I rarely work on leases on behalf of tenants anymore.
It’s not that I’m pro-landlord or anything, although if we got into a discussion about who has it worse, tenants or landlords, I would side with the latter.
It’s that people don’t come to me for representation in their lease search. I also don’t solicit the business the way I would have in 2004.
However, every year, I probably work on twenty leases on behalf of my landlord-clients, for most of whom I’m finding the second, third, or fourth tenant – or beyond.
So is it odd that I would write a blog post entitled, “Beware These Lease Clauses” if I generally work with landlords?
I don’t think so.
I’ve always taken the honest approach on TRB and I believe in transparency, so when I recently found a copy of an extremely lengthy lease agreement that contained over-the-top clauses designed to protect the landlord, I thought it would make for good blog fodder.
Many of the clauses I’m about to show you are unusual. Some, I have never seen before. But all of them are clauses that, if you’re a tenant, you need to sit down and question, as well as decide if you want to sign on the dotted line.
Here’s an example:
THE AGREEMENT TO LEASE IS CONDITIONAL until two (2) business days upon acceptance of this offer, upon the Landlord or his authorized agents to review the rental application, credit worthiness, references of the prospective Tenant(s) as well as having an optional interview with the prospective Tenant(s). Unless the Landlord gives notice in writing delivered to the Tenant personally, or in accordance with any other provisions for the delivery of notice in this Agreement to Lease or any Schedule thereto, in the time provided in this condition, that this condition is fulfilled, this offer shall be null and void, and the deposit shall be returned to the Tenant in full without interest or deduction. This condition is included for the benefit of the Landlord and may be waived at the Landlord’s sole option by notice in writing to the Tenant as aforesaid within the time period stated herein.
It’s not unusual to see a conditional lease, although I don’t work with them on my end.
If you’re a tenant, do you want to tie yourself into a conditional lease? Do you want to give the landlord the “power” at the onset? Do you want to get excited about finding a place, only to learn two days later that you’re not “approved?”
I think the issue I take with the clause above is the “optional interview.”
I have never advised my landlord clients to interview the tenants, since an interview followed by a rejection is just screaming for a discrimination case. I learned this when I represented an Ontario Supreme Court judge and the suggestion of “meeting with the tenants before deciding” was met with a long lecture…
Personally, I don’t advise my landlords to sign conditional leases. I tell them to work with an offer in hand, do their dilligence, and take the time they need – regardless of any “irrevocable” on the offer itself. If the offer expires or the tenant walks away, who cares. There’s always another tenant waiting.
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This clause makes absolutely zero sense and is a non-starter for me:
If the Landlord is unable to give possession of the Leased Premises on the date the Tenant is entitled to have possession in accordance with clause 4 of the Standard Form of Lease, the Landlord shall not be liable for damages arising out of the failure to give possession and shall give possession as soon as they are able to do so. The rent shall abate until the Landlord provides possession of the Rental Unit to the Tenant. The Landlord’s failure to grant possession on the date set out above shall not in any way affect the validity of this Agreement, and the Tenant’s obligations, or in any way be construed to extend the term of the Agreement.
No way.
Unh-uh. Or however that’s spelled…
Do you see what’s going on here?
The landlord is saying that if he or she cannot provide possession on the specified date, that not only does the tenant have to deal with the associated costs on his or her own, but the lease is still valid, and the tenant is expected to move in “as soon as they are able to do so.”
The truth is: if a tenant signed a lease for December 1st, and the landlord didn’t have vacant possession until December 10th, that tenant would and could do whatever he or she wants. The landlord isn’t going to chase the tenant through the Landlord & Tenant Board for the year’s rent and to enforce the contract.
However, we have to assume that the tenant has provided a deposit of first-and-last month’s rent, so the landlord has leverage here.
I would never, ever advise a tenant to sign a lease with this clause.
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Here’s a new one:
It is understood that any payment made by the Tenant(s) to the Landlord will be applied against the Tenant’s account in a manner at the sole discretion of the Landlord, even when specifically identified by the Tenant as “Rent”, and will generally be applied to the oldest outstanding debt, whether that debt is rent, services charges or fees, Court costs, NSF fees, unpaid utilities or damages that the Tenant may be responsible for, or any other monies owing to the Landlord which the Landlord is entitled to collect.
Let’s say that the landlord tells the tenant, “You owe me $500” for reason A, B, or C. Maybe the landlord repaired something in the unit and blamed the tenant, when it was not the tenant’s fault.
