AJ Murray Legal Services P.C. Blog

The Advantages of Flat Fee Legal Services

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

3 hours ago4 min read

A red and white "House for Rent" sign is displayed in front of a modern wooden house with a grassy yard and stone path.

Ottawa’s Rent Reduction Confusion: What Landlords Need to Know

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

4 days ago2 min read

Person using a snow blower to clear a driveway after heavy snowfall, with snow-covered trees and a fence in the background.

Snow Removal in Ontario: Who’s actually responsible? What Landlords Need to Know

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

Jan 42 min read

Understanding Contracts and Common Pitfalls: What to Look for Before You Sign

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

Dec 29, 20252 min read

Ontario’s Big Housing Shake Up: Changes under the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025.

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

Dec 18, 20254 min read

Bill 60 Has Passed!Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025. What Ontarians Need to Know About The New Legislation

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

Nov 28, 20254 min read

Tackling Renovation Disasters

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

Oct 22, 20253 min read

Think Before You Sign That N11: What Tenants In Ontario Need To Know

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

Oct 15, 20254 min read