Leasing commercial property in Ontario is an exciting endeavour for many business owners, but it can also come with risks. One of the primary risks for both commercial landlords and tenants comes from issues relating to contaminated lands. These risks make understanding the environmental liabilities and regulatory requirements critical for all parties involved.  This blog will explore the law related to contaminated lands in Ontario and explain what commercial landlords and tenants should know about associated leasing issues.  What are “Contaminated Lands”?  The Environmental Pr ..read more

If you operate (or are thinking about operating) a business in Ontario, you’ll likely need to rent commercial space to support your business operations. However, commercial tenancies differ from residential tenancies, leaving many prospective tenants wondering: do commercial tenants have rights?  Below, we’ll answer some commonly asked questions about the rights and obligations of commercial tenants in Ontario alongside resources to help you better understand your rights in commercial tenancy scenarios.  What is a Commercial Tenancy?   Before getting into the rights of comm ..read more

With the Ontario government’s recent announcements regarding the Foreign Buyer Ban, non-resident speculation tax rate hikes, and other expansive housing initiatives for residential real estate, you might be wondering: can foreigners still buy commercial property in Ontario?  Currently, foreigners are still able to buy commercial property in Ontario. This blog post will cover the difference between residential and commercial real estate, the Foreign Buyer Ban, and the implications of purchasing commercial real estate for foreigners.  Residential vs. Commercial Real Estate in Ontario M ..read more

Have you ever dreamed of owning an investment property? You’re not alone. Buying a residential property with a view to generating a rental income stream can be an appealing investment option. However, as with all investments, it is not without risk and requires careful consideration to determine whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Pros of Investment Properties Investment rental properties offer many benefits, including: Steady income stream: The monthly rent (less your expenses) can provide a reliable and predictable cash flow for years to come. Property value appreciati ..read more

Purchasing property in Ontario is already a costly venture, with property values reaching new highs seemingly every year. In addition to the cost of the property itself, there are other fees to consider, including legal costs, and the provincial land transfer tax, which is calculated on a scale based on the purchase price of the property. In 2008, the City of Toronto exercised its right under the City of Toronto Act to create a second land transfer tax payable to the City on all purchases of land within the city limits. The tax is charged at the same rate as the provincial tax, effectively dou ..read more

With a third wave threatening Ontario, renters across the province continue to witness the economic ramifications of COVID-19. In response to significant economic loss and instability among families and small businesses, the Ontario government passed the Helping Tenants and Small Businesses Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 23 (Bill 204). Bill 204 freezes residential rent increases, in an attempt to offer Ontario’s some-1.7 million tenants relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation also extends the temporary ban on commercial evictions, thus relieving small businesses in the province as well ..read more