The tenant would say, “No way, I don’t owe you for that, it’s not in the lease,” but then when the tenant pays his $2,200 rent the next month, the landlord can tell the tenant, “I’m only applying $1,700 per month to the rent, and I’m applying $500 of your rent payment to the outstanding repair bill.”
Then, the landlord can claim non-payment of rent.
This is sneaky.
I have never included this on behalf of my landlord clients and I don’t know that I would.
But I most certainly would not recommend that a tenant sign this.
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This one feels very corporate, but also like you’re back in Grade School:
Prior to the Tenant(s) vacating the rented premises at termination and prior to all articles being removed from the rented premises, the Tenant(s) shall arrange with the Landlord to have an outgoing unit inspection performed, and they shall complete an “Outgoing Inspection Report” in duplicate, which shall be signed by both parties with the Tenant(s) retaining one copy.
This is all well and good, but what’s the point of the “Inspection” if there are no consequences set out in the clause?
I lived in an apartment building, off-campus, in Hamilton back in 2003. I actually just sat back and reminisced for about ten minutes before coming back to writing this. I may have even pulled out some photos…
…anyways, back then, I had an inspection at the onset of the lease and when I was leaving. It was like I had rented a car From Hertz and somebody from the front desk did a quick check of the car for bumps and scratches.
This clause isn’t problematic, but it’s indicative of who the tenant is leasing from, especially if it’s an individual landlord/investor.
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This one is ridiculous:
A Landlord may enter the rental unit without written notice to show the rental unit to a prospective tenant if:
a) The Landlord and Tenant(s) have agreed that the tenancy will be terminated or one of them has given notice of termination to the other;
b) The Landlord enters the unit between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.; and
c) If before entering, the Landlord informs or makes a reasonable effort to inform the Tenant(s) of their intention to do so.
Without notice!
Why would a tenant sign away his or her rights?
Every tenant has the right two twenty-four hours’ notice. Why sign this away before you’ve even moved in?
Oh, because it’s in the lease, and the landlord won’t lease to you if you don’t sign this.
Do you see who you’re getting into bed with?
I’d love to know what a “reasonable effort” is, according to this landlord…
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Here’s another case of being told to willingly give up rights:
In the event the Tenant(s) is required by law or agrees to vacate the Rented Premises on or before a certain date and the Landlord enters into a Tenancy Agreement with a third party to rent the premises for a term commencing immediately after such date and if the Tenant(s) fails to give the Landlord vacant possession of the Rented Premises on or before such date thereby causing the Landlord to be liable to such third party, the Tenant(s) hereby indemnifies the Landlord for all damages suffered thereby including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, for all legal costs incurred by the Landlord on a solicitor and-client basis and for damages incurred by the incoming tenant in respect of such improper over-holding.
Tenants have ridiculous rights in this province.
One of those rights is to essentially stay in a unit after being evicted by the landlord or even giving notice to the landlord, as the tenant waits for a hearing at the LTB.
This clause requires the tenant to indemnify the landlord for any harm caused by the tenant staying past the vacancy date, which is the tenant’s right.
Again, I don’t like the system we have, and this clause is one that I would highly recommend landlords should use!
But for the tenants, beware of this clause.
Geez, I feel like I’m playing both sides…
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I can’t imagine the problems this clause would cause:
The Tenant(s) agree(s) that if the premises are vacant or abandoned, or if rent at any time remains unpaid despite the presence of a last month’s rent deposit, and the majority of usual furnishings and effects are absent from the premises, then the Landlord may presume that the Tenant has abandoned the Rental Unit the Tenant shall be deemed to have abandoned the premises and the Landlord shall be entitled to, and may immediately enter the premises without notice to the Tenant, and shall have the right to re-rent the premises and the Tenant shall remain fully liable under this Tenancy Agreement until the premises are re-rented. Anything left on the premises may at any time be sold or otherwise disposed of by the Landlord to such person and at such prices as it may see fit, and the net proceeds of any sale, after deducting any costs, shall be applied in reduction of indebtedness of the Tenant to the Landlord. If the Landlord has acted on reasonable grounds and in good faith, neither the Landlord nor its employees or agents shall be liable for damages of any nature resulting to the Tenant or other person or persons for such re-entry, disposition or sale.
So if the tenant is the legal occupant to the unit, but they’ve removed a majority of furnishings, the landlord can deem the unit “abandoned” and lease it to somebody else?
And sell the tenants’ remaining belongings?
Seriously, who thought of this?
What would happen in spy-movies where the protagonist has an apartment in Vienna that he hasn’t been to in four years, but where his fake passports, currency from nine countries, and handgun with a silencer are stored? Just think of the problem this creates for Jason Bourne in every single movie!
