Hein Paralegal

05/16/2026

Significant news in the legal world: The Supreme Court of Canada has recognized a new tort based on intimate partner violence. https://canlii.ca/t/kkzk1

A tort is a civil wrong where one person's wrongful or negligent action causes harm or loss to another, allowing the injured party to sue for compensation.

Per Wagner C.J. and Kasirer, Martin, O’Bonsawin and Moreau JJ.: A new tort of intimate partner violence should be recognized. Intimate partner violence is a pernicious social ill deserving of the full attention of the law. Best understood, it is not confined to conduct that inflicts physical or psychological injury, but includes all abusive conduct by which one intimate partner coerces and controls the other, thus depriving them of their autonomy. This includes egregious acts of physical and psychological violence, as well as tactics of isolation, manipulation, humiliation, surveillance, economic abuse, sexual coercion, and intimidation that can control and entrap intimate partners. In the instant case, it is recognized that the husband’s liability rests on the new tort of intimate partner violence.

04/28/2026

Landlords and Tenants take note: Some previously approved changes to the RTA via Bills 60 & 97 coming into force July 1/26 and Sept 21/26.

04/11/2026

🐕 Pet ownership comes with responsibilities— including removal of dog waste from both public and private property. You could be fined if you fall behind.

If you have questions about local by-laws or property standards in the Ottawa area, feel free to reach out. At Hein Paralegal, I’m here to help you navigate the rules that keep our community running smoothly!

03/06/2026

Thinking of signing a lease with a roommate? 🏠👯

Sharing a rental is a great way to save money, but in Ontario, a "Joint Tenancy" means you are legally tied to your roommate’s actions. Here’s what you need to know:

--Even if you pay your share, you are both legally responsible for the full rent. If your roommate falls short, the landlord can come after you for the balance.

--You can't just walk away. Moving out doesn’t mean your name comes off the lease. Unless the landlord and all tenants agree in writing, you remain liable for rent and damages even after you’ve left.

--If your roommate causes a disturbance or damages the property, an eviction application at the LTB puts your housing at risk too.

Don’t let a joint tenancy turn into a legal headache. Know your rights and protect your future.

03/02/2026

🏠 Attention Students: Signing Your First Lease?

College and university acceptance letters are arriving and you might soon be leaving your family home to pursue higher education.

Heading into your first off-campus rental is an exciting milestone, but it’s also a major legal commitment. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into!

It is important to understand:

• Your Rights & Responsibilities: From maintenance requests to privacy rules, know what you (and your landlord) are legally required to do.

• Types of Tenancies: Are you on a fixed-term lease, a month-to-month agreement, a joint tenancy with roommates, or part of a tenancy in common? The rules for ending your stay vary significantly between them.

• Rent Control: are you protected?

• The Fine Print: Watch out for illegal clauses (like "no pets" or "no guests") or illegal fees (like “damage deposits“) that might be tucked into a non-standard lease.

• Are you a Tenant or an Occupant, and are you covered by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006?

• How the Landlord and Tenant Board works

Don't wait until there’s a dispute to learn the law. Being proactive now saves a massive headache later.

Whether you have questions before you sign your lease or you find yourself in a rental bind during your tenancy, Hein Paralegal is here to help.

01/30/2026

There is a common misconception that tenants cannot be evicted during the winter in Ontario. This is false. While the LTB will consider individual circumstances when making a decision, it is entirely possible for an eviction order to be enforced even on the coldest days and months of the year. Whether you're a landlord or tenant, a paralegal can guide you through the legal process and ensure that you are informed by facts rather than myths.

12/22/2025

🎅Watch out for S. 77 of the Highway Traffic Act this festive season:

Sleigh bells

77 (1) Every person travelling on a highway with a sleigh or sled drawn by a horse or other animal shall have at least two bells attached to the harness or to the sleigh or sled in such a manner as to give ample warning sound. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 77 (1).

Penalty

(2) Every person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $5. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 77 (2).

12/19/2025

🐈‍⬛ Cats don’t count as passengers in HOV lanes. Sorry, Whiskers! 😺

Ottawa OPP stopped this driver on Highway 417 near Terry Fox after they were seen driving alone in the HOV lane. The driver mistakenly believed that because she had her cat with her, that allowed her to use the HOV lane. While we all love our pets, they unfortunately do not count towards having a second person in the car with you! The driver received a $110 fine and three demerit points for the violation.

12/17/2025

It’s so important for both landlords and tenants to know their rights and their responsibilities. Hein Paralegal can help.

All tenants have a right to vital services like heat and water.

If your landlord is refusing you these services, you may call 3-1-1 for assistance.

Learn more: https://ottawa.ca/en/living-ottawa/rental-housing

12/10/2025

❄️❄️As much as Hein Paralegal is willing to defend your traffic matters, it's only fair to note that Ottawa has issued an overnight parking ban from 7 pm to 7 am. Help snow clearing efforts and avoid a ticket by finding off-street parking tonight.❄️❄️