Leases, Screening & Managing Tenants
Ontario Small Landlord Rights: A Complete Guide
Small landlords who own six or fewer rental units can be financially ruined by a single bad tenancy — the same loss a large operator simply absorbs. This guide covers the risks small landlords face at the Landlord and Tenant Board, why police often won't intervene, and free support built for independent owners.
Small landlords in Ontario — those who own six or fewer rental units — can be financially ruined by a single bad tenancy, while large property companies absorb the same loss as a routine cost of doing business. Small Ownership Landlords of Ontario (SOLO) exists to close that gap, offering free advice, LTB-hearing tools, and a community built specifically for independent owners.
What small landlords in Ontario actually face
Unlike large companies that can take a “$50,000 hit and then carry on,” a single bad tenancy can financially ruin an independent Ontario landlord.
Being a small landlord in Ontario comes with big challenges. Unlike large companies that can take a “$50,000 hit and then carry on,” small landlords can be “ruined financially” by a bad tenant situation.
The rules often seem to favor tenants. When problems come up, small landlords may not know where to turn. This can leave you feeling alone and helpless.
What is SOLO (Small Ownership Landlords of Ontario)?
SOLO is a support organization built specifically for landlords who own six or fewer rental units — the “mom and pop” owners most exposed when a tenancy goes wrong.
Small Ownership Landlords of Ontario (SOLO) is a group made just for “mom and pop landlords” – people who own six or fewer rental units. They offer something that many small landlords need: a support system.
SOLO helps in ways that matter most to small landlords:
- Free advice when you’re stuck
- Tools to help with tenant issues
- Updates on landlord rules in Ontario
- A community of other landlords who understand
Real stories from Ontario landlords
Small-landlord horror stories are common enough that they gave rise to an advocacy movement — SOLO’s own president endured a 16-month eviction that ended with a tenant setting fire to his property.
The SOLO group was born from real problems faced by real people. Kevin Costain, now the president of SOLO, faced a 16-month eviction process that ended with a tenant setting fire to his property. Even after the fire, it took months to get his property back.
These stories happen more often than you might think. Many small landlords have faced:
- Tenants who stop paying rent
- Long waits for hearings
- Big repair bills
- Feeling lost in the system
Free tools every Ontario landlord should know about
SOLO offers several free tools for landlords navigating LTB disputes, including ratetheltb.com, which lets landlords research adjudicators before a hearing.
Did you know SOLO offers free tools like “ratetheltb.com” where you can learn about adjudicators before your hearing? They also have:
- A landlord Wiki with answers to common questions
- Free webinars you can watch anytime
- Updates on LTB hearings daily
- Phone support when you need help fast
Why police often can’t help Ontario landlords
Police in Ontario typically treat landlord-tenant conflicts as civil matters and decline to intervene, largely because most officers receive no training on landlord-tenant law.
When landlord-tenant issues happen, many landlords call police. But police often say, “that’s a civil matter” and take no action. This happens because many police officers aren’t trained on landlord-tenant laws.
This gap in the system leaves many small landlords feeling stuck with no help.
How to get help as a small landlord in Ontario
If you’re dealing with a difficult tenancy, the fastest path to support is SOLO’s free resources rather than going it alone.
If you’re facing problems as a small landlord in Ontario, here’s what to do:
- Visit SOLO.ca to learn about your rights
- Call their helpline if you have an urgent issue
- Join their online community for support
- Watch their free webinars to learn the rules
- Attend their in-person events to meet other landlords
The future for small landlords in Ontario
Organized small landlords are starting to shift outcomes at the LTB by pooling resources and pushing for faster, fairer hearings.
There’s power in numbers. When landlords work together, we can make the system better for everyone. The goal is not just to help landlords, but to create “timely justice for everyone.”
With groups like SOLO pushing for change, small landlords have more hope for a fair system that works for both landlords and good tenants.
Additional resources for Ontario small landlords
For direct support, SOLO and CRESI both offer ways for small landlords to get help beyond this guide.
Reach out to Kevin Breitner at CRESI (cresi.ca) for any needs or questions.
For Small Ownership Landlords of Ontario (SOLO), visit solo.ca, solo.ca/contact, or solo.ca/important-links-for-landlords, or email info@solo.ca.
Kevin Costain, SOLO’s president, tells his own story — the 16-month eviction and property fire that led him to found SOLO — in his book From Rent to Ruin.