Even if the rent is unpaid – which the clause above specifies is an “if/or,” the tenant still has the legal right to the unit until evicted by the Landlord & Tenant Board.
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I have never seen the word “death” in a lease, so this was worth mentioning:
Upon the death of a sole Tenant, this Tenancy Agreement or any renewal thereof shall terminate thirty (30) days after the death of the sole Tenant. In the event that there is more than one Tenant and upon the death of one of them, the tenancy shall be deemed to be amended to include the Remaining Tenant(s) as Tenant(s), along with the Estate of the deceased Tenant for a period of thirty (30) days after the death of the Tenant, after which the tenancy of the Estate only shall be terminated and the Tenancy Agreement and any renewal thereof shall be deemed to be amended in the name of the surviving Tenant(s) only.
I’ll be honest: I have no idea what happens to a lease agreement in the event that a tenant dies, so maybe I have no business discussing this clause.
However, I have also never seen this clause, or any clause dealing with the death of a tenant, included in a lease.
That makes me question who is coming up with all this, and how.
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Also included in the lease was a reference to “RULES,” which were essentially tacked on to the end of the lease via a single clause that stated, “Tenant agrees to observe and comply with the Rules as set out in the attached hereto.”
Here are some of the interesting rules…
The Tenant(s) agree that due to potential damage to walls and the potential transmission of noise through walls, they will not install any flat screen TV or similar device to any wall or partition, but will instead use a suitable stand provided by the manufacturer.
Not in any way unreasonable, however, I have never seen this before.
I have no complaint. I’m just pointing out the attention to detail.
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How about pointing out the obvious?
Like this:
Entrance doors of the apartment shall remain closed except during ingress or egress.
If we really have to include this as a “rule,” I would question why.
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Do you have that friend that always chirps you for opening the windows to your car and turning on the air conditioner as soon as you get inside on a hot summer day?
I hate that guy.
I realize that if I were blasting A/C with the windows open ten minutes from now, it wouldn’t be as cool.
But getting into a 45-degree car, turning on the A/C to get ‘er started, and opening the windows isn’t a faux pas.
The Tenant must observe strict care not to allow their windows and doors leading to the outside to remain open so as to admit rain or snow or as to interfere with the heating or cooling of the building.
I also question why we have to include this:
Nothing shall be thrown by the Tenants, other occupants of the unit or invitees out of the windows, doors or over the balconies or out of the upper levels of the building.
Can you legislate common sense?
If we’re including this as a rule, shouldn’t we outline that the tenant is not permitted to put squirrels down their pants for the purposes of gambling?
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Here’s a “zero romance on Valentine’s Day” rule:
No cooking shall be done in or about any part of the Rental Unit except in the kitchen areas provided therefore. The use of candles is prohibited. No open flame of any nature is allowed in or around the Premises.
No incense.
No candles.
No hot oil massages while listening to Bon Jovi and burning a vanilla candle from Pottery Barn.
No guesses as to who does that, either…
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Here’s a common sense clause that I, unfortunately, have had to include as a standard clause in my leases:
The Landlord shall furnish light bulbs in all of the fixtures and fuses in any panel boxes installed by the Landlord at the time that the Tenant takes possession of the Rental unit, but not thereafter. The replacement of electric light bulbs, fuses and batteries within the rented premises is the responsibility of the Tenant.
If you’ve ever had a tenant say, “I’m not paying rent until you come change the light bulb in the kitchen,” you’ll be happy you included that clause or “rule” in this case.
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Here’s one that combines common sense with micromanaging:
The Tenant is liable for any damage done by water left running either by his willful or negligent conduct or that of persons permitted on the premises by him. For both safety and conservation purposes, water shall not be left running unless it is in actual use in the Rental Unit.
I get it. I do.
But again, have you ever seen a lease agreement where the landlord feels the need to spell out, “Don’t run the water unless you’re using it?”
What about running the tap until it gets hot? Is that allowed?
“For safety,” it says. Uh huh. And “for conservation purposes.”
It’s not that it’s outlandish but I have just never seen anything like this before.
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Does this need to be spelled out in the lease?
The Tenant shall keep the Leased Premises free from vermin, pests and rodents.
I would hate to meet the tenant who would only keep a property free of vermin and rodents because he’s contractually obligated…
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Last, but not least:
The Tenant shall not place or allow to be placed rubbers, shoes, boots, umbrellas, garbage etc. in the hallways of the premises. Bicycles, baby carriages, grocery carts, toys and other objects are not to be brought into or left in common areas inside or outside of the building except as specifically designated by the Landlord, and the entrance, lawns, driveways, halls, corridors, basements and walks shall not be obstructed in any way.
