So You Want to Evict a Squatter? A Slightly Less Desperate Guide for Ontario Landlords
Let's face it, eviction is never a picnic. It's like that burnt casserole you tried to salvage for the third time – a stressful mess. But fear not, weary landlord! This guide will equip you with the knowledge (and hopefully a few laughs) to navigate the eviction process in Ontario, without resorting to tactics straight out of a medieval siege.
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| How To Evict An Occupant In Ontario |
Step One: Assess the Intruder (Calmly, Please)
Is it a tenant with whom you have a signed lease? OR Are they a surprise roommate your cat brought home (hey, free cuddles, right?) This is crucial. Tenants have more rights, so we'll need a different eviction rodeo for them.
Tenant Terrors: If it's a tenant gone rogue, you'll need a legal reason for eviction. Did they turn your basement into a lizard breeding haven (totally understandable, but against the lease)? Did they forget rent payments more often than their goldfish remembers to breathe? Document everything! Keep copies of late notices, noise complaints, and pictures of the aforementioned lizard lair.
Surprise Squatters: Ah, the unexpected guests. If they're not on the lease, they're considered unauthorized occupants. This is eviction on easy mode (relatively speaking). You'll still need to follow some procedures, but it's a faster track.
Step Two: The Paper Chase (Because Lawyers Love Papercuts)
There's no shortage of paperwork in eviction land. Get ready to tango with forms with names like "Termination of Tenancy Notice" (sounds ominous, right?). You can find these forms online at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) website [Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board website]. Fill them out correctly! Typos are the eviction gremlins that love to delay the process.
Tip: Read in a quiet space for focus.
Serving Up the Notice: This is serious business. Hand-delivery with a witness is ideal. Think certified mail, return receipt requested, if that's not an option.
Step Three: The Waiting Game (May or May Not Involve Eye Twitching)
Tenants: They get a notice period to mend their ways (or find a new lizard-friendly apartment). This can range from 14 to 90 days, depending on the reason for eviction.
Squatters: The eviction process is generally quicker, but there's still a waiting period. Patience, my friend, patience.
Step Four: Eviction Court (Hopefully Not Judge Judy)
If the occupant doesn't magically disappear during the waiting period, it's off to eviction court, also known as the Landlord and Tenant Board Hearing. Here, you'll present your case to a fancy judge-type person. Be prepared! Gather your evidence and practice your best "woe is me, the wronged landlord" voice (optional, but dramatic flair can't hurt).
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.
The good news? The LTB prioritizes resolving things quickly and fairly. The not-so-good news? There may be delays.
Step Five: Eviction Day (Cue Dramatic Music, But Hopefully No Sirens)
If the LTB rules in your favor, you'll get an eviction order. This is your golden ticket to getting your property back. Don't try a self-eviction Robin Hood act! Get a sheriff involved to enforce the order.
Phew! Eviction rodeo complete. Now, you can finally relax and maybe get a therapist to deal with the emotional rollercoaster.
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Eviction FAQs: Short and Sweet
How to Know if I Have a Tenant or a Squatter?
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
A tenant has a signed lease agreement. A squatter doesn't.
How to Find the Right Eviction Notice Form?
The Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board website [Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board website] has all the forms you need.
How Long Does Eviction Take?
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
It depends on the situation, but generally, it takes weeks to months.
How Much Does Eviction Cost?
There are filing fees for the LTB application, and you may incur sheriff costs.
How to Avoid Eviction Drama in the First Place?
Screen tenants carefully, have clear lease agreements, and address problems early on.
Remember, eviction is a last resort. But with this guide and a little patience, you'll (hopefully) reclaim your property and your sanity.
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