Ontario landlords and tenants will face another round of changes to rental rules next week, including a shorter deadline for tenants to pay missed rent.
The amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act stem from legislation passed through Bills 60 and 97. Beginning Sept. 21, landlords will be able to issue an N4 notice giving monthly or yearly tenants seven days to pay overdue rent, down from 14 days.
If the rent remains unpaid, landlords can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an eviction order.
The changes also establish a definition of “persistent” late payment. A tenant who fails to pay within seven days of the due date at least three times in six months could face further action.
Tenant advocates argue the measures move Ontario in the wrong direction.
The latest changes come as Ontario rents have declined. A recent Rentals.ca and Urbanation report put the average monthly rent for apartments and condos at about $2,248, with a two-bedroom unit averaging roughly $2,457.
(Richard Evans)