Uh-huh.
Those are rubber boots, right?
Gentlemen from the 1960’s, get your heads on straight, geez.
Who’s bringing a grocery cart into the building? Is it in that kind of area?
But on the flip side, are we strollers? They actually said, “baby carriage,” but that’s a really old term. Reminds me of when they used “rubbers” to describe…..er…..yeah…
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Phew!
I hope you got through all that and didn’t skim!
If you’re a tenant, you’re welcome.
If you’re a landlord, don’t be mad at me like I’m a magician revealing the secrets that our magician’s code goes against.
I still do believe that the rights tenants enjoy in the Province of Ontario are so incredibly over-the-top that it risks bringing down the entire system, but I was so bewildered by these twelve pages of lease clauses that I wanted to share.
Have a great weekend, everybody!
Dusty
at 8:38 am
If you sign a lease promising to keep the premises free from vermin, pest and rodents, does that mean you’re financially responsible for any needed pest control services if critters appear? It seems to imply that but that hardly seems fair, especially if it’s a multi-unit dwelling.
GinaTO
at 10:30 am
I hate to say that I once lived in a building where there were shopping carts in the hallways… so, yeah. Although they came in handy when moving ;).
I don’t mind the clause about not throwing stuff from the balconies – not sure how enforceable it is, and if it can be a cause of eviction if broken, but darn, people are dumb – I would never buy a condo with a terrace solely because of this. Fires have been started on patio furniture because of cigarette butts thrown from balconies. One of my friends found a whole cooked chicken on her terrace one day!!
Ed
at 12:04 pm
A bird in hand is worth two in the bush
Landlord
at 8:27 am
All these clauses have been created due to ugly experiences, I can assure you. Unfortunately, Ontario do not protect landlords in any way. It is sad because landlords not always are large corporations. I am a single mother of 2 and my savings are in 2 apartments and I completely depend on the good disposition of my tenants. One of them is not planning to go anywhere and the interest rates are eating me. They are in monthly contract now and I would lose the place if they simply decided to not pay one month.
Sim
at 9:44 am
Exactly! I just learnt the hard way that I need to put in a clause that the landlord makes no representations about the availability of the condo buildings amenities and that possible tenants must view all amenities and ensure their availability and suitability before entering the lease. That the rent amount is only in respect of the condo unit and in no way relates to the availability of the amenities. Should an amenity be under maintenance temporarily or long term prior to the lease being signed or after that the tenant will hold harmless the landlord for same. Or something to that affect. Apparently not disclosing that the pool is under temporary maintenance could be a cause for the tenant to seek rent abatement…even if they did not view the pool to know it was under maintenance and did not make inquiries with the landlord or property management prior to signing the lease. Ugh!
Tanya
at 11:15 pm
As a broker, you should know that 24 hours notice is not required when showing after notice has been provided to vacate. The part that you quoted is taken directly from the LTB, so unless you’d like to change/ challenge the law you should not spread wrong information. https://tribunalsontario.ca/documents/ltb/Interpretation%20Guidelines/19%20-%20The%20Landlords%20Right%20of%20Entry%20into%20a%20Rental%20Unit.html#:~:text=if%20the%20landlord%20and%20the,effort%20to%20inform%20the%20tenant
A Landlord may enter the rental unit without written notice to show the rental unit to a prospective tenant if:
a) The Landlord and Tenant(s) have agreed that the tenancy will be terminated or one of them has given notice of termination to the other;
b) The Landlord enters the unit between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.; and
c) If before entering, the Landlord informs or makes a reasonable effort to inform the Tenant(s) of their intention to do so.
Boby
at 2:39 pm
ADDITIONAL AMENDMENT TO HOUSE LEASE AGREEMENT
1. This Offer to Lease is conditional upon the Landlord satisfying himself concerning the personal and/or credit worthiness of the Tenant. The Tenant hereby consents to having the Landlord conduct or cause to be conducted a personal and/or credit investigation in respect to the Tenant. Unless the Landlord gives notice in writing delivered to the Tenant personally or in accordance with any other provisions for the delivery of notice in this Agreement to Lease or any Schedule thereto not later than 5p.m. on the Third (3) business day after acceptance of this Offer, that this condition is fulfilled, this Offer shall be null and void and the deposit shall be returned to the Tenant in full without deduction. This condition is included for the benefit of the Landlord and may be waived at the Landlord’s sole option by notice in writing to the Tenant as aforesaid within the time period stated herein.
