Is the OREA Lease the Right One for Ontario Landlords?
A Landlord Paralegal can help provide guidance on lease agreements and legal requirements for Ontario landlords. If you’ve listed your rental property on MLS with a Realtor, you’ve likely come across the OREA Agreement to Lease (Form 400). This form is commonly used during the rental process, but is it the right lease to use in Ontario? If you’re unsure about choosing between the OREA lease or Ontario Standard Lease, consulting a landlord paralegal near me.
As a landlord paralegal team practicing in Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) matters, we frequently encounter landlords who are using the OREA lease or even homemade lease agreements. Each time, we ask: Why are landlords using these instead of the legally required Ontario Standard Lease? The answer is simple—landlords are introduced to the OREA lease by realtors.
While realtors play a valuable role in property sales, they do not have comprehensive knowledge of the RTA, nor are they licensed to provide legal advice about rental laws. This is where landlords often find themselves in trouble—relying on a lease that doesn’t comply with Ontario tenancy laws, leaving them exposed to legal risks.
Contact a Landlord Tenant Paralegal for Advice
Since April 30, 2018, the Ontario Standard Lease Agreement has been mandatory for most residential rentals in Ontario. This standardized lease was introduced by the Ontario government to ensure clarity, consistency, and legal compliance in rental agreements. For further assurance, a landlord paralegal can clarify legal compliance requirements.
If a landlord provides only an OREA lease, the tenant has the right to request the Ontario Standard Lease. If the landlord does not provide it within 21 days, the tenant can withhold one month’s rent until they receive it.
Landlord Paralegal Insight: Why the Ontario Standard Lease?
✔ It’s legally required. Any residential lease signed in Ontario must use the Ontario Standard Lease—additional documents, like the OREA lease, are not valid on their own.
✔ It prevents unlawful lease terms. The lease ensures tenants are not subject to illegal clauses, such as “no pets” or unauthorized fees. When in doubt, consulting a reliable landlord paralegal can help interpret these terms.
✔ It clarifies landlord and tenant rights. Both parties get a clear breakdown of their responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act. For expert interpretation of rights and responsibilities, seek a landlord tenant paralegal with experience in Ontario.
✔ It protects landlords. Using the correct lease ensures compliance with Ontario’s tenancy laws, reducing the risk of disputes. It is the only legally recognized lease at the Landlord and Tenant Board. Moreover, working with a landlord paralegal helps reduce the risks even further.
Ask your LTB Paralegal: Can Additional Terms Be Added?
Yes, landlords can include additional terms, but they cannot contradict the RTA. For example, a lease cannot:
🚫 Ban pets entirely (unless condo rules apply)
🚫 Prohibit guests or additional occupants
🚫 Charge illegal deposits or fees
🚫 Shift landlord responsibilities onto the tenant.
Get Your Lease Right from the Start
Before you finalize your lease, it’s a good idea to have any ‘Additional Terms’ reviewed by a landlord lawyer or paralegal licensed by the Law Society of Ontario, to make sure they don’t break any rules under the Residential Tenancies Act. A solid lease can save you from legal headaches down the road. Start by looking for a landlord paralegal near me.
Learn more about our Landlord Paralegal Services here.
Who can represent Landlords at the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board? To clarify, a landlord lawyer or paralegal is able to represent landlords at the LTB.
📄 Check out the official guide to the Ontario Standard Lease:
Read the guide here
📄 Get the Ontario Standard Lease form:
Download the lease form here
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