Understanding Your Responsibilities as a Landlord

Being a landlord comes with clear responsibilities that go beyond simply renting out a property. At its core, you must ensure your rental unit remains safe, clean, and functional for your tenants. This means maintaining structural integrity, keeping plumbing and electrical systems in working order, and addressing any hazards or damage in a timely manner.

You are also responsible for providing essential services such as heat, electricity, water, and gas when agreed upon. In Ontario, heat must be maintained at a minimum of 20 degrees Celsius from September first to June fifteenth. You must continue providing these services even if a tenant falls behind on rent, and you are prohibited from interrupting them unless it is necessary for urgent repairs.

Respecting tenant privacy is vital. You must provide written notice, at least 24 hours in advance, before entering the rental unit except in emergencies. Entry should occur within reasonable hours, usually between eight in the morning and eight in the evening. Avoid interfering with your tenant’s reasonable enjoyment of their home, which includes not causing excessive noise, harassment, or unapproved entry.

Landlords must not discriminate against current or prospective tenants based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, gender, disability, or family status. These protections are enforced by the Ontario Human Rights Code and cannot be overridden by any clause in a lease agreement. You are also obligated to manage rent deposits according to provincial rules, charging no more than one month’s rent and paying interest at prescribed rates.

Safe living conditions are non negotiable. You must comply with health and safety standards, which include maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, ensuring fire exits are clear, preventing tripping hazards, and providing adequate lighting and security in common areas.

Finally, a reliable landlord keeps accurate records of all tenancy documentation from lease agreements and rent receipts to maintenance requests and repair timelines. Staying informed about changes to landlord and tenant laws, such as rent increase guidelines and legal obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act, helps you manage your property responsibly and confidently.