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Under the RTA, the Board’s processes are fairer and more accessible for both tenants and landlords by:

  • Eliminating the default eviction process: Every tenant facing eviction has access to a hearing or mediation. They do not have to file a written dispute to obtain a hearing.
  • Considering a tenant’s circumstances: Before allowing an eviction, the Board must automatically consider a tenant’s special circumstances. For example, if the tenant is in the hospital and cannot pay the rent.
  • Applications for rent arrears and evictions based on rent arrears: For these applications, the Board must consider all issues raised by the tenant (e.g. poor maintenance) and order any available remedies to resolve these issues.
  • Lowering fees: Application fees, including fees for above-guideline increase applications and photocopying services, have been reduced.
  • Distributing an information pamphlet: A pamphlet with information on the responsibilities of landlords and tenants, the role of the Board and contact details must be given to all tenants by landlords when they move in.
  • Providing better notice: The Board sends an information notice about the eviction hearing process to a tenant when an eviction application has been filed. Landlords are still responsible for giving the formal “Notice of Hearing” to their tenants.
  • Allowing payment to avoid eviction: Tenants are allowed to void an eviction order by paying outstanding rent and related landlord costs to the Board up until the Sheriff enforces the eviction. This provision is allowed one time during a tenancy.

    Note: This is in addition to current provisions that a tenant can pay the rent arrears and avoid eviction, in most cases, up until 10 days after the eviction order is issued. There is no limit on the number of times this current provision can be used to avoid eviction  during a tenancy.

  • Creating a repayment schedule: Landlords and tenants can work out their own repayment schedule for outstanding rent. They can to do this without a Board mediator, and have the details of their agreement made official by the Board. If the agreement is broken, a hearing would be scheduled.