Help finding landlord association in Ontario, Canada

[Salma Valimohamed]

Hello All,

I'm looking for some advice on local landlord clubs/associations.  I recently acquired 2 multi tenant properties in South Eastern Ontario, and I am looking for some good resources for things like credit checks, tenant screening, help with rental agreements, etc..

As this is my first investment, I am looking at building my entire process from the bottom up.  Needless to say, any help and support out there in the community would be fantastic.  I'm looking for landlord clubs/ resources/ networks.

Everything I research on-line seems to loop me back to the Ontario Landlord Association.  http://ontariolandlords.org/about/

Has anyone registered for/used this service? The promise of what they deliver sounds great, but I don't actually find that their site has a lot of information, nor does it offer any real resources other than links to register.  Additionally, the links they have listed to local landlord communities all come back to the same page prompting a registration. http://servicesforlandlords.com/ontario/

As for the registration, there is a big gap between the Beginner service at a one time fee of $99 and the Expert registration at $500 annually.  If you have any feedback about this, I would much appreciate it.  I would be willing to register for a membership, but wanted to first check in with others that have some experience with this association. I want to know that they are not only legit, but also a valuable resource.  I must say, I find it odd that there is no contact information, other than an email, and they specifically say that they will NOT reply to specific questions via email.  Rather they direct to you the forums, but the only users who have access to the forum are the highest tiered members, paying annual fees. 

Anyone have any experience with the Landlord Self-help Centre in Toronto? http://landlordselfhelp.com

If you can provide me with your feedback, great! As well, if you have suggestions for other useful resources out there, I would love to hear about them.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Thomas S.]

Being a landlord in Ontario can be a mine field of issues. The first and most important thing for a new investor to do is to read, learn, memorise the RTA. You will find it on line. Second go to the LTB web site and read/understand everything available. You should also take the time to attend several LTB hearings in your area to ge a feel for the process.

The entire system is designed to protect tenants, prior to 96 it was the Tenant Protection Board. Evictions are almost impossible to achieve and the board will generally rule against landlord applications except in the case of non payment of rent.

The N4 application will always be a waste of money when tenants do not pay. Best option to collect and train tenants to pay on time every time is the L9 application. Use it on the 2nd of the month every time a tenant pays late.

You should also take the time to research ... CanLII - Ontario - Landlord and tenant Board. These are past board hearing rulings and will provide you with valuable incite into the Ontario system.

My personal advice is always place your business ahead of tenants, Compassion and emotions are not appropiate in this business. Screening is essencial as we have a high number of "educated" tenants and professional tenants in the province.

Do not rent to anyone on any form of government assistance, the rent is not guaranteed, they are the highest risk tenants in the province and you can not collect when they default, the government has declared them to be a protected species.

Join a local landlord association. I am not a member of Ontariolandlords.org however was at the time it was formed may moons ago. Not sure what it is like now but back then it was pandering to welfare advocates and the like. Only benefit I see is to join at a base level to get the discount on Credit screening. I presently pay $24 per screening through Checkfirstonline.  

Ontario is the most pro tenant legislation in North America so be prepared and be well educated before you begin having to deal with tenant issues. Know the law.