Toronto landord gets prison sentence after fatal fire

In March 2011, a fire broke out in a Toronto rooming house killing one tenant and injuring another. The landlord, who failed to install a smoke alarm and other fire safety measures in an attempt to limit his expenses, was charged and has been sentenced to three years in prison. This unfortunate incident highlights the importance for tenants to understand their rights and responsibilities when occupying a rental apartment.

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The judge in the case found the landlord guilty of criminal negligence causing death, criminal negligence causing bodily harm and four counts of criminal mischief. In addition to serving three years in prison, the landlord is required to pay $26,100 in restitution for his involvement in the fire.

Landlords and property managers are legally obligated to provide a safe and healthy environment to their tenants. Although the above example is an extreme incidence of landlords neglecting their duties, it’s not an isolated one. On Sat., Nov. 19, residents of a North York apartment building held a protest outside the building demanding that the property manager repair water leaks and rectify problems of mould, cockroaches and break-ins that have been occurring there for years. Tenants were since told that a building inspector would conduct a tour of the apartment this week. Although their demands were heard, tenants should not have to go to such lengths to have their basic tenant rights honoured.

It's imperative for renters to do their research prior to signing a lease. They must ensure that they are renting legal properties and that they understand their tenant rights. According to the CMHC, landlords have a legal obligation to:

• Maintain the tenant's home in a good state of repair and fit for habitation and at the landlord's expense comply with health, safety, housing and maintenance standards.
• Not withhold, during a tenant's occupancy, the reasonable supply of fuel, electricity, hot and cold water and other utility services (cable, Internet) unless the tenant has agreed to obtain and pay for these services.
• Not interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of the tenant and the members of his or her household and guests.
• Not seize, without legal process, a tenant's property for rent default or for the breach of any other obligation of the tenant.
• Not harass, obstruct, coerce, threaten or interfere with the tenant.