Tenants
Understanding Your Tenant Rights with Paragon Paralegal Services
Your home is where you create cherished memories and where you feel most at ease. At Paragon Paralegal Services, we recognize the importance of your home and are dedicated to ensuring that your rights as a tenant in Ontario are protected.
Despite common misconceptions, tenants are not powerless. Paragon Paralegal Services can help you understand and exercise your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act and your lease agreement.
Key Tenant Rights in Ontario
As a tenant in Ontario, you have several important rights designed to ensure a fair and respectful living situation:
- Right to a Safe and Healthy Living Environment: Your landlord is responsible for maintaining your rental unit free from hazards like mold, pests, and lead, ensuring it meets minimum health and safety standards.
- Right to Privacy: Your landlord cannot enter your rental unit without permission, except in specific emergencies.
- Right to Non-Discrimination: You are protected from discrimination in housing.
- Right to Proper Notice: You must be given notice before any rent increase or eviction, and you are entitled to compensation for damages resulting from landlord negligence or misconduct.
Services Offered by Paragon Paralegal Services
Paragon Paralegal Services offers a range of services to assist tenants with their legal issues, including:
Reviewing Lease Agreements
We ensure that your lease agreement is clear, protecting your rights and interests.
Resolving Disputes
If you face disputes with your landlord, such as issues with rent increases, repairs, or harassment, we can help negotiate a resolution or send a formal letter requesting a halt to any infringing behavior.
Fighting Evictions
If your landlord attempts to evict you, we can review the eviction notice, advise you on your legal options, and represent you at the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Recovering Damages
If you've suffered damages due to your landlord’s actions, such as unpaid rent or failure to maintain the property, we can help you seek compensation.
Handling Notices of Termination
Receiving a notice of termination can be distressing. Common reasons include non-payment of rent, lease violations, or the landlord needing to move into the property. The notice must include specific details such as the termination date and reason.
If you receive a notice of termination, it’s crucial to:
- Review it carefully.
- Seek legal advice if you believe the notice is unjustified or unlawful.
Protect Your Rights with Paragon Paralegal Services
If you think your tenant rights have been violated, Paragon Paralegal Services can help. We assist with filing complaints with the Landlord and Tenant Board, defending against termination notices, and more.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation to learn more about your tenant rights and how we can assist you. By representing you before the LTB, we leverage our experience working with both landlords and tenants to effectively address and anticipate any potential weaknesses in the opposing party’s case, ensuring you are well-positioned for success.