2.Tenant liability insurance:
– Tenant’s agrees to buy proper liability insurance policy effective starting from one day prior to the commencement of this Lease and expire one day after the expiration date of this lease.
– If the Landlord asks for proof of coverage, the Tenant must provide it.
– Tenants are required to obtain and maintain tenant insurance for personal protection, coverage of personal belongings, and accidental damage to the Landlord’s property.
– Tenant get the right insurance; if a Tenant falls on the staircase, slips, or falls to them or any of their guests.
– Be aware that tenants are not protected under their landlord’s policy.
3. Tenant Liability:
The Landlord shall not be liable or responsible for any personal injury sustained by the Tenants, guests, or any other persons present on the premises. The landlord is not responsible for any loss, damage, or injury to personal property belonging to the tenants, their guests, or any other individuals.
4. Property Damage or Vandalize:
– Tenants are responsible for any damage or vandalize to the property caused by themselves, their guests, or other occupants of the unit. This includes damage or vandalize due to negligence or intentional actions.
– Major modifications to the unit, such as painting or structural changes, require prior written consent from the landlord.
5. Key deposit:
– Tenant agrees to pay $200 for key deposit before the Lease commencing date which includes: one unit key,
one mail box key, one building fob.
6. Heating and Cooling:
– Presently HVAC facility available in house.
– Tenant won’t have access to the thermostat.
– Unit meet the RTA standard for minimum temperature. (or at least above the minimum temperature dictated by local laws)
– Heat to a minimum air temperature of 21 degrees Celsius from 15th September to 31st May according to City bylaws.
– Air-conditioning is provided, it must be operated between June 2 to September 14 to maintain a maximum temperature of no more than 26°C
– If you find the temperature too cold in your unit even if it is at the legal minimum, you may have to resort to wearing warmer clothes at unit.
– Portable electric heaters, space heater/ oil heater or any types of heater are not allowed in premises. Unfortunately, this is causing the electrical breaker to trip, or overloaded and concerned that wiring could be at risk of damage or causing a fire.
7. Utilities Responsibilities:
– This is two-dwelling unit houses, one is an upper dwelling unit and second is a legal basement unit, both unit has common utilities (No separate utilities meter) means share a utilities. So all tenants pays an equal share of the total utility bill, regardless of individual usage.
– Tenants are responsible for paying all utilities bills.
– Utilities means; water and sewer, stormwater, electricity, fuel (e.g. natural gas), Heat pump, internet, and cold and hot water tank.
Note: Additional charge for utilities (some special case)
Houses with more than one unit, it is common problems with temperature – the upper floors can be too warm and the lower floors can be too cold. The tenant must ask the landlord for permission to install a ADDITIONAL portable air-conditioner/space heater in the ROOM. When landlord agrees to allow the tenant to install portable an air conditioner/space heater in room. Tenant agree to pay extra fee for additional portable an air conditioner/space heater for the months that you would use it. It would be charge reasonable amount $50 per month for electricity use per air-conditioner/space heater. collected amount deposit in electricity billing account. The Landlord reserves the right to canceled based on a valid reason.
8.Willingly or careless action:
– Tenant will be responsible to all repairs or replacement for any damage or broken-down of appliances due to his willingly or careless action.
– Appliances Provided: electrical stove, microwave, two refrigerators, range
hood, washer/dryer, dining table and chairs, sofa, and shelving unit.
9. Maintenance Responsibilities:
– Tenants agree for performing regular property maintenance, including, shoveling snow from walkways within property limits. mowing the lawn at least once a month. If maintenance is not performed as agreed, the Landlord reserves the right to revoke the discount and charge the full rent amount.
10. Parking Regulations:
– Car parking is provided/not provided as per the lease agreement and assigned tenant provide copy of car registration.
– Tenant never parked the vehicle unassigned spot. if you park unassigned sport its risk the possibility of it being towed, including legal action for their behaviour.
– No Parking on grass, tenants, tenant’s their guests, or any other individuals are not permitted to park vehicles on grassy areas. Violating municipal laws, especially those related to parking, can lead to hefty fines/ or car being towed by city officer.
– If a tenant’s vehicle receives an illegal parking ticket, the tenant is responsible for the fine.
– Currently, 365 days a year, between the hours of 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. overnight parking is prohibited on any CURBED street in Belleville City.
– Guest parking is not available.
– Bicycles are not to be stored indoors.
