Residential Tenancy Lawyers

Cohen Highley LLP’s Multi-Residential Housing lawyers advise Ontario landlords and property managers through every stage of a tenancy from lease drafting to Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) proceedings under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). If you’re dealing with an eviction application, an Above Guideline Rent Increase (AGI), a Fire or Building Code compliance issue, or a court matter tied to a rental property, our team provides both the litigation and the day-to-day advisory support to manage it. We work alongside our firm’s Licensed Paralegals, giving landlords a single point of contact whether a matter proceeds at the LTB, before a municipal body, or in court.

Our Lawyers and Licensed Paralegals are strong advocates for Landlords’ legal interests and have the expertise to identify risks and financial exposure, mitigate losses, and resolve legal disputes cost-effectively and in a timely manner.

Residential Tenancy Services We Offer

Our residential tenancy lawyers assist landlords and property managers with a range of compliance and litigation matters, including:

  • Representation for eviction applications, including non-payment of rent, interference with other tenants, and landlord’s own use, as well as tenant defences and LTB hearings.
  • Legal advice and representation for applications to increase rent above the annual provincial guideline.
  • Advisory and support in matters involving Fire Code or Building Code enforcement, inspection findings, and Administrative Monetary Penalties affecting rental properties.
  • Litigation support for residential tenancy disputes that fall outside the LTB’s jurisdiction or proceed to the Ontario courts on appeal.

Our Approach to Residential Tenancy Matters

Cohen Highley LLP starts by reviewing the specific notice, application, or compliance issue a landlord is facing and identifying which forum it belongs in before recommending next steps. From there, we match the matter to the right level of representation: a Licensed Paralegal for a routine LTB application, or a Lawyer where the matter is contested, headed to court, or tied to a broader regulatory issue. Landlords are kept informed of deadlines and options at each stage, including the notice period, filing timelines, and any hearing dates, so decisions can be made before a procedural error puts the matter at risk. Where a landlord manages a portfolio rather than a single property, we also look for patterns across a landlord’s forms, notices, and policies that can be corrected once rather than matter by matter.

 

Why Choose Cohen Highley LLP

Cohen Highley LLP helps landlords and property managers navigate a range of residential tenancy matters, from LTB applications and hearings to rent-control compliance, building and fire code issues, and court proceedings. Our firm’s approach is focused on providing practical support that reflects the nature and complexity of each matter, helping clients address tenancy disputes and regulatory requirements efficiently. With offices in London, Kitchener, Windsor, Strathroy, and Sarnia, we can service landlords and property managers throughout Southwestern Ontario. To learn about how we can help you, please contact us.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cohen Highley represent tenants in residential tenancy disputes?

No. Cohen Highley’s Multi-Residential Housing group represents landlords and property managers in residential tenancy matters, not tenants. A tenant with a landlord-tenant dispute would need to seek representation elsewhere.

Can a property management company file an LTB application on a landlord's behalf?

A property management company can act as a landlord’s agent for some LTB steps, but the Residential Tenancies Act and LTB rules set limits on who may sign notices and file applications on a landlord’s behalf. Property managers who are uncertain whether a specific notice or application needs to be signed by the landlord directly, rather than an agent, should confirm this before filing.

Can a landlord evict a tenant without a lawyer in Ontario?

A landlord can file an LTB application without legal representation, but the notice-and-application process has strict procedural requirements, and errors can result in delay or dismissal. Many landlords consult legal counsel to reduce that risk, particularly for contested applications or matters likely to be reviewed.

How much can a landlord raise rent above the guideline in Ontario?

Ontario’s annual rent-increase guideline sets the standard maximum for most tenancies and increases above that guideline generally require an Above Guideline Rent Increase (AGI) application, available in limited circumstances such as extraordinary municipal tax increases, eligible capital expenditures, or added security service costs. AGI amounts and eligibility rules are set by regulation and should be confirmed for the specific rent-increase period in question.

Can an LTB decision be appealed or reviewed?

An LTB decision can, in limited circumstances, be reconsidered by the LTB itself or reviewed by the Ontario courts through judicial review and/or appeal. These processes have strict filing deadlines and are only available on specific grounds, so landlords considering a challenge to an LTB decision should confirm the applicable deadline as soon as the decision is received.

Our legal team is accessible, innovative, and professional.

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We hold ourselves accountable for the quality of our work on every file and for every client. We are committed to meeting the needs of our clients, while acting fairly, firmly and with integrity. We will innovate and adapt to enable us to achieve practical and effective legal solutions.
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