On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, City Council voted to update the Residential Tenancies By-law to give renters stronger protections against renovictions. A renoviction happens when a landlord asks a tenant to leave so they can renovate the unit, only to charge a higher rent to a new person.
Under the updated rules, landlords must now provide at least 120 days' notice before asking a tenant to move for renovations. They must also prove that the work is substantial enough to make the unit unlivable, not just a fresh coat of paint or new flooring. Most importantly, the by-law now gives the current tenant the right of first refusal to move back into the unit once the work is finished, at a rent that matches what they were paying before.
"These changes ensure that no resident in Wrenford is forced out of their home without a valid reason or proper notice," said Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price. "We want our rental market to be stable, fair, and safe for everyone."
If you are a tenant who receives an eviction notice for renovations, you have the right to challenge it. The City's Rental Housing Support program can help you understand your options and connect you with free legal advice if you need to appeal a notice to the Landlord and Tenant Board. You can also review the full text of the updated by-law and see a list of common tenant rights on our housing page.
Landlords and property managers should review the new requirements carefully. The City's by-law enforcement team will be monitoring compliance and can answer questions about the new notice periods and documentation requirements.