The HELP Forum

arrow

You are not alone. Network with other landlords, property managers, legal professionals.

Learn more

OLA HELP-LINE

arrow

Help From the OLA!
$19.99 per call
1.877.859.3859

Learn more

OLA and the Media

arrow

The OLA is happy to present OLA members to the media for their opinions and experiences.

Learn more
tenantverification.com - Take the risk out of renting - Reduce income loss

Landlord and Tenant
Legal Services

Welcome to the Ontario Landlords Association
for Small Business Landlords

This site is specifically designed for landlords of all types. Whether you rent a single apartment, or are managing an entire portfolio this site provides the latest documents, opinions and in-sights in to the issues that affect you and your business!

  • checkmarkNetwork with top Ontario professionals
  • checkmarkGet advice from experienced landlords
  • checkmarkLearn how the law and the "system" really works
  • checkmarkNeed help?The best in the business are here
  • checkmarkTake part in landlord activities, social events.
  • checkmarkA chance to "get involved!"

This is an on-line community, a portal for landlords involved in renting property - novice and experienced alike. It provides free access to information, resources and suppliers of value to residential and commercial landlords, tenants, letting agents, property managers and other property professionals.

Tenant Screening: Tips for Verifying Applicant’s Income

by Chris on July 5, 2010

While performing a tenant background check, it’s important to keep the focus on profitability.  Does this candidate possess the potential to pay rent for the entire term of the lease?

Tenant Screening for the Traditional Applicant

The majority of rental applicants will have traditional employment.  An employer reference is a crucial part of your tenant background check.

Be certain that the company you are seeking a reference from is a legitimate business concern,  not a fiction or a business wholely owned by the applicant.

Some employers are reluctant to discuss an employee over the phone, or may insist they do not offer employee references.

There are two ways to handle that situation:

First, you could offer to fax a copy of the verification statement from the application to the employer to show the employee’s authorization to release information.

Alternatively, you may place the onus on the applicant to ask their personnel office to release the information you need.  Be persistent and do not move forward with the applicant until you are able to verify the applicant’s employment history and salary.
Tenant Screening of Self-Employed Tenants

Many entreprenuers prefer self-employment to a standard job.  Today, self employment is a popular alternative to unemployment; however, more than half of these businesses will fail within the first four years.

When verifying income of the self-employed candidate, job history becomes a crucial part of the tenant screening process.  A candidate who has chosen self-employment as a way of life is probably more suited for the business world than someone who is scrambling to recover after a job layoff.

The self-employed applicant may not keep payroll records, although that may be required to properly assess taxes.  Indeed, the payment of taxes - or rather the incorrect payment of taxes and fees, may be what puts the business under.  Perhaps the biggest risk a landlord faces when renting to a self-employed tenant is having a business  creditor garnish the income.

Successful candidates will have banking and tax records to verify income.

Tenant credit reports are indispensible in showing if the self-employed candidate is overspending, or struggling to fund a business venture.

When conducting a tenant background check on the self-employed, look for:

  • Appropriate licensing
  • Listings in local business directories
  • Banking statements
  • Corporate records
  • Client references

If you find little evidence of the self-employed business outside of the rental application, you may have cause to worry about this tenant’s  potential.

Once you have collected the income information you need:

Decide if the applicant’s  income is enough to justify the rental price of your property.  Typically, rent should not exceed one-third to one-half of overall income.

Determine whether the applicant has a steady work history.  Bouncing between jobs is a sign this candidate may not possess the commitment needed to be a good renter.  Periods of unemployment foreshadow bills going unpaid.

Also, look for clues that  the applicant is spending beyond their means.

This post is provided by Tenant Verification Services, Inc., helping landlords reduce the risks of renting with fraud prevention tools that include Tenant Screening, Tenant Background Checks, (U.S. and Canada)

Helping Ontario Landlords from Bad Tenants

Landlord Legal is there for Ontario Landlords who need help. 

Non-payment of rent?  Help with evictions?  Damages? Dealing with the Landlord and Tenant Board?  

Members of the Ontario Landlord Association receive a discount from Ontario’s Premier Landlord Legal Helper!

 

The Ontario ‘Sunshine List’ 2010 – Landlord & Tenant Board Salaries over $100,000/year

Please see the Ontario government website for details:

http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/publications/salarydisclosure/2010/crown10.html

Employer— Surname—Name—Position—Salary Paid—Taxable Benefits

Landlord & Tenant Board  BECKETT ELIZABETH Member, Landlord & Tenant Board  $105,440.08 $180.04

Landlord & Tenant Board  BRYCE LAURA Administrative Lead  $142,571.13 $228.08

Landlord & Tenant Board  BUFFA VICENZINA Member, Landlord & Tenant Board  $103,385.76 $180.04

Landlord & Tenant Board  BUGBY KIM E. Vice Chair, Southwest Region $114,104.71  $195.06

Landlord & Tenant Board  BURKE WILLIAM Member, Landlord & Tenant Board  $105,440.08 $180.04

Landlord & Tenant Board  CHING VINCENT Member, Landlord & Tenant Board  $100,925.20 $172.26

Landlord & Tenant Board  CORMIER BRIAN A. Member, Landlord & Tenant Board  $105,440.08 $180.04

Landlord & Tenant Board  FAHLGREN NANCY A. Member, Landlord & Tenant Board  $105,440.08 $180.04

Landlord & Tenant Board  FELLMAN ELI T. Vice Chair, Toronto East Region  $130,424.60 $222.99

Landlord & Tenant Board  GAGNON REGENT Vice Chair, Northern and Eastern Regions  $130,424.60 $222.99

Landlord & Tenant Board  GRAHAM MURRAY W. Vice Chair, Toronto North Region  $130,424.60 $222.99

Landlord & Tenant Board  HANEY DEBORAH M. Regional Manager, Southwestern  $104,067.66 $170.34

Landlord & Tenant Board  HENRY SEAN D. Vice Chair, Central Region  $122,264.63 $208.96

Landlord & Tenant Board  HOMSI ELKE Member, Landlord & Tenant Board  $102,688.93 $174.10

Landlord & Tenant Board  HUNT DOUGLAS Regional Manager, Southern  $107,023.14 $170.34

Landlord & Tenant Board  JOY GREGORY Member, Landlord & Tenant Board  $105,440.08 $180.04

Landlord & Tenant Board  KING CAROLINE A. Member, Landlord & Tenant Board  $105,440.08 $180.04

Landlord & Tenant Board  LESLIE CLAUDETTE A. Member, Landlord & Tenant Board  $100,670.85 $172.26

Landlord & Tenant Board  MA LILIAN Y. Chair, Landlord & Tenant Board  $166,338.44 $284.30

Landlord & Tenant Board  MACKINNON VERNON W. Member, Landlord & Tenant Board  $104,539.70 $178.06

Landlord & Tenant Board  MACRI DIANA R. Director, Operations  $138,185.03 $223.80

Landlord & Tenant Board  MARTIN IEVA Member, Landlord & Tenant Board  $105,440.08 $180.04

Landlord & Tenant Board  MCMASTER JAMES G. Member, Landlord & Tenant Board  $104,370.13 $168.78

Landlord & Tenant Board  MOSCROP MERVYN Regional Manager, Toronto East  $104,067.66 $170.34

Landlord & Tenant Board  NAUD GERALD Member, Landlord & Tenant Board  $105,440.08 $180.04

Landlord & Tenant Board  OPITZ BRIAN Manager, Corporate Services  $104,142.48 $179.52

Landlord & Tenant Board  ROZEHNAL JANA Member, Landlord & Tenant Board  $100,670.85 $172.26

Landlord & Tenant Board  SAVOIE GUY W. Vice Chair, Toronto South Region  $130,424.60 $222.99

Landlord & Tenant Board  SHAMATUTU FREDA Member, Landlord & Tenant Board  $105,440.08 $180.04

Landlord & Tenant Board  TAYLOR GERALD D. Member, Landlord & Tenant Board  $105,440.08 $180.04

Landlord & Tenant Board  USPRICH MARIAM E. Member, Landlord & Tenant Board  $102,689.93 $174.10

Landlord & Tenant Board  VANDELFT JONELLE E. Vice Chair, Southern Region  $118,203.12 $201.88

Landlord & Tenant Board  VOTTA ROSA Member, Landlord & Tenant Board  $100,690.47 $170.66

Landlord & Tenant Board  WALLACE BRADLEY J. Member, Landlord & Tenant Board  $105,440.08 $180.04

The OLA Brochure! Print it Out, Post it, Spread the Word!

Huronia Business Times Newspaper – Landlord Legal In the News!

HURONIA BUSINESS TIMES FEB. 2010

The Terminator is a landlord’s best friend

By Michele Lawson

Good tenants have no reason to fear The Terminator, says paralegal April Stewart, who operates Landlord Legal. The nickname refers to her tireless mission to help landlords evict tenants who are taking advantage of the laws that favour them in the landlord-tenant relationship.

“Once a tenant has the keys they’re in control,” says Stewart, who works exclusively for property owners across the province. “The landlord is only in control before they lease the property out.”

She goes out of her way to train property managers, landlords, realtors and landlord associations about how to avoid a nightmare.

“I’m devastated by what’s happening to landlords on a daily basis in Ontario,” she says with passion. “Landlords are angry. They’re being bankrupted by professional tenants.”

Having given up all other kinds of work to specialize on this recurring theme, she thinks the amount of time she spends litigating on behalf of her clients points to a problem with legislation.

“If I can save one landlord from one bad tenant, my work here – as they say – is done,” she says. “When a landlord gets in trouble, they call me. I’ll clean up the problem.”

While she’s unable to tell the Landlord and Tenant Board of prior offenses by a tenant who’s on the opposing side of the adjudication table, she is frustrated at having to face them repeatedly in litigation on behalf of clients. “I’m all about prevention,” she says, but she’s been running into roadblocks in this quest. In trying to get the word out about problem tenants, she posted a list to give landlords a heads up, but she was ordered by the Law Society of Upper Canada – her governing body – to take it down. “It’s no different than registered sex offenders or dead-beat dads,” she says. “Why should my list be any different? But I took it down – I have to provide for my family. “But the bad guys won a battle today and I’m not happy.”

However, the self-appointed advocate for landlord injustice isn’t giving up the fight. She doesn’t think it’s fair that tenants automatically qualify for legal aid, while landlords are waiting for back rent and paying court costs to get it. She doesn’t think it’s right that tenants pay $45 to file papers against a landlord, while owners are charged $170 for the same thing. “It doesn’t make sense,” she states. “It is the largest and most immediate prejudice for my client.”

She says until the legal playing field is leveled and landlords continue to need assistance, she’s there to help. “I want landlords to know they’re not alone,” she says. “I know they’re thinking things are stacked against them, but I’m not going anywhere.”

For more information, email Stewart at  info@landlordlegal.ca

http://www.landlordlegal.ca/Huronia_Business_Times.pdf

Tenant Screening: The Previous Landlord Reference!

Information posted on one of Canada’s most popular websites:

A: Help!  I’m breaking my lease, but the new landlord needs a reference from my previous landlord! 

B:  In case you havent figured out – most tenants put on a cell number of a friend for the reference, then claim that person was the landlord for either your present place, or a previous place. Same for work reference for tenant applications.  Think about it for a second – most places you rent are private residential properties.   The owners aren’t too thorough!    I trust you know what do, something that is already done by probably 70% of the other applicants!

“A Landlord’s Rights & Obligations in Ontario, 2010”

Property Investment expert Katherine Paliwoda tells all and then some in her newest cutting-edge course.

Anything but green to the real estate industry, Katherine Paliwoda’s seasoned skills make her a “first class” facilitator whose courses leave registrants holding on to every word. She comes highly recommended by The Ontario Landlord Association, and with 27 years behind her, holds a palpable passion to share her savvy.

In her six-hour course titled, A Landlord’s Rights & Obligations in Ontario, 2010, Paliwoda lifts the lid on the do’s and dont’s of purchasing, renting and managing residential rental property in Ontario – undeniable candy for the investing-inquisitive mind.

Looking to protect yourself from issues that are likely to occur when purchasing, selling or renting your property? Let Paliwoda break down the good and the ugly as she walks you through potential scenarios and hands out solutions attained from years in the biz.

If you’re a part-time or full-time real estate investor, someone ready to take the plunge into the world of real estate investing, or a real estate pro hoping to enhance relations with investor clients, Paliwoda’s course was designed with you in mind.

Ready to Sign Up?

Ottawa April 22nd, 2010

Simply visit www.katherinepaliwoda.com

Cost of the course is $95.00.

Looking for the Best Mortgage Out there?

Not all mortgage professionals are created equal.  This is especially true if you are invested in, or want to invest in, rental properties. 

The Ontario Landlord Association recommends you connect with Mr. Kevin Boucher of INVIS.  He has years of successful experience helping landlords across the country.  Here’s Kevin:

“Invis is Canada’s largest mortgage brokerage firm. With offices from coast to coast, our strength and experience allows  us greater leverage in negotiating the best products and rates with over 70 lenders across the country. 

I work hard to provide maximum flexibility in financing options and deliver the most competitive and innovative products and services to suit your individual needs.”

Contact Kevin for all your mortgage needs.  He understands landlords! 

You’ll be amazed at his professionalism and level of knowledge.

Chat with Members of the OLA

Online Meetings of the OLA. 

 See Advice Forum for Scheduled Times.

Support and Build The Ontario Landlord Association

Support and build The Ontario Landlord Association.  If this website and forums have helped you, it’s just the beginning.  Meetings, work-shops, an “advice line”, extra forums and an updated website are on the way. 

The Ontario Landlord Association is an educational organization of small business landlords aiming to educate and help others in the business. 

The OLA is also creating important networks demanding changes in the current Residential Tenancies Act and the creation of a fairer business climate for small business landlords in Ontario.

All donations will go directly into growing The Ontario Landlord Association in a larger group, with greater reach, with greater strength, and with greater impact.

Become a Member of the Ontario Landlord Association!

  • Succeed in your Business!
  • Protect your Business!
  • Discounts from Top Companies!
  • Network with Top Professionals!
  • Become part of a Professional Organization looking out for You!
Become a Member

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.