11. Maintenance and Inspection:
– The unit is leased “as is.”
– Tenants may not change locks or alter the unit without written consent.
– The Landlord may conduct periodic inspections.
12. Noise Restrictions:
– Tenants agree to the following responsibilities to minimize noise and other disturbances during our tenancy. Make sure you’re not disturbing each other when people are sleeping (either at night or in the morning)
– Tenants must adhere to municipal noise bylaws and maintain reasonable noise levels. Loud music and disruptive parties are not permitted. Repeated noise complaints may result in legal action, including termination of the lease.
13. Smoking and Drug Use:
– It is a non-smoking property.
– Tenant represents and warrants that no smoking and drug’s shall be allowed in the leased premises.
– Smoking (including vaping and cannabis) is strictly prohibited.
– The use or possession of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited on the property.
– Tenants are also prohibited from growing cannabis plants inside or around the premises.
– Any smoke-related damage will be the financial responsibility of the Tenants.
14. Lease Termination and Notice to Vacate:
– The tenancy should end according to the lease. Always give proper notice to the landlord in writing.
– Tenants on a 12 months or month-to-month lease must provide 60 days’ written notice before vacating.
The final day of tenancy must align with the last day of the rental period.
– If you fail to give the proper number of days’ notice, you may have to pay for additional months.
15. Subletting and Occupancy:
– If you have to move from your residence before the lease expires, you are still responsible for paying rent each month until the end of the agreement.
– A sublet is a legal arrangement between you and another tenant who becomes a sublessee — a person who will move in, continue paying rent, and respect the requirements of the rental agreement between you and the landlord. You are still responsible for the sublessee’s actions however, including damages and non-payment of rent, so it is important to only sublet to someone you trust.
– Keep in mind that a landlord may refuse to allow the lease assignment and/or refuse to approve a particular assignee suggested by the tenant.
– Subletting or assigning the rental unit is only permitted with the Landlord’s prior written consent. The number of occupants must comply with local occupancy standards.
16. Short-Term Rentals:
Tenants are prohibited from listing the rental unit or any part of it for short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb) without the Landlord’s explicit written consent.
17. Overcrowding:
The Landlord reserves the right to initiate eviction proceedings if the rental unit is found to be overcrowded beyond legal occupancy limits.
18. Extended Absence Notification:
If Tenants plan to be absent from the unit for 30 consecutive days or more, they must inform the Landlord. The Landlord has the right to enter the premises for maintenance and inspection during such absences.
19. Laundry Facilities Usage:
– Laundry facilities are for Residents’ use only.
– Avoid using the dryer if you are leaving the house.
– The Landlord is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged articles.
– Tenants must NOT overload the washer/dryer and must clean the lint filter after each use.
– No sitting on washers or dryers.
– Tenants must keep the laundry area clean and tidy.
– Laundry is permitted during the following hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
20. Pets Policy:
No pets are allowed on the premises.
21. Pest Control / Bed Bugs:
– Tenants are responsible for pest control costs if bedbugs or other infestations occur due to their negligence.
– Avoiding Bed Bugs With Secondhand Furniture / mattress
Use Common Sense: Bed bugs can hide in narrow cracks and seams. They’re tough to spot and even tougher to get rid of once you bring them home.
– Avoid taking used furniture from dumps or furniture left at the side of the road. NEVER take a discarded mattress or box spring into your home.
22. Prohibited Activities:
– There shall be no illegal or commercial activity in or around of the property by the Tenant or his affiliate.
23. Mail and Postal Services:
– Tenants share a mailbox with basement unit.
– Mail is delivered on weekdays.
– The mailbox key is part of the tenant key set.
24. Maintenance and Inspection:
– The unit is leased “as is.”
– Tenants may not change locks or alter the unit without written consent.
– The Landlord may conduct periodic inspections.
25. Tenant Responsibilities:
– Pay rent on time.
– Rent Payment method via interac.
– Tenants must maintain cleanliness in the unit. Failure to do so constitutes a lease violation.
– The tenant cannot change the locks without the consent of the landlord. However, if the tenant does change the locks, he/she must provide the replacement keys immediately to the landlord.
– Not harass, obstruct, coerce, threaten or interfere with the landlord.
– Report any required repairs promptly.
– Allow the Landlord entry with proper notice for repairs or showings.
– Refrain from harassing or obstructing the Landlord.
26. Garbage and Recycling/Responsibilities:
– Tenants are responsible for proper garbage and recycling disposal. Trash must not be left in common areas, stairwells, hallways, or entryways.
