The New Standard Form of Lease and Condo-specific Additional Terms

This article discusses the implementation of a new standard form of lease for private residential rental units, including condominium units, in Ontario. The form was made mandatory for all new tenancies starting from April 30, 2018. The article emphasizes the importance of using additional terms (Section 15) to address condo-specific considerations, as the interplay between the Condominium Act and the Residential Tenancies Act can lead to confusion. It suggests various essential additional terms for condo rentals, covering topics like condo documents compliance, smoking rules, pet restrictions, locker space, common expenses, liability, tenant insurance, and superintendent's suite lease agreements. The article advises landlords (including condo unit owners and corporations) to seek legal advice when drafting additional terms to ensure clarity and protection for all parties involved.