Tenant Information
The City of Oshawa is committed to ensuring social equity, cultural vitality and accountability to all residents and visitors.
Understanding the significant concerns and issues that may arise in relation to being a tenant, the City of Oshawa strives to fulfill this commitment by providing current information and contacts that may be useful for tenants throughout the City.
The City produces a Tenant Information Guide, which provides some helpful tips and contacts. This guide is intended to provide tenants with some helpful information and agency contacts who can assist in ensuring that renters are being treated fairly under the law and that each rental unit is safe, properly equipped and maintained in compliance with established standards.
In addition to the City's Tenant Information Guide, the Landlord and Tenant Board has developed a “Brochure: Information for New Tenants”. It is mandatory that landlords provide this information to new tenants on or before the date their tenancy begins. This Brochure ensures that new tenants have all the information they need regarding their rights and responsibilities when they enter into a tenancy agreement.
Tenant News
The Province of Ontario is requiring landlords of most private residential rental units – from individual landlords to property management companies – to use the the standard lease template for all new leases starting April 30, 2018. For more information on the new requirement, visit the Province's standard lease webpage or contact the Landlord Tenant Board.
| Renting in Oshawa |
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As a tenant in Ontario, and specifically in the City of Oshawa, you have rights under law that provide you with basic levels of protection. Those laws include: These tools provide you as a tenant with the ability to ensure that you are represented fairly and protected in your particular living situation. |
| Residential Tenancies Act |
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The Ontario Residential Tenancies Act establishes basic "ground rules" for tenants and landlords as it relates to rental rights and obligations. As a tenant, the most common rental issues that you may face that involve the Landlord and Tenant Board include:
The Residential Tenancies Act is the responsibility of the Province of Ontario. Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board for more information at 1-888-332-3234. The Landlord and Tenant Board's “Brochure: Information for New Tenants” provides key information for new tenants. |
| City of Oshawa Standards |
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The City of Oshawa has by-laws which apply to rental properties. These by-laws include provisions which can assist in ensuring that the rental units meet standards of safety and occupancy. The by-laws and services that you should be aware of include:
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| Fire Safety: Working Smoke Alarms |
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Working smoke alarms can save lives. Landlords and homeowners are required by law to have working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and replaced if they are more than 10 years old. In addition to working smoke alarms, individuals should know what to do when the alarms sound, plan escape routes and practice their escape plans. The fine for non-working smoke alarms is up to $50,000 for an individual and/or one-year imprisonment. |
| Steps to resolving Tenant Issues |
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Depending on your issues or concerns you may need to contact:
Before contacting the Board or the City, there are some important steps you need to follow:
Note: Do not submit complaints to the Board or the City until you have followed these steps. If the issue is an emergency, contact the appropriate emergency responders. |
| Valuable Contact Information |
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City of Oshawa - Service Oshawa Durham Region Social Services Durham Region Health Department Oshawa Fire Services Durham Region Police Service Landlord & Tenant Board Durham Community Legal Clinic Legal Aid Ontario Access to Justice Hub |
The contents of this webpage will be updated with additional information and contacts as they become available.