Small Claims

In Ontario, consumers and businesses frequently engage contractors, tradespeople, or service providers for renovation, construction, or professional work. When the result falls below reasonable expectations or contractual terms, it may constitute defective workmanship. This term refers to work that is incomplete, careless, or fails to meet the skill and diligence expected of a competent professional… Read More

Filing a claim in Ontario’s Small Claims Court requires strict adherence to procedural and statutory deadlines. These deadlines determine not only when a claim must be initiated but also how long a party has to respond, serve documents, or take enforcement action after a judgment. Missing a filing deadline can result in a dismissal, loss… Read More

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