Time is Right to Improve Tenant Rights
After a flood of media stories about the rental housing crisis and the recent launch of a private member’s bill, there are hopeful signs that the provincial government will introduce new rules to better protect tenants.
Ontario Housing Minister Chris Ballard told the CBC, “It's absolutely unacceptable that renters are facing the pressure that they're facing today. So we'll be bringing forward legislation that expands on the rent controls that are currently in place." He didn’t specify details or the timing. For the full story, click here
The CBC story was one of many recent media stories about tenant issues. David Reevely of the Ottawa Citizen wrote an opinion piece stating that now that the Ontario government has brought forward a plan to lower electricity bills, the next target is rental control. For the full story, click here
MPP Peter Tabuns has introduced a private member’s bill that would eliminate a rent control exemption for units built after 1991. The Toronto Star praised the move, saying it should be supported by all parties. To read the editorial, click here
On March 24, the Globe and Mail had a story about how landlords are using evictions and rent hikes to bypass rent controls. The article also noted evictions for non-payment of rent are dropping, while landlord applications for above-guideline increases are soaring, with the largest growth of any type of application. For the full story, click here
The chief economist of CIBC is pushing for more rental properties, call Toronto “unaffordable.” For the full story, click here
You Can Keep Pressing for Changes
What can you do to help push for better rules for tenants?
· Add your name to the online petition to support the private member’s bill to remove the 1991 rent control exemption
· Attend the public tenant meeting Monday, March 27, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Bethany Baptist Church, 1041 Pape Ave. (at Cosburn)
