The provincial government is working to add stability to Ontario’s rental market but increasing fines for unlawful evictions.
Government officials