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How Much Can I raise the Rent in 2011?
Despite huge increases in property taxes, fees, and energy costs, and the HST, the provincial government has announced that the rent control guideline for 2011 will be 0.7%, the lowest increase in the history of rent control in Ontario.
HOMEOWNER HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR GROW OP HE DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT! CityNews.ca Staff
In a landmark court decision, a landlord is being forced to speak publicly about the grow-op found in the property he owns. CityNews reporter Roger Petersen talks to the man and tells
his unfortunate story in the video below.
Click here for video
New Fee for Landlord Applications
As of April 6, 2009, the fees for landlord applications for evictions and for applications to collect arrears was raised from $150 to $170 per application. Small Claims court remains at
$75 for an application.
The Residential Tenancies Act replaced the Tenant Protection Act on January 31, 2007
Once you are a Landlord in Ontario, these laws will influence every decision you make.
Some notable changes:
*All new tenants must be provided with a Board approved form outlining the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants and how to contact the Board
*All evictions will go to a hearing
*Tenants may raise any maintenance issues or any other matter they may have filed an application about at an eviction hearing
Study the Act. Memorize the Act. Question the Act! Challenge the Act! Find out more on the Discussion Forum.
How Much Can I Raise the Rent?
Despite huge increases in property taxes, fees, and energy costs, the Government of Ontario announced the 2010 rent guideline at 2.1%. The guideline is based on the average inflation for
the last 12 month period. The 2009 allowable increase was 1.8%
The Garbage Strike: Prepare for your Property Tax Refund! Wait, what's this...
Mayor David Miller said there will be no property tax refund, calling it "impossible."
GOT BEER????
A landlord's nightmare!! A single guy lived in this townhouse for 8 years in Barrie, ON. The Landlord thought he was the best renter because he never called or complained and was never
late on a payment. These pictures don't even come close to what it really looked like! Century 21 realty had already moved some of the cans out, and they had caved in the tunnels that the
renter had made to get to the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. All this, yet you still do not see any dust, scattered clothing, or dirty dishes anywhere. Other than having a minor drinking
problem, he was basically a very clean, organized person. Add to this, the fact that he was concerned about his health, proven by the fact he only drank "Light" beer. Beer cans by the tens
of thousands. Mountains of cans burying the furniture. The water and heat were shut off, apparently on purpose by the tenant, who evidently drank Coors Light beer exclusively for the eight
years he lived there. There was an estimated 70,000 beer cans in the townhouse (2,917 cases).
To accumulate that amount of cans, the resident must have consumed an average of 24 beers a day for the 8 years of his tenancy!!
How's your ROI? Worth it?
Discuss the ROI rental markets in Ontario.
Discuss the best ROI rental markets in Canada and Internationally.
In the Discussion forums.
'Dalton Sales Tax' Will Hit Renters Hard: Hudak
Toronto, ON - Newly elected Leader of the Ontario PC Party, Tim Hudak, was at a Toronto apartment building to highlight the negative impact the 'Dalton Sales Tax' or DST will have on
renters in the province. The DST is the harmonization of the PST and GST, and will increase the cost of numerous items, including rent.
"Ontario families and seniors are already working hard enough to manage household expenses, balance the chequebook and pay the bills and with Dalton McGuinty's latest tax grab it will be
even harder," Hudak said. "Under the Dalton Sales Tax renters will be punished at a time when they can least afford it, because the DST means an automatic jump in the price of rent. The
Dalton Sales Tax must be stopped."
Who's that guy lurking in the Hallways outside of the Landlord and Tenant Board Hearings anyway...? One residential property investor reports on their experiences at LTB hearings:
You know the person. Usually a guy.
The guy who is on a first name basis with the Ajudicator, looking like they are best friends. He's the guy who looks like he's a key member of the Landlord Tenant Board.
The guy who carries a book and quotes from it, 'educating' the Ajudicator who then looks at their computer and says "oh yes, I see it here!" (Secret: the Book is the Residential Tenancy
Act and it's book-marked with the same few pages used over and over!)
They guy who is suddenly defending the Tenant you are evicting or seeking money for damages. The guy who constantly plays the same tired old legal games over and over. The "we have to
schedule another hearing because this Tenant didn't receive the N4!" leaving the non-lawyer Landlord shell-shocked and agreeing because they don't know what else to do, except they served
it legally. Or the "hand over all the evidence" trick and the Landlord hands over all their notes to him. This is just a start.
So who is it? He doesn't wear a name-tag. He won't give you a name-card. He might mumble something at the beginning of the Hearing (maybe not) when most people aren't even in the room
yet.
He's...Tenant Duty Counsel! And you're paying his salary!
Find out more in the Discussion Forums.
"Let me start by wishing you well on your new site. Your efforts and enthusiasm are remarkable and laudable."
Mr. Dan McIntyre, Federation of Metro Tenants Assocation
Helping Landlords For 40 Plus Years!
Russ Innanan, the former President of ONTARIO PROPERTY OWNERS ADVISORY SERVICE INC. is now associated with the Law Offices of Gordon McSevney providing a full compliment of legal services to landlords. His blog is a MUST-READ for new and experienced landlords alike. Link to his blog in the "Guest Columnists" section.
Is Being a Student Housing Provider the way to go?
Recession-proof? Bright young adults who care about their future? Parties? What's really going on with student rentals?
Meet other Property Investors in our HELP forum.
The Ontario Landlord Association (OLA) is a province-wide grass-roots organisation for private residential landlords. With YOUR participation, we are creating a unified voice for private landlords throughout Ontario, from large portfolio landlords to single-bedroom basement units. The OLA is promoting and protecting members' interests to national and local government.
When a Government proposes new legislation, it is frequently based upon election manifesto pledges. It is almost impossible to change the Government's mind once it is set, but by being at the heart of decision-making, organisations can influence politicians and civil servants so that any changes are not overly detrimental to their aims and objectives.
Work for us
The OLA is an equal opportunities employer. We are looking for Regional Representatives.
Do you:
- Believe landlords are providing an essential and valuable service to the community?
- Think the public perception of landlords could be improved?
- Want to raise awareness about OLA aims and membership?
- Want to work flexible part-time hours?
You ideally need to be a landlord, a car and a PC owner, and enjoy attending and organising meetings as well as public speaking.
This role would involve, on average, a total of about 2 days per month, with both daytime and evening work.
Regional Representatives are paid an hourly rate, plus travel and other 'out of pocket' expenses.
If you are interested in becoming a representative please email us stating the area you are interested in and details on how to reply will be sent.
Network with top Ontario professionals