To evict a tenant in Ontario, the cost can range between $175 and $2500. Eviction costs largely depend on the complexity of the case and the need for court involvement.
The total cost involves expenses such as court filing fees, legal representation, and sheriff or bailiff fees. Evicting a tenant is never an easy task and can be a costly process in Ontario, Canada.
Landlords cannot simply force tenants out of their rental properties; instead, they must follow a legal process outlined by the residential tenancies act.
Understanding The Eviction Process In Ontario
Evicting a tenant is not a straightforward process in Ontario. Several steps have to be followed before a landlord can legally remove their tenant from a rental property.
As a landlord, understanding the eviction process is crucial to enable you to evict a tenant without any legal repercussions.
Steps Involved In Evicting A Tenant
The process of evicting a tenant in Ontario involves several steps. These include:
Issuing a notice of termination
A landlord must give their tenant notice of the reason for eviction. If the tenant fails to address the issue, the landlord can initiate eviction proceedings.
Filing an application
A landlord must file an application with the landlord and tenant board to start eviction proceedings.
Attending a hearing
Both the landlord and tenant are required to attend a hearing where the board will decide whether the eviction is lawful.
Issuing an eviction order
If the landlord and tenant board approves the eviction, the landlord can get an eviction order.
Legal Requirements For Evicting A Tenant In Ontario
Evicting a tenant in Ontario comes with several legal requirements that landlords must adhere to. These legal requirements include:
Serving proper notice
Landlords must issue proper notice to their tenants indicating the reason for eviction, the date of termination, and the tenant’s options.
Following the legal eviction process
Landlords must follow the eviction process laid out in Ontario law to avoid any legal consequences.
Proving a just cause
A landlord must be able to show just cause for evicting their tenant, whether it be for failure to pay rent, damage to the property, or disturbing other tenants.
Providing adequate notice
A landlord must provide sufficient notice to the tenant before they can terminate the tenancy. The notice’s period depends on the reason for the eviction.
Costs Involved In Evicting A Tenant In Ontario
Evicting a tenant can be a complex and expensive process. Understanding the costs associated with eviction can help landlords prepare and budget accordingly.
Here are some of the costs involved when evicting a tenant in Ontario.
Application Filing Fees
When initiating the eviction process, landlords must file an application with the landlord and tenant board (LTB).
The cost of filing an application can vary depending on the number of units in the rental property. As of 2021, the filing fee for a landlord with one unit is $170 cad.
Sheriff Fees
Once the eviction order is granted by the LTB, the landlord must provide it to the sheriff’s office to enforce the order and remove the tenant.
The sheriff’s office charges a fee for their services, which includes posting the eviction notice and physically removing the tenant if necessary.
The sheriff’s fee in Ontario is $325 cad for a single eviction.
Costs Related To Hiring A Lawyer
Landlords may choose to hire a lawyer to assist them with the eviction process.
The cost of legal representation can vary depending on the complexity of the case, with hourly rates ranging from $250 to $500 cad.
It’s important to note that legal fees can quickly add up and should be factored into the overall cost of the eviction process.
Costs Related To Hiring A Paralegal
Paralegals are licensed legal professionals who can provide legal services at a lower cost than lawyers.
Landlords may choose to hire a paralegal to assist them with completing the necessary paperwork and representation at LTB hearings.
The cost of hiring a paralegal can vary, but fees generally range from $75 to $250 cad per hour.
Expenses Related To Repairing Or Cleaning The Rental Unit After The Eviction
Once the tenant has been evicted, the landlord may need to repair or clean the rental unit before it can be re-rented.
This can include cleaning carpets, repainting walls, and repairing any damage caused by the tenant.
The cost of repairs and cleaning can vary depending on the extent of damage and necessary repairs.
Evicting a tenant in Ontario can be a costly process involving several fees and expenses.
Landlords should consider all the costs involved to ensure they have adequate funds to successfully complete the eviction process.
Frequently Asked Questions Of How Much Does It Cost To Evict A Tenant In Ontario
How Much Does It Cost To File An Eviction Notice In Ontario?
The fee for filing an eviction notice in Ontario is $190.
Can A Landlord Evict A Tenant In Ontario For Any Reason?
No, a landlord can only evict a tenant for specific reasons outlined in the residential tenancies act, of 2006.
How Long Does It Take To Evict A Tenant In Ontario?
The eviction process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the circumstances.
Can A Landlord Evict A Tenant Without A Court Order In Ontario?
No, a landlord must obtain a court order to legally evict a tenant in Ontario.
Conclusion
Ejecting a tenant in Ontario isn’t just a legal procedure—it’s also a financial commitment.
As you navigate these waters, remember the ballpark cost hovers between $1000 to $3000, reflecting court costs, legal fees, and lost rent.
Smart preparation can help you, the landlord, avoid undue financial stress.
Reference
http://www.ontario.ca/page/renting-ontario-your-rights