Yesterday marked a significant milestone in the City of Toronto’s efforts in safeguarding tenancies and preserving affordable housing. The City released news on its website that effective immediately, renovictions, a long standing issue in our housing market, are being addressed with a new Bylaw.

What are renovictions?

Renovictions are evictions justified by a landlord for alleged extensive renovations – often used as an excuse to raise rents or prevent existing tenants from returning. Renovictions have been a persistent challenge in Toronto and this practise has heavily impacted low‑income and marginalized communities which contributes to housing insecurity, thinning the City’s inventory of affordable rental units. The Rental Renoviction License By‑law addresses this issue in a very direct way by establishing a regulated process for renovations requiring tenants to vacate under the Landlord and Tenant Board’s N13 process. This is a Bylaw that feels long overdue.

What the Bylaw Means for Landlords

To carry out renovations that require a tenant to become displaced, they a Landlord is required to obtain a Rental Renovation License from the City of Toronto. The process requires formal tenant notification, proof of approved building permits and evidence that vacant possession is essential. Landlords are also required to provide their tenants with either temporary accommodation during the renovation or rent compensation if they choose not to return, alongside moving allowances.

Tenant Protections

The introduction of this Bylaw allows tenants to view an online public registry to verify whether their landlord has secured the necessary license, providing an added layer of transparency to the process. Tenants are also able to report suspected violations by their Landlord directly to the City for investigation.

What this means for the Housing Crisis?

The Bylaw is a crucial component in the City’s plan to combat the housing crisis. By eliminating renovictions, tenants are protected, and affordable rental housing is preserved. Mayor Olivia Chow noted “[a]ll Torontonians deserve a safe and secure place to live. With this new bylaw, we will help curb renovictions, and ensure tenants are not unfairly evicted from their homes. This work does not only support tenants, but it ensures we preserve existing affordable rental housing which is a key priority to address the affordable housing crisis”

Though the Bylaw isn’t a complete solution to the City’s housing crisis, it’s a step in the right direction towards a fairer rental market. I’m encouraged by the City’s approach and am hopeful this Bylaw will provide for more reforms in the future. By underscoring the importance of tenant protections and affordable housing, Toronto has a bright future where everyone has a place to call home.

Filed in: Housing