– Keep your kitchen bin clean; regularly wash it and avoid stinky smells in your bin.
– Each trash bag must be accompanied by a designated garbage tag. Currently, garbage bag tags are priced at $3.00 each.
– Put your waste collection schedule and special collection dates.
– Your bags should be tightly sealed and not weigh more than 50 pounds
– Curbside collection rules: Set your items to the curb by 7:00 am
– Do your part to prevent littering – don’t put out your waste in heavy winds and pick up any litter that blows away or is knocked over.
27. Prevent Overflowing toilet or sewage backup and related water damage / Responsibilities:
– In your bathroom sink and tub, clean drain stoppers on a regular basis.
– Hair, soap scum and other gunk can collect on the stoppers and slow down the drainage or cause completely clogged drains.
– Never flush any paper products other than toilet paper down the toilet. Excess paper can clog the toilet and/or the whole sewer system.
28. Prevent clogs and plumbing/Responsibilities:
– Avoid pouring food scraps, eggshells, grease, cooking oil, coffee grounds, and starchy foods down the kitchen sink drain. things that increase your chances of a clogged kitchen sink.
29. No late-night cooking/Responsibilities:
– Cooking makes noises and aromas that affect everyone in the household.
– Cooking while tired significantly increases the risk of kitchen fires because fatigue impairs focus and reaction time, potentially leading to forgetting to turn off the stove or oven, or overlooking potential hazards.
– plan meals in advance, prepare ingredients ahead of time.
30. Prevent kitchen platform/Responsibilities:
– To protect kitchen platform (countertop), avoid placing hot pots, pans, or dishes directly on it and instead use trivets or hot pads. This prevents heat damage, discoloration, or potential damage to the countertop material.
– You should avoid using a stone mortar and pestle on the Platform Kitchen’s surface because the stone’s rough texture and potential for chipping could damage the surface.
31. Prevent dispose cooking oil/Responsibilities:
– Dangers of deep frying. Deep frying food is a common cause of home cooking fires. These fires can start when cooking oil has been kept at a very high temperature for a long period of time.
– To properly dispose of used cooking oil after frying, “never pour it down the drain”.
– Seal the container tightly and dispose of it in your regular trash or Alternatively, you can take to your nearest recycling centre.
32. Prevent Kitchen Fire/Responsibilities:
– Don’t leave cooking appliances unattended while in use.
– Always stay in the kitchen while you are cooking.
– Check that appliances do not have grease build-up.
– Cook at low heat where possible.
– If a fire alarm sounds while you’re cooking, immediately turn off the burner and, if possible, cover the pan with a lid to smother any flames.
– Don’t put anything metal in the microwave.
– Never put metal implements (such as a knife) in a toaster if it is still connected to the electricity supply.
– Drink responsibly when cooking.
– Keep anything that can catch fire (like oven mitts or towels) away from the stove.
– Keep kitchen workspace clean to prevent fire hazards.
33. Limiting Stove And Oven Use/Responsibilities:
– It is unsafe and inadvisable to use a stove or oven as a heat source, as these appliances are designed for cooking and not for heating a space, posing risks like carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards.
34. Prevent Electrical/Responsibilities:
– To ensure safety, always choose electrical products that are certified and approved by recognized agencies like CSA/cUL, or cETL, which indicate they meet Canadian national safety standards.
– Don’t tampering with electrical wiring or circuits.
– Don’t use frayed cords, can expose wires, resulting in potential shock and fire hazards.
– Don’t use extension cords as permanent power connections.
– Don’t overload circuits by plugging in too many electrical products into one outlet.
– If you think any electrical equipment in your residence is faulty, or if it stops working, switch it off straight away and don’t attempt to fix it.
– Don’t handle plugs, switches or any electric appliance with wet hands. Switch off and unplug all appliances before cleaning and make sure they are dry before use.
-Turn off your mobile phone charger when you’re not using it, especially when you’re out of your room, as it can overheat and cause a fire.
-Report electrical issues to the Landlord immediately.
35. Fire Equipment provided or installing:
– Smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm each Room, hall, laundry and common area (Every unit)
– Smoke duck detector (Installed in furnace, duck side)
– Automatic Fire extinguisher install in the kitchen (Every unit)
– Fire extinguishers be wall mounted (Every unit)
– Fire Blanket (Every unit)
– Fire Sprinkler (Installed in basement)
36. Fire Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms / Detection Responsibilities:
– Make sure have a working smoke alarm on every level of your Unit and outside all sleeping areas.
– Test your smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button and listening for the alarm.
