slug":"ontario-standardized-lease-agreement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rentals.ca\/blog\/ontario-standardized-lease-agreement","title":{"rendered":"The Rentals.ca Ultimate Guide to the Standard Lease Agreement in Ontario"},"content":{"rendered":"

As a landlord in Ontario, ensuring that your lease agreement is tenant-friendly and compliant with the law is crucial. The <\/span>Ontario government provides valuable resources<\/span><\/a> to help landlords understand and complete the Standard Form of Lease, also known as the Ontario standard lease. <\/span>

In this guide, we will walk you through the key aspects of the Ontario standard lease agreement in accordance with Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act.<\/span><\/p>

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Ontario Standard Lease<\/h2>
  1. What Is The Ontario Standard Lease?<\/a><\/li>
  2. What\u2019s Included in the Ontario Standard Lease?<\/a><\/li>
  3. Additional Tips<\/a><\/li>
  4. Where Can I Find Additional Information On The Ontario Standard Lease?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div>\n<\/p><\/a>

    1. What Is The Ontario Standard Lease?<\/h3>

    The Ontario <\/span>standard lease<\/span><\/a> is a legally mandated document for most residential tenancy agreements signed on or after April 30, 2018. It is a vital tool for establishing a clear and fair contract between landlords and tenants. Please note that an updated version of the Ontario standard lease is now available, and it must be used for most new residential tenancy agreements signed on or after March 1, 2021.<\/span><\/p>

    The Ontario standard lease covers various aspects of the tenancy, including the parties involved, the rental unit, contact information, the term of the tenancy, rent details, services and utilities, and much more. However, it’s essential to remember that a lease cannot take away any rights or responsibilities granted to either party under the <\/span>Residential Tenancies Act<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>

     <\/p><\/a>

    2. What’s Included in the Ontario Standard Lease?<\/h3>

     <\/p>

    Parties to the Agreement<\/b><\/b><\/p>

    The lease begins by listing the names of both the landlord(s) and tenant(s) involved in the tenancy.<\/span><\/p>

    Rental Unit<\/b><\/p>

    This section provides a detailed description of the rental unit, including its address and any parking spaces, if applicable. If the rental unit is in a condominium, it specifies the need to follow the condominium’s rules and bylaws.<\/span><\/p>

    Contact Information<\/b><\/p>

    The landlord’s address for formal notices is included here. Both parties can agree to receive formal notices by email, but this is subject to the Landlord and Tenant Board’s rules.<\/span><\/p>

    Term of Tenancy Agreement<\/b><\/p>

    This section specifies the move-in date and the duration of the tenancy, whether it’s a fixed term, monthly, weekly, or daily tenancy.<\/span><\/p>

    Rent<\/b><\/p>

    Details about the total rent, including base rent and any additional charges for services like parking, are outlined here. Information about when rent is due, payment methods, and administrative charges for returned cheques is also included.<\/span><\/p>

    Services and Utilities<\/b><\/p>

    This section clarifies which services are included in the rent and who is responsible for utilities like electricity, heat, and water.<\/span><\/p>

    Rent Discounts<\/b><\/p>

    Landlords can offer rent discounts, but tenants must return to paying the total agreed-upon rent once the discount period ends.<\/span><\/p>

    Rent Deposit<\/b><\/p>

    This section addresses whether a rent deposit is required, its amount, and how it should be handled. Note that a rent deposit cannot be used as a damage deposit.<\/span><\/p>

    Key Deposit<\/b><\/p>

    This section covers the need for a key deposit, its amount, and proper treatment in accordance with the law.<\/span><\/p>

    Smoking<\/b><\/p>

    Landlords and tenants can agree on rules related to smoking within the rental unit. Provincial law prohibits smoking in indoor common areas outside of the rental unit.<\/span><\/p>

    Tenants Insurance<\/b><\/p>

    Landlords and tenants can agree on whether the tenant must have liability insurance. The tenant is responsible for obtaining contents insurance if desired.<\/span><\/p>

    Changes to the Rental Unit<\/b><\/p>

    This section explains that tenants need the landlord’s permission for significant changes to the rental unit.<\/span><\/p>

    Maintenance and Repairs<\/b><\/p>

    The responsibilities of the landlord and tenant concerning maintenance and repairs are detailed here, along with the tenant’s obligation to keep the unit clean.<\/span><\/p>

    Assignment and Subletting<\/b><\/p>

    Tenants need the landlord’s consent to assign or sublet the unit to another person. Landlords cannot unreasonably withhold their consent.<\/span><\/p>

    Additional Terms<\/b><\/p>

    Landlords and tenants can add specific terms to the lease agreement, but these must be in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act. Any terms that attempt to take away rights or responsibilities under the act are void.<\/span><\/p>

    Changes to This Agreement<\/b><\/p>

    This section outlines that any changes to the agreement must be agreed upon in writing.<\/span><\/p>

    Signatures<\/b><\/p>

    Both the landlord and tenant(s) involved must sign the lease agreement, and each tenant is responsible for all tenant obligations. Electronic signatures are permissible if both parties agree.<\/span><\/p>

    <\/h4>

     <\/p><\/a>

    3. Additional Tips<\/h3>

     <\/p>