Bill 97: Key Changes to Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act
Growth Consultant
Learn how Ontario's Bill 97 protects tenants with new air conditioning rights, stricter eviction rules, and higher fines for bad-faith landlords.
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In Ontario, there are rights for both Landlords and Tenants. Many Landlords operate compliantly, abide by the agreement, and respect Tenants wholeheartedly.
And then, there are some Landlords and/or Property Managers who treat Tenants unfairly. At Openroom, that is not something we stand for.
We believe that responsible Tenants will work with responsible Landlords to ensure a safe, healthy, and respectful relationship on reasonable grounds. It's common sense, right? Well, sometimes common sense isn't so common. In cases when Tenants find their Landlords have operated questionably, there are resources available to help them navigate this absurdly complex rental ecosystem.
It makes us react with 🤯, and that's precisely why we want to provide some quick deets for you. Let's go through two common examples where some Landlords try to do things under the table, and that's not okay.
A Landlord raises rent by an abnormally high amount. What is abnormally high? The government of Ontario sets a limit on the permitted rent increase. Learn more about Residential Rent Increases from the Ontario Government.
For 2023 and 2024, it is 2.5% per year on top of the existing lawful rent - and no more than that if the unit is rent controlled. There are a few special cases such as renovations that warrant a slightly higher increase but not the case for the standard rental unit.
Ah, we know what's on your mind! Now you are thinking: "is my rental unit on rent control"? Go on, take a read and stay informed.
Another example, a Landlord cannot collect damage deposits from Tenants. The typically deposit collected at the beginning can only be used for Last Month's Rent (LMR) payment.
Learn more about Rent Deposit in Bullet Point #8 from the Ontario Government.
There are many other common violations that occur in the rental ecosystem. As a tenant, when you're in a position you aren't sure about, it's always best to double check. It's free to explore so there is no harm in explaining your situation and getting more educated. These resources are a starting point. Nothing beats being prepared.
Please note that the hours of operation below may change at any time and it's advised that you check the organization's website to confirm.
Weiting's entrepreneurial journey began with a costly lesson in rental property management, where she experienced losses exceeding $35,000 due to non-paying tenants. Determined to prevent others from facing similar challenges, she built Openroom to pave a future towards a transparent and connected rental ecosystem.
Drawing from her extensive background in software product management spanning education, telecommunications, insurance, and artificial intelligence, Weiting has become a trusted advisor to founders of venture-backed companies. Beyond the tech sphere, Weiting managed properties for over a decade and made significant contributions to community leadership. She’s served on the Board of Rotary District 7070 and chaired various organizational committees.
Weiting balances her professional endeavours with being a parent of two kids under two. Alongside thousands of other parents, she was awarded participation trophies in innovative improvisation, ever-changing expectations management, daily roadmap planning, and hardcore patience!
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