Hiring a paralegal to draft a custom “Schedule A” for your Ontario Standard Lease generally costs between $250 and $600 CAD. This ensures your specific property rules—such as smoking restrictions or tenant insurance requirements—are legally enforceable and do not violate the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).
Renting out a property in Ontario requires landlords to use the mandatory Ontario Standard Lease form. 📜 However, this government template is very basic and often fails to protect landlords against unique property risks. To add specific rules for your rental unit in cities like Toronto, Mississauga, or Ottawa, you must attach a supplementary document known as a “Schedule A.”
Drafting a Schedule A yourself is a major legal risk. The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) heavily protects tenants, and any clause that contradicts the RTA is automatically void and unenforceable. For example, if you write in a penalty for late rent, the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) will simply strike it down. It is highly advisable to browse our directory to find a licensed Ontario paralegal or lawyer to draft these clauses for you.
A professionally drafted Schedule A acts as your property’s bulletproof shield. ⚠️ It sets clear, lawful boundaries regarding property maintenance, utility usage, and insurance responsibilities from day one, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in future LTB disputes.
Step-by-Step Process in Ontario for Drafting a Schedule A
Securing a compliant lease addendum requires collaboration with a legal professional. Here is the standard process a landlord generally follows when working with a paralegal.
Step 1: Reviewing the Standard Lease Deficiencies
Before meeting with a paralegal, identify the vulnerabilities of your specific property. 🔍 Does your duplex in Hamilton share a driveway that requires strict parking rules? Do you have an expensive hardwood floor that requires felt pads on furniture? Write down a list of every rule you wish to enforce to discuss with your legal representative.
Step 2: Consulting with a Licensed Paralegal
During your initial consultation, the paralegal will review your wish list. They will instantly filter out illegal demands. For example, they will explain that you generally cannot ban pets or demand a “damage deposit” in Ontario. They will help pivot your goals into legally compliant clauses, such as requiring tenants to restore any damage caused by pet urine.
Step 3: Drafting the Custom Clauses
The paralegal will then draft the formal Schedule A. 📝 They will use precise legal language that has been tested at the LTB. Standard professional clauses often include mandatory tenant liability insurance, strict non-smoking and vaping rules (including cannabis), and clear procedures for reporting maintenance issues.
Step 4: Separating Severable Contracts
If you want the tenant to shovel snow or cut the grass, your paralegal will likely advise against putting this in the Schedule A. Under Ontario case law, maintenance is the landlord’s duty. To make a tenant responsible, the paralegal will draft a completely separate, severable contract offering the tenant compensation (like a monthly rent discount) in exchange for completing the property maintenance.
Step 5: Execution and Signatures
Once drafted, the Schedule A must be presented to the tenant alongside the standard lease before they move in. 🔮 Both the landlord and the tenant must sign or initial every page of the Schedule A to prove that the tenant acknowledged and agreed to the supplementary terms.
How Much Does it Cost in Ontario?
Investing in professional drafting is a small price compared to a disastrous tenancy. As of May 2026, here are the estimated costs in CAD:
- Paralegal Drafting Fees: A licensed Ontario paralegal typically charges a flat fee of $250 to $600 CAD to draft a robust Schedule A.
- Lawyer Drafting Fees: If you hire a real estate lawyer, expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 CAD for similar drafting services.
- Consultation Only: If you drafted the clauses yourself and just want a paralegal to review them for RTA compliance, they may charge an hourly rate of $150 to $250 CAD.
| Desired Landlord Rule | Legality under RTA | Paralegal Solution |
| No Pets Allowed | Illegal (Void under Sec. 14) | Clauses holding tenant strictly liable for pet damage/noise |
| Tenant Must Shovel Snow | Generally Void in Lease | Draft a separate maintenance contract for compensation |
| Mandatory Tenant Insurance | Legal | Draft clause requiring proof of insurance before getting keys |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Legal professionals can turn around lease documents quite quickly.
- Initial Consultation: Usually scheduled within 1 to 3 days of contacting the firm.
- Drafting the Schedule A: A standard addendum can typically be drafted in 3 to 7 business days.
- Tenant Review: Tenants should be given a few days to review the document before the official move-in date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a Schedule A force a tenant to pay a late fee?
No. The RTA strictly prohibits charging administrative late fees or interest on late rent. Any such clause in a Schedule A is void. The only legally permitted fee is a maximum $20 CAD NSF charge for a bounced cheque.
Can I limit the number of guests my tenant has?
No. In Ontario, tenants have the right to reasonable enjoyment of the unit, which includes having guests or roommates. A paralegal cannot draft a legally binding clause banning guests, unless the occupancy violates municipal fire codes or overcrowding by-laws.
Does a Schedule A apply to month-to-month leases?
Yes. When a one-year lease automatically converts to a month-to-month tenancy in Ontario, all the terms and rules laid out in the original Schedule A remain in full legal effect until the tenancy officially ends.
What happens if I write an illegal clause by mistake?
If an illegal clause is included (like banning overnight guests), it is simply “void” and the LTB will ignore it. However, deliberately trying to enforce an illegal clause can lead to the tenant filing a T2 application against you for harassment or interference with reasonable enjoyment.
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