AJ Murray Legal Services P.C. Blog

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