Personal Caregiver
A landlord can evict a tenant to allow the landlord’s personal caregiver to move into the unit.
Maximum Penalties
The maximum penalty for an offence under the act has increased to $25,000 for individuals and $100,000 for a corporation.
Rent Geared-to-Income Subsidies
The Board cannot adjudicate rent geared-to-income subsidies or other forms of assistance that are calculated in other legislation (e.g. Social Housing Reform Act).
Extending Exemptions for Social Housing to New Affordable Housing
Social housing units are exempt from certain provisions, such as most rent rules, and subletting/assignment of unit rules. They are covered by other rules such as eviction procedures.
These exemptions for social housing units have been extended to include subsidized units in new affordable rental housing programs. Market units in new affordable housing are not be exempt, and are fully subject to the Residential Tenancies Act.
Definition of Tenant
The definition of tenant is broadened to include the spouse of the tenant, if the tenant dies or if the tenant leaves.
This rule does not apply where the tenant leaves, and the building contains three or fewer apartments and is also the landlord’s home.
Time to Collect Property
The time period for an evicted tenant to collect their property is extended to 72 hours, and the landlord is required to make this property available between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Debiting Bank Accounts
Landlords will are not allowed to require automatic debiting of bank accounts to pay rent.
Vital Services
Between September 1 and June 15, heat is considered a vital service and must be provided at a minimum temperature of 20 degrees Celsius.
Rules for Post-1991 Units
For units built after 1991, a landlord and a tenant can add and discontinue services and adjust rent accordingly (same as for pre-1991 units).