Small Town Paralegal

⚖️ Thinking about starting a Small Claims Court case but not sure where to begin?

The process can feel overwhelming at first, but when you break it down step-by-step, it becomes much more manageable.

This carousel walks you through exactly how to start a claim in Ontario Small Claims Court — from figuring out if you have a case, to filing, serving, and what happens next.

📌 The key is preparation: knowing your claim, organizing your evidence, and understanding each stage before you begin.

If you’re dealing with unpaid money, a breach of contract, or a dispute that won’t resolve, you may have more options than you think.

FAQ ❓ Can a landlord increase the rent anytime in Ontario?

No. In Ontario, a landlord cannot increase rent anytime they want.

Rent increases are regulated under the Residential Tenancies Act and must follow specific rules:
✔️ 12 months must pass before any rent increase
✔️ The landlord must give at least 90 days’ written notice
✔️ The increase must be within the annual rent increase guideline (unless exempt)
✔️ Proper forms must be used (such as an N1 or N2 notice)

Some units may be exempt from rent control (for example, certain newer units), but even then, notice requirements still apply.

If a landlord does not follow these rules, the rent increase may not be valid.

Not sure if a rent increase is legal? We can help review your situation and explain your options.

CLIENT SUCCESS STORY 🎉

Sometimes, the best outcome is resolving a dispute before ever stepping into a hearing.

Recently, we assisted a client with filing an N4 Notice for non-payment of rent and navigating the next steps through the process. Before the hearing date, the matter was successfully resolved through the Landlord and Tenant Board’s Portal Dispute Resolution Services, allowing both parties to reach an agreement without the stress, delay, or uncertainty of a formal hearing.

✔️ Faster resolution
✔️ Avoided a contested hearing
✔️ Practical agreement reached by both parties
✔️ Saved time, stress, and additional costs

Many people don’t realize that not every Landlord and Tenant
Board matter has to end in a hearing. In some cases, early resolution options can provide a quicker, more effective path forward for both landlords and tenants.

Every situation is unique, but exploring resolution opportunities early can often lead to better outcomes.

Having issues at the LTB? We can help guide you through the process and discuss the options available in your matter.

📞 Contact us today to book your free 30-minute consultation.

Need a document notarized or commissioned? We can help! 📄✍️

At Small Town Paralegal, we offer both Notary Public and Commissioning Services to make the process simple, convenient, and stress-free.

📌 Notary Public Services
✔️ $50.00 + HST
✔️ Completed in-office only

📌 Commissioning Services
✔️ $30.00 + HST
✔️ Available in person OR virtually for your convenience

Whether you need affidavits, declarations, consent letters, travel documents, or other legal paperwork completed, we’re here to assist.

Please note: valid government-issued photo ID is required for all appointments and we take Cash or Debit only.

📞 Contact us today to book your appointment!

☀️ Summer Hours Update ☀️

As many of you know, Small Town Paralegal is a family-run business. With my tiny humans home for the summer break, our office hours will be a little different over the next couple of months as we balance serving our clients while making the most of these precious summer memories.

Danielle and Hayley will continue to be available in the office:
📅 Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
🕤 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Outside of those hours, we will always be available by email and will continue to respond to inquiries and client matters as promptly as possible.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate the summer season. Supporting a local small business means supporting a family, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. We wish everyone a safe, happy, and sunshine-filled summer! ☀️🌻