Despite the COVID-19 situation and resulting changes to the real estate market, Toronto continues to see a rise in real estate sales. With the continued sales of homes, conflict and disagreement are bound to areas between tenants and landlords. For example, a landlord wanting to sell his house and setting up a showing may be prevented from doing this at the refusal of Tenants who are concerned about potential COVID-19 exposure.
With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases and to ensure the health and safety of tenants and prospective buyers alike, the provincial governments has implemented a ban on in-person real estate open houses in COVID-19 hot spot areas for the second time in the Greater Toronto Area.
According to the landlord and tenant website, landlords who are selling tenant-occupied homes are encouraged t0:
- prioritize alternatives to in-person showings
- limit in-person showings
- make necessary in-person showings as safe as possible
- follow the guidance of the Real Estate Council of Ontario
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing “landlords are subject to the Human Rights Code and have a duty to accommodate tenants under protected grounds, including people with disabilities. For example, conducting an in-person showing when a tenant has an immune-compromising condition could lead to a complaint under the Code”.
Administrative and legally conflicting will continue to arise because of the pandemic. Tenants and landlords are encouraged to seek their legal representative for Alternative dispute resolutions to better reach amicable agreements.
Related Links:
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TTREB)
