Lease and Rental Management
Ontario's mandatory standard lease form establishes minimum terms for residential tenancies. Landlords may include additional clauses in the 'Additional Terms' section — as long as they don't violate the Residential Tenancies Act.
Pet clauses: while the RTA prohibits outright pet bans in standard clauses, landlords can include terms about pet conditions — species restrictions, damage responsibility, and maintenance obligations. A 'no pets without written consent' clause is enforceable.
Ontario Tenancy Law
Occupancy limits: the number of permitted occupants can be specified. While the RTA prohibits unreasonable occupancy restrictions, including a clear maximum occupancy consistent with municipal standards is defensible.
Smoking and vaping clauses: landlords can designate the unit as smoke-free and vaping-free. This is a valid additional term enforceable under the RTA.
Protecting Landlord Rights
Insurance requirement: requiring tenants to maintain tenant liability insurance is a legitimate additional term. Requiring proof of insurance before move-in and annually thereafter is practical.
Maintenance responsibility: specify which minor maintenance tasks are the tenant's responsibility — changing light bulbs, replacing smoke alarm batteries, maintaining air filters. Clear language prevents disputes about these items.
Property care standards: additional terms can specify care standards beyond the statutory minimum — snow clearing for a detached home with a private drive, lawn maintenance if included in the tenancy, or appliance care instructions.
Communication method: specifying that official communications must be in writing (email or postal mail) creates the documented record that protects both parties. A clause establishing the communication protocol prevents later disputes about verbal agreements.