– DO NOT tamper, cover, remove or damage Fire Alarm System Detectors or Sprinkler Heads.
– A disconnected smoke detector or one stuffed with a plastic bag is worthless, if there is a fire. These detectors are there to save your life when you least expect it. Removing or tampering with detectors will get you in trouble.
– One distraction—no matter how big or small—could cause a life-threatening injury or fatality.
– The Fire Code specifies that “no person shall disable a smoke alarm.” A tenant or any other person who disables a smoke alarm is guilty of a PROVINCIAL OFFENCE and may be subject to a fine of up to $50,000 (first offence) and $100,000 (subsequent offence) for an individual/or 1 year in jail for an individual.
– Report issues to the Landlord immediately regard, low battery signal is activated (on battery-operated smoke alarms only) and
any electrical problems that may affect the operability of electrically wired smoke alarms.
– Do not disable the smoke alarm without permission from a fire officer.
– Tenant gets a copy of the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.
– The same is true for carbon monoxide alarms.
37. Fire Prevention Responsibilities:
– Tenants are responsible for reducing the risk of fires starting and to help ensure a safe escape.
– All hallways and any access to an exit must be clutter and garbage free and unobstructed at all times.
– Furnace filters should be clean and changed regularly.
– Keep smoke alarms in good working condition and vacuum them regularly.
– Keep CO alarms in good working condition and vacuum them regularly.
– Keep your home generally clean and tidy.
– Avoid storage in furnace rooms, and away from furnaces and water heaters.
– Keep dryer vents free of lint and check the dryer duct at least every 6 months for lint accumulations inside the duct.
– Ensure that exit doors open easily without the use of a key.
– Never store flammable liquids or propane tanks inside of a building.
38. Fire Escape Responsibilities:
– Discuss the escape plan with everyone at home.
– Everyone know how to use fire extinguishers for fires and when to evacuate the area.
– Fire safety plans that everyone must follow in case of emergencies.
– Establish and communicate evacuation routes to all occupants.
– Designate a meeting point outside the building.
39.Video surveillance consent:
– Cameras in/out and around the rental unit, because of a rash of break-ins in the area to provide security.
– It is not hidden camera, and audio isn’t being recorded, every camera under note Video surveillance and it is automatically overwrite old recordings.
– Installed cameras in common areas such as the front building main entrance, stairways of an building, side entrance, parking lot, Front yard, backyard and side yard could be a reasonable and prudent thing to do for a landlord who is tasked with ensuring tenant safety.
40. Tenant Credit consent:
The Tenant hereby consents to the Landlord or their agent disclosing personally identifying information about the Tenant and information about their tenancy, including but not limited to the amount and timing of rent payments, good behaviour, problematic behaviour, any debt outstanding, and reviews of the Landlord’s experience regarding the Tenant, to Equifax, TransUnion, Landlord Credit Bureau and other reporting agencies, which may then be used in a Tenant record, credit report and credit score for the Tenant and shared with other Landlords and credit grantors.
– Landlord can conduct Tenant Screening via (SingleKey, RentCheck or FrontLobby)
– Landlord can Rent Reporting to Credit Bureaus, if tenant, tenant’s stop paying rent, utility, any damage occur or breaches of the agreement.
41. Complain urgent and non-urgent:
– Respond to all non-urgent service requests within seven days.
– Respond to all urgent service requests within 24 hours.
– Urgent requests can include electricity, gas, heat, cold or hot water issues, Broken pipe(s) are flooding the premises, sewage system is backing up into the premises, A short circuit in the wiring is creating a risk of fire and/or electrocution, A defective lock lets anyone enter the unit without a key.
– Unresolved issues will be discussed in the following manner.
42.Tenant agrees that no actions, claims, rent abatement, liens, charges or application against the Landlord due to any inconvenience or failure of any mechanical, electrical or water system arising which may have been or may hereafter be sustained in connection with the building or leased property beyond Landlord’s control.
43. The Landlord reserves the right to show the unit to prospective tenants with reasonable prior notice. Tenant agrees to allow the Landlord or his authorized agent enter the unit for inspection or showing purpose with advanced notice by phone/email, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., if a notice of termination has been given by either the landlord or tenant, or there is an agreement to terminate the tenancy, and the landlord wants to show the unit to potential new tenant/buyer.
44. Tenant shall have the premises cleaned at end of lease term at his own cost.
45. Record property condition:
Beginning and at the end of lease, Landlord and Tenant keep record of photos or video of property. so both award about existing damage and new damage occur.
By signing below, the Tenants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to abide by these additional lease terms.