The City of Toronto is developing a new bylaw aimed at preventing “renovictions” – when a landlord illegitimately evicts a tenant by alleging that vacant possession of a rental unit is needed to undertake renovations or repairs. Renovictions can include refusing to allow a tenant to return post-renovation, illegally raising the rent on a returning tenant or not undertaking major renovations after evicting tenants.

Renovictions have become a serious issue in Toronto and affect tenants across the city, including low-income and marginalized communities. With a shortage of affordable housing and low vacancy rates, it’s more important than ever to preserve existing affordable rental homes. This bylaw will establish new rules to prevent bad faith evictions and help maintain affordable homes for Toronto’s residents.

Between August 13 and September 30, 2024, the City engaged the public and interested parties through six in-person sessions, one online session, various focus groups, and an online survey.  Thank you to everyone who participated and provided feedback on the proposed bylaw.

Next, the City will report back to Planning & Housing Committee at the October 30 meeting with a proposed renoviction bylaw and implementation strategy. Public can participate in the decision-making process (depute) by attending the Planning & Housing Committee meeting in person, via video conference, or in writing.  For more information about the deputation process, please visit Have Your Say – City of Toronto and select Participate in a Committee Meeting.  Please note that the meeting agenda will be published one week in advance.

Key Features of the Proposed Bylaw

In June 2024, City Council directed city staff to create a new renovictions bylaw to tackle this growing issue. The bylaw is being modeled after successful initiatives in other cities and aims to strengthen protections for tenants across Toronto.

City staff will present City Council with a proposed bylaw that includes, but is not limited to:

  • Requiring landlords to apply for a renovation licence within seven days of issuing an N13 notice to a tenant.
  • Submission of documents such as approved building permits, a copy of the N13 notice, a Tenant Information Notice, a report confirming the need for vacant possession and a tenant accommodation or compensation plan.
  • Prohibiting landlords from beginning renovations until the renovation licence is obtained.
  • Applying the bylaw to all rental units in Toronto, with certain exemptions and considerations for a phased approach.