Yesterday afternoon, the Province of Ontario announced further restrictions in addition to the "emergency brake" that was announced last week. Starting this morning, there will be a stay-at-home order in effect for at least the next four weeks, with the possibility of extension.
The major change for landlords is that the enforcement of eviction orders by the Sheriff will largely halt for the duration of the stay-at-home order. However, the LTB will continue its operations (accepting applications and holding mediations and hearings by Zoom, and issuing orders.) As was the case earlier this year, eviction orders which the LTB orders to be enforced on an expedited basis will still be enforced during the stay-at-home order. Such orders are largely limited to situations where a tenant is a danger to other tenants, the landlord or the community. In such cases, a landlord can seek an urgent eviction hearing.
We do not yet have clarification on any modification to what is allowed/not allowed vs the "Hand Brake" list, so as far as we know at the moment, the following still applies....
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Here are other key points for rental housing providers in Ottawa.
What can continue
- Construction, including demolition and land surveying.
- Landscaping and security services.
- Temporary staffing services.
- Showings, which are to be virtual or by appointment (with precautions).
- Unit turnover work.
- Domestic services to support children, seniors and vulnerable people.
- Schools.
What must continue
- Necessary maintenance and repairs and property management services that “maintain the safety, security, sanitation and operation of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional buildings.”
- The screening of employees and contractors before they enter the workplace.
- Asking visitors to buildings to self-screen by a posted sign (“passive screening”).
- Mask wearing in all indoor common areas.
- Physical distancing
- Enhanced cleaning of common areas, especially of high touch spots
- The provision of hand sanitizer at building common entrances.
- Working remotely whenever possible.
What must stop
- Building work which is not necessary, AND not construction work.
- Amenities such as Indoor pools and gyms are to be closed.
- Indoor gatherings are not permitted, with the result that party rooms are not to be used. (Members of the same household can congregate, and people who live alone or as single parents can have close contact with one other household.)
- Outdoor gatherings of more than 5 people.
- Short term rentals are to be provided only to those who need housing.
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