Small Claims

In Ontario, tenants are entitled to a safe and habitable living environment. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) defines “vital services” as those necessary for a rental unit to remain livable. These include heat, hot and cold water, electricity, gas, and fuel, as well as, in certain cases, air conditioning where it is part of… Read More

In Ontario, collection agencies act on behalf of creditors to recover unpaid debts from individuals or businesses. Their authority to collect is derived from either a direct assignment of the debt or a contractual agreement with the creditor. These agencies are governed by the Collection and Debt Settlement Services Act (CDSSA), which outlines how they… Read More

Ontario’s Small Claims Court has long served as the accessible forum for individuals and businesses to resolve civil disputes in a cost-effective and efficient manner. As of October 1, 2025, the monetary jurisdiction of Small Claims Court is expanding to $50,000. This development represents a significant policy change with broad implications for litigants, legal practitioners,… Read More

Demand letters serve as a pivotal instrument in the resolution of civil disputes prior to litigation. Within the context of Ontario law, such letters are not merely administrative correspondence; rather, they are formal communications intended to assert legal rights, request compliance, and, in some cases, avoid the necessity of costly and time-consuming court proceedings. An… Read More

Withholding Rent: When Tenants May and May Not Do So The landlord–tenant relationship in Ontario is governed primarily by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA). While tenants may feel justified in withholding rent when landlords fail to fulfil their obligations, the law provides clear guidance on when rent must be paid and what remedies are… Read More