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The provincial government is looking at some making changes to the Landlord and Tenants Act.
Housing Minister Steve Clark says it includes a clarification on tenants’ rights to install air conditioning units.
“Whether it’s heating in the winter or cooling in the summer, tenants should be comfortable in their homes all year round. We’ve heard renters’ concerns about unbearable temperatures on hot summer days,” says Clark.
Clark says it responds to a report from the Ontario Human Rights Commission, which urged the government last year to implement a realistic solution to protect rents against unsafe temperatures.
The proposed legislation would allow tenants to install a window or portable air conditioner.
It would have to be installed safely and securely without causing damage to the apartment or building.
Tenants would also be required to provide written notice before installing and provide their landlord information about the unit’s energy efficiency and anticipated use.
Another proposed change would protect tenants who are told to leave their apartment or rental home because of renovations.
Clark says landlords would be required to provide a report from a qualified person stating that the unit must be vacant to perform the work.
Landlords would also need to provide written updates on the status of renovations and when the tenant would be allowed to return.
“Tenants would also have a 60-day grace period to move back in after the renovations are complete. Landlords must, of course, give these tenants the opportunity to move back in at the same rent they were paying before the renovation.”
Clark says if disputes arise, tenants will have up to two years or six months after the renovations are complete to file a complaint to the Landlord and Tenant Board for a remedy.
The province is also proposing to double the maximum fines for offences under the Residential Tenancies Act to $100,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations.
“These maximum fines are the highest in Canada for Residential Tenancy offences and send a clear message that the rules must be followed.”
The province is also increasing staff at the Landlord Tenant and Board by appointing 40 new adjudicators and hiring five additional staff.
It is to reduce the time it takes for decisions before the board to be rendered.