Today, London City Council approved a new Rental Unit Repair Licence aimed at protecting tenants and preventing unfair ‘renovictions’.
The Rental Unit Repair Licence aims to protect tenants through new requirements put in place for landlords who want to complete renovations to rental units that are so extensive that they require a tenant to move out.
The new Rental Unit Repair Licence will require landlords to:
- Obtain a building permit for the renovation or repair of the rental unit.
- Obtain a report prepared, stamped, and certified by a qualified professional that states that repairs or renovations are so extensive that they require vacant possession of the unit.
- Apply for a Rental Unit Repair Licence within seven (7) calendar days of giving an N-13 notice to a tenant.
- Provide the tenant a copy of the Tenant Information Package together with the N-13 notice.
The cost of the Rental Unit Repair Licence is $600 per unit and is valid for a period of 180 days from the date of issuance.
Administrative Monetary Penalties for non-compliance will range from $250 to $2,500. Multiple penalties can be applied to an individual situation and can be escalated where offences are ignored or repeated.
“We know renting is a vital housing option in London and that renovictions result in the displacement of tenants and the loss of important affordable market rentals in the community,” says Scott Mathers, Deputy City Manager, Planning & Economic Development. “This is an important step to protect renters in our community, stop people in London from being forced out of their homes, and discourage landlords from using N13 notices to evict tenants unfairly. I'm proud that London is the third city in Canada to take action against unfair evictions due to renovations.”
The Rental Unit Repair Licence does not replace any legal requirements under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) or the Provincial Landlord & Tenant Board. When issuing a N-13 notice, landlords are required to follow the prescribed processes in the RTA regarding compensation and re-occupation of the unit following genuine improvements or repairs.
Tenants can learn more about their rights and find tenant resources on the City of London’s website.
London is only the second municipality in Ontario to approve measures focused on preventing unfair evictions. The development of London’s Rental Unit Repair Licence was informed by review and analysis of other municipalities, collaboration with local service providers and public engagement and feedback collected from tenants, landlords, and residents impacted by renovictions.
The City of London thanks those who shared their experiences, knowledge and perceptions of renovictions to help guide the Rental Unit Repair Licence.