Alana Ruiz, Acting Divisional Engagement Lead at RentSafeTO, opened the evening by explaining how the City of Toronto’s RentSafeTO program helps ensure that apartment buildings are safe and well maintained. Established in 2017, RentSafeTO is a bylaw enforcement program that applies to all apartment buildings with three or more storeys and ten or more units. RentSafeTO inspections assess common areas such as lobbies, hallways, laundry rooms, parking areas and building exteriors. The final evaluation score must be publicly displayed on the tenant notification board. If a building’s score drops significantly for two consecutive months, targeted tenant engagement is initiated.
Stacey Semple, Downtown ACORN Leader with ACORN Canada, spoke next about tenant’s rights and the importance of community organizing. Stacey reminded attendees that tenants are legally allowed to organize and hold meetings in their units or common areas, as long as entrances are not blocked, and landlords cannot interfere. She stressed that landlords are required to maintain buildings in a state of good repair, including the provision of heat in the winter, functioning stoves, pest control and access to hot and cold water - even if the tenant is behind on rent. Stacy warned about the increasing prevalence of renovictions, in which landlords use renovations as a pretext to displace tenants or significantly raise rents.
Suchana Sundararajan, a housing lawyer with Neighbourhood Legal Services, followed with information about the legal rights of tenants and the types of support her organization offers. Neighbourhood Legal Services is a non-profit, independent community legal clinic that has served the local community since 1973. Suchana explained that tenants facing issues like maintenance problems, harassment, or Toronto Community Housing transfers can reach out for legal help.
Drew Dyce, Housing Trusteeship Program Lead at Neighbourhood Information Post, closed the panel by presenting on the organization's voluntary housing trusteeship program. Neighbourhood Information Post provides essential services to help community members meet their basic needs and avoid eviction. Drew described how the program helps clients pay rent, utilities, and bills on time through personalized financial plans and budgeting assistance emphasized that to participate in the program, clients must be facing eviction and either have a lease or a letter of intent to rent. He noted that participants have reported reduced anxiety and stress related to finances, improved financial literacy, and access to additional benefits when eligible.
This edition of TC Talks offered tenants a powerful opportunity to learn about housing rights, connect with service providers and fellow community members and gain the tools needed to advocate for better housing. As the housing landscape in Toronto continues to evolve, I hope this event helped equip residents with the knowledge and support they need to stay informed and protected.
