In September, the federal government released a new blueprint for a Renters' Bill of Rights to address Canada’s housing affordability crisis and strengthen renter protections.
The blueprint focuses on four key principles:
1. “Ensuring everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home”
The goal is to modernize regulations to encourage the creation of more long-term affordable housing stock.
To achieve this, the federal government is urging provincial and territorial governments to protect renters from market instability by setting up measures such as rent banks and rent increase caps, while also supporting more diverse rental housing options for students, seniors, and those with accessibility needs.
2. “Fostering fairness and transparency”
The Renters' Bill of Rights will introduce a nationwide standard lease agreement and pricing guidelines. Housing providers will be required to issue rent receipts and disclose key rental details like pricing, history, and unit condition. Additionally, there will be tighter oversight and possibly public reporting of rent increases and evictions.
3. “Addressing inequity and discrimination”
The federal government wants provinces to use data to identify and address inequities faced by marginalized groups. This may involve updating fair housing laws, enforcing minimum quality standards for rental housing, and implementing measures that promote fairness in renting practices.
4. “Safeguarding the system”
Provinces will be encouraged to mandate training for property owners and managers, educate tenants on their rights, and enforce penalties for bad-faith practices. The federal government also wants to see stronger formal processes for addressing tenant complaints, closing legal loopholes, and improving access to legal representation.
What’s next?
It’s unclear when the federal government will formally introduce the Renters’ Bill of Rights.
Much of the responsibility of implementing the bill falls on the individual provinces and territories. As part of the bill, the federal government has asked them to publish annual public reports on how they are advancing renters’ rights.
For now, property managers can expect gradual changes but likely not immediate, widespread reform, giving them time to prepare for any new regulations and processes.
More housing policy headlines
Why Canadian landlord groups say push to void ‘no pet’ clauses is ‘unfair’ – Global News
RentSafeTO tightens measures on non-compliant landlords – PayProp blog
Toronto updates Vacant Home Tax program after thousands of charges mistakenly issued – Storeys
