Lease and Rental Management
Since 2018, Ontario landlords must use the Standard Form of Lease for most residential tenancies. The standard form covers the basics required by the RTA, but landlords may add an addendum with additional terms that don't contradict the RTA or other legislation.
Pet clauses are among the most common addendum provisions. Ontario landlords cannot absolutely prohibit pets — the RTA prevents enforcement of no-pet clauses. However, you can specify reasonable rules: pets must be registered with management, damage above normal wear and tear is the tenant's responsibility, and specific breeds may be restricted for insurance compliance.
Ontario Tenancy Law
Smoking prohibition clauses are enforceable in Ontario. Unlike pets, you can prohibit smoking (including marijuana smoking) in the rental unit and on the property. This clause must be in the lease agreement — it cannot be added mid-tenancy without the tenant's agreement.
Parking and storage allocation should be specified clearly. Which parking space is assigned? Is storage included? What are the rules for additional vehicles or storage? Vague parking arrangements are a common source of tenant disputes. Clear, specific allocation in the lease prevents these conflicts.
Protecting Landlord Rights
Maintenance responsibility allocation (beyond RTA minimums) can be specified in the addendum. Some landlords require tenants to maintain gardens, change furnace filters, or test smoke alarms and replace batteries. These clauses are generally enforceable if reasonable. The landlord always retains ultimate maintenance responsibility for habitability.
D&D Property Management uses a comprehensive lease addendum developed with Ontario landlord-tenant experience, covering common scenarios that the Standard Lease doesn't address in sufficient detail. Our lease package protects our clients' interests within the boundaries of what the RTA permits.