If you've faced an eviction in Ontario, you may worry about finding your next rental or improving your housing prospects. While eviction can seem like a setback, there are practical steps you can take to rebuild your rental history, enhance your appeal to future landlords, and make your next rental experience a positive one under Ontario law.
Understanding the Impact of an Eviction in Ontario
An eviction, whether for missed rent, lease violations, or other reasons, is recorded with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), Ontario's official housing tribunal. Eviction records might be visible on tenant screening reports or credit checks, affecting your ability to rent again. The process is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 20061.
First Steps After Eviction
After an eviction, review any decisions or orders from the LTB and keep copies for your records. If the eviction involved unpaid rent, work towards settling the debt or negotiating payment with your former landlord, as outstanding amounts can impact your credit rating and future applications.
Official Forms & Tenant Actions
- Payment Plan Agreements: If you owe money after an eviction, agree on a written payment plan with your previous landlord, helping demonstrate responsibility to future landlords.
- Landlord and Tenant Board Decisions: Always keep a copy of your order or decision, as evidence for future reference. You can access your decision through the LTB if misplaced.
Steps to Rebuild Your Rental History
Rebuilding your rental reputation in Ontario takes time and persistence, but it's possible. Consider these approaches:
- Seek References: Request written references from past landlords (excluding the most recent if circumstances were negative) or from employers, social service agencies, or roommates.
- Address Credit Issues: Settle any outstanding rent-related debts. Once paid, request documentation confirming your account is settled.
- Be Transparent: Consider addressing your eviction upfront in your rental applications, clarifying the circumstances and steps you've taken since.
- Start with Private Landlords: Small-scale or independent landlords may use more flexible screening standards than large property management companies.
- Build New Positive History: Even short-term or sublet arrangements, where you pay rent reliably, can help you rebuild your record.
Finding Your Next Home
Looking for a new rental after eviction can be challenging, but numerous options and supports are available. You can Browse apartments for rent in Canada, filtering by city, price, and amenities to locate housing that fits your needs and budget. Starting fresh in a new community or smaller city is sometimes easier, as competition and screening may be less rigorous.
Tips for a Successful Next Tenancy
- Understand your new rental agreement, including all terms, responsibilities, and conditions.
- Clarify the landlord's policies around deposits, maintenance requests, and notice periods. Read Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for insights on deposits and how they work in Ontario.
- Document your rental experience by keeping receipts, emails, and records.
- Be punctual with rent—landlords value strong payment records. See Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips for best practices.
Taking proactive steps at the beginning of your new tenancy can help restore landlord confidence and re-establish your reliability as a tenant.
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
Ontario tenants have protections under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. Learn more about Tenant Rights in Ontario, including what landlords can and cannot do, your responsibilities, and where to get help if issues arise.
FAQ: Rebuilding Rental History After Eviction
- How long does an eviction stay on my record in Ontario? Evictions ordered by the LTB generally remain accessible to landlords for several years, especially via tenant screening agencies. There is no fixed 'expiry,' so rebuilding positive rental history is important.
- Can I rent again in Ontario after being evicted? Yes, although it may be more difficult. Using references, explaining circumstances, and showing a good payment record since the eviction can improve your chances.
- What official forms should I keep after eviction? Keep LTB decisions and any payment agreements. If you paid off owed rent, ask the landlord for written proof. You can get LTB documents from their official forms page for future reference.
- How can I improve my chances with a new landlord? Be transparent, provide strong references, offer proof of income, and showcase any positive rental conduct since the eviction.
- Is paying a larger deposit legal in Ontario? No, landlords in Ontario can only require one month's rent as a deposit and cannot collect additional deposits or fees. For more details, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants
- After eviction, settle any outstanding debts and gather positive references to boost your next application.
- Starting with smaller landlords or sublets may help build new, positive rental history more quickly.
- Know your rights and obligations under Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 to avoid issues with future rentals.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Ontario: For questions on eviction, applications, and tenant rights.
- Ontario Government Renting Guide: Comprehensive information for tenants and landlords.
- Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO): Practical guides and support for tenants facing housing issues.
- Tenant Rights in Ontario: Key legal facts, responsibilities, and support links.
