Today, the City of Toronto launched a public education campaign to help landlords and tenants understand their obligations and protections under the upcoming Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw.
The bylaw, which comes into effect on Thursday, July 31, is intended to help curb bad faith evictions and protect tenants from the practice of renovictions. Toronto City Council adopted the bylaw in November 2024.
Renovictions, where tenants are evicted under the false pretense of necessary renovations so landlords can increase rents significantly or refuse to allow for tenants to return to their homes, are an ongoing issue in Toronto’s rental housing market. Renovictions disproportionately impact low-income and marginalized communities, exacerbating housing insecurity and leading to the loss of affordable rental housing options.
The public education campaign aims to raise awareness about the new rules that come into effect on Thursday, July 31 which require landlords to obtain a licence from the City before asking tenants to vacate a unit for renovations. The campaign aims to support landlords in understanding their responsibilities and help tenants understand their protections under the bylaw.
Running city-wide, the campaign will appear across a mix of platforms including ads at transit shelters and on radio, print, digital, social and mobile apps, in addition to multicultural media publications.
Information for landlords
The Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw introduces new obligations 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 before carrying out renovations. The Rental Renovation Licence is required for each unit where an N13 notice is issued, and renovations cannot begin until all requirements are met.
The bylaw sets out a clear process for landlords who issue an N13 notice for renovations that require tenants to vacate. To comply, landlords must obtain a licence from the City and meet specific requirements throughout the renovation process – starting with securing building permits, providing proof the unit must be vacated to complete renovations and submitting a complete licence application.
They must follow timelines, 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. A Rental Renovation Licence must be issued by the City before any renovations begin and landlords are required to demonstrate ongoing compliance at each stage of the process.
A Rental Renovation Licence is valid for 12 months. Instructions for how to apply will be published shortly before the bylaw comes into effect. The City will use an education-first approach to encourage compliance followed by progressive enforcement where needed.
Information for tenants
Beginning Thursday, July 31, the Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw will introduce new requirements for landlords who plan renovations that require tenants to temporarily move out. The bylaw aims to protect tenants by ensuring that renovations follow a clear, regulated and transparent process.
Under the new rules, landlords must apply for 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 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 compensation.
The bylaw will also enable tenants to report suspected violations directly to the City. Additionally, 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.
More information on the Rental Renovations Bylaw is available on the City’s website: www.toronto.ca/RentalRenoLicence
Quote:
“With a growing housing crisis, it is more important than ever to protect tenants and preserve our existing affordable housing. The Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw is one of the important ways the City is leading the way to address the housing crisis and help ensure Torontonians have a safe and secure place to live.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.