Toronto City Council has approved new measures to protect renters and increase the rental housing supply. On Wednesday, councillors voted to introduce a bylaw targeting illegal renovictions and committed approximately $350 million to build nearly 6,000 new rental units.
The bylaw aims to curb renovictions by establishing clear, enforceable procedures for landlords. Under the new rules, landlords must obtain a renovation license and ensure all necessary permits and reports are in place before evicting tenants for renovations. This is intended to prevent landlords from evicting tenants under false pretenses to raise rents.
In addition to renter protections, the city is focusing on expanding affordable housing. The council’s rental housing supply program aims to add thousands of new rental units, with a significant portion designated as affordable. The program includes incentives for non-profits, co-operatives, and Indigenous housing providers to develop rent-controlled homes.
A $350 million capital investment will fund these projects and expedite the development of 18 affordable housing projects. This initiative addresses a critical need in a city where 48% of households are renters, many of whom face high and unaffordable rents.
