Renovictions Bylaw now in Effect!

As of Thursday, July 31, landlords in Toronto need a licence before starting repairs or renovations that require tenants to move out. This new Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw aims to help curb bad faith evictions and protect tenants from the practice of ‘renovictions’, preserve Toronto’s affordable rental housing stock and establish a transparent and equitable process for landlords to responsibly complete necessary renovations.

Renovictions where tenants are evicted under false pretenses of necessary renovations so landlords can increase rents significantly or block tenants from returning to their homes -are a serious concern to Toronto's rental housing market. Renovictions disproportionately impact low-income and marginalized communities, increase housing insecurity and lead to the loss of affordable rental housing options.

Information for landlords

The Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw introduces new obligations and sets out a clear process for landlords who plan renovations that require a tenant to move out under the provincial N13 process. Under the bylaw, landlords must obtain a Rental Renovation Licence from the City of Toronto before carrying out renovations.

The bylaw requires landlords to provide formal tenant notifications and submit plans outlining compensation or accommodation if the tenant chooses to return or rent-gap compensation if the tenant chooses not to return. Landlords must demonstrate ongoing compliance at each stage of the process.

Information for tenants

The Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw ensures that renovations requiring a tenant to move out follow a clear, regulated and transparent process. Under the new rules, landlords must obtain a Rental Renovation Licence if they issue an N13 notice to end tenancy. During the application process, landlords must provide proof of approved building permits, provide proof that vacant possession is required and offer tenants either temporary housing or rent-gap compensation along with moving allowances. If a tenant chooses not to return after renovations are complete, the landlord must provide severance rent-gap compensation.

The bylaw also enables tenants to report suspected violations directly to the City. Tenants will have access to an online public registry, allowing them to confirm whether their landlord has applied for and obtained the necessary licence to carry out renovations.

Tenants seeking support services can connect with 311 to access community-based services funded through the Toronto Tenant Support Program. This program provides free and professional legal information, rights information and multi-lingual support to tenants.

The Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw implementation is part of the City’s approach to addressing the housing crisis and support Torontonians through record-level investments, bold policy initiatives and working with partners to increase housing options in Toronto. More information on the Rental Renovations Bylaw is available on the City’s website at www.toronto.ca/RentalRenoLicence.

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