Ontario NDP party propose rent control measures that will empower tenants once again

Ontario NDP MMP’s have proposed a new bill to stabilize rental prices and end “renovictions”. The bill is called "Rent Stabilization Act: Pay What the Last Tenant Paid." If passed, the bill would limit landlords from raising rental prices for new tenants beyond the guidelines set by the province. It would ensure that new renters pay the same amount as the previous renters. 

What is “Renoviction”?

this is a term used in Canadian provinces to describe an eviction that is carried out to renovate or repair a rental unit. Most renovations or repairs can be carried out without ending tenancies, and with only minor disruption to tenants

In a recent press conference, MPP’s highlighted the current skyrocketing rental prices and the need for families to have an affordable place to stay as matters needing urgent attention. "We want to ensure that everyone in Ontario lives in a safe and affordable home that meets their needs," Jessica Bell said. "That is not the reality today. We have a terrible affordable housing crisis across Ontario." 

The rental prices in Ontario have been skyrocketing, particularly since rental control measures were removed in 2018 for new tenants. The rental prices increase 15.2% annually from July 2021 to July 2022, and NDP MPP’s say the situation is out of control. 

“People in Ontario are smack in the middle of a housing crisis, and Doug Ford’s insistence on allowing landlords to hike the rent unchecked between tenants is a major contributor to driving up market rental prices, MPP Jessica Bell said. “People are being “renovicted” by landlords looking for an excuse to hike rents. They’re putting off growing their families because they can’t afford the extra room and moving further away from the people and neighborhoods they love." 

Currently, landlords can only increase the rent in line with CPI for existing tenants, but there is no law protecting new tenants moving in. This has incentivized some landlords to try and get rid of their existing tenants and replace them with new ones in the hope of pushing up their rent. 

With the inflation rate currently skyrocketing, many Canadians are struggling to make ends meet as is, and escalating rental prices have only compounded the problem further. Diana Chan McNally, a community and crisis worker at All Saints Church Community Centre, also weighed in at the press conference and suggested the effects could be devastating if not addressed. 

"Rents are on the rise, but incomes are not matching. Inflation is through the roof. This makes people at increasing risk of homelessness and remaining so," she said. "It's not just about supply. It's about preserving affordability of the housing that already exists, particularly rental housing that is accessible and truly affordable for unhoused and very low income individuals."