AJ Murray Legal Services P.C. Blog

The financial stakes for violating Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) have officially reached unprecedented heights. As part of Ontario's aggressive push to crack down on bad-faith landlords and illegal tenancy practices, the maximum fines for RTA offences have doubled. Whether you are an independent landlord renting out a basement condo or a corporate property management firm handling hundreds of units, navigating the rules of termination, eviction, and tenant right

When a tenant falls behind on rent, the ideal scenario is that both parties come together, communicate openly, and figure out a manageable repayment plan. Historically, many landlords and tenants finalized these deals informally with a quick text message thread, an email outlining the new payment schedule, or a basic Word document signed at the kitchen table. But if you are managing property or renting in Ontario, those informal days are officially over. As of July 1, 2026,

As electric scooters (e-scooters) become increasingly popular across Ontario, many people assume they can legally ride them anywhere they would ride a bicycle. That assumption, however, could lead to an unpleasant surprise in Toronto. Despite their widespread availability and growing popularity, e-scooters remain prohibited on public property throughout the City of Toronto. Many residents and visitors are unaware of this restriction and may unknowingly expose themselves to fi

For years, the answer to this question was relatively straightforward. If your lease prohibited window air conditioners or your building had a policy against them, you were generally entitled to enforce that restriction. Beginning July 1, 2026, Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act introduces new rules that give tenants greater rights to install window and portable air conditioners. It’s important to bear in mind though that those rights aren't limitless. A landlord’s legitimat

When most landlords talk about new laws these days, in reference to Landlord and Tenant matters, they tend to be talking about the changes to take effect under The Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025 (Bill 60). Bill 60 does NOT regulate, cap, or eliminate “cash-for-keys” issues. What this means is that if your tenant is demanding $20K, $50K, or more to leave…, the new laws will not stop that. It’s important to note though that some of the Amendments to the Residential

A recent conviction in Oshawa serves as a stark reminder: in Ontario’s highly regulated rental market, "ignorance of the law" is an expensive excuse. The case involves an Oshawa landlord who was recently fined $15,000 (plus a $3,750 victim fine surcharge) for violating the Residential Tenancies Act . The charge? Failing to afford a tenant the Right of First Refusal. What Happened? The landlord issued a notice to terminate a tenancy for the purpose of extensive repairs and re

Navigating legal matters can often feel overwhelming and expensive. When faced with legal challenges, many people hesitate to seek help due to concerns about unpredictable costs and complex billing structures. This is where flat fee legal services come in, offering a clear, affordable, and straightforward alternative. Flat fees provide an accessible way to handle many legal issues without the stress of hourly billing. I want to share why choosing flat fee paralegal services c

Recently, many Ottawa tenants opened their mail to an unexpected message: according to the City of Ottawa, their rent was supposed to go down. Specifically, some tenants living in apartment buildings with seven or more units that were built before 2001 were told that their landlords would be paying lower property taxes as of January 1 and that this reduction should be passed on to them in the form of lower rent. For landlords, this created an immediate problem. Many had not a

Snow removal might seem straightforward, but when rental properties are involved, it can quickly turn into a legal headache. Who’s actually responsible? Can you assign it to your tenant? And what happens if someone slips? Let’s break it down so you can stay compliant, protected, and stress-free. Who Is Responsible for Snow Removal in Ontario? Under Section 20(1) of the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) , landlords are responsible for maintaining rental properties in a good stat

Contracts are a part of everyday life. Whether you are hiring a contractor, renting a home, starting a job or signing a service agreement, the contract in front of you will determine your rights, obligations and protections. Many disputes could have been avoided if the person had understood the key terms before signing. Taking a few minutes to review a contract carefully can save months of stress later. Here is what you should always look for and the warning signs that deserv

The Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025 (the, ‘Act’), received Royal Assent on November 27, 2025, and will change many different laws. Some changes are not yet in effect such as those to be integrated into the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (the, ‘RTA’) affecting the rules for landlords and tenants. Some critics say certain changes under the new Act may weaken some protections and give the province too much control. Understanding these changes helps Ontarians know w

Ontario’s rental framework is no longer just a proposed Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, has passed and although not yet in effect will soon come into force, bringing along with it sweeping changes to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) and procedures at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). These reforms are aimed at tackling issues such as persistent delays at the LTB and streamlining non-payment proceedings. For landlords, this could mean short

Renovating a home can be an exciting yet daunting task. While many homeowners embark on this journey with dreams of transforming their living spaces, not all renovations go as planned. Sometimes, projects can go awry, leaving homeowners frustrated and financially strained. If you find yourself in a situation where a renovation has gone bad, understanding your legal rights and options is crucial. Common Renovation Pitfalls Before diving into the legal aspects, it's important t

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17 (RTA), a law that governs the rights, duties, and obligations of landlords and tenants in Ontario—residential lease agreements can only be terminated in accordance with legal provisions. This means that neither party has the unilateral power to end a lease at will. Instead, the Act outlines specific methods, reasons, and timelines for termination. What is Bilateral Agreement to Terminate a Lease? Despite restrictions

Experiencing harassment from a neighbor can be distressing, especially when it feels targeted towards your race, place of origin, sexual...

Ontario Small Claims Court – Entering a New Era This October! As of May 1st, 2025, a regulation was filed amending the monetary...

It’s a question most of us don’t ask, until something happens that forces us to draw the line. What if your neighbor’s dog won’t stop...

Surprise! Liens Are Gone: Ontario Bans NOSIs from Property Titles May 14, 2025 By Erika Knox In June 2024, the Homeowner Protection Act...

Enforcing a Landlord and Tenant Board Order Through the Courts By Erika Knox May 7, 2025 Landlords across Ontario are finding that...

Can a Sex Worker Sue in Small Claims Court for unpaid services? Lessons from Sheehan v. Samuelson By Julian Castillo Nunez March 10, 2025...