In an effort to address renovictions, the City of Toronto passed a new bylaw. This practice includes landlords evicting tenants pretending as if they need to renovate their units. Under the bylaw, landlords must get a license before doing any work that involves moving tenants out of the building. We applaud the city’s proactive approach to protecting renters. This important legislation aims to end eviction practices done in bad faith.
On the new rules, landlords are required to get a license. They only have seven days to accomplish this after serving an N13 notice, which officially terminates a tenancy. The City of Toronto has responded with the surprise announcement of a new city-wide bylaw. Its intent is to protect tenants from predatory landlords who could use renovation ruses to kick them out.
Bylaw Details and Implementation
The bylaw to combat renoviction will come into force on July 31, 2025. This one-year timeline provides ample opportunity for landlords and tenants to gear up for these new changes. Under a new bylaw in Toronto, landlords now need to obtain a repair or renovation license. This requirement has particular relevance when such work necessitates tenants’ departure from their homes. This series of actions increases accountability on landlords. This would help ensure that eviction reasons are truly legitimate, rather than a pretext to jack up rent or to remodel buildings for more profit.
The licensing requirement is one of the most important safeguards tenants have. It stops landlords from falsely claiming renovations in order to evict them unfairly. In response to the increase in rental housing safety, the City of Toronto is adopting this protocol. They want customers to feel secure and at home.
Protecting Tenants from Bad Faith Evictions
Perhaps one of the most important parts of this bylaw is its emphasis on protecting tenants from “bad faith” evictions. These evictions are enacted under the pretense of needing to renovate by landlords who don’t actually plan to renovate at all. Instead, they tend to hope for or work toward raising rents or redeveloping the units to allow more lucrative uses.
The City aims to ensure that tenants can remain in their homes without fear of being displaced under dubious circumstances. This bylaw would shift the incentive for landlords when conducting renovations. If they continue to let this situation slide, they risk millions in federal penalties and legal challenges.
Future Implications for Landlords and Tenants
As the implementation date draws near, landlords and tenants alike will have to get themselves up to speed with the new requirements. Landlords need to be careful to apply for licenses within the set period of time after providing an N13 notice. In the meantime, tenants across the state need to know their rights that this new bill affords them.
The City of Toronto has committed to passing this bylaw. This is a significant move reflecting the growing awareness that tenants should largely be protected as the rental market becomes more competitive. By addressing renovictions, the city aims to foster a more equitable housing landscape where all residents can feel secure in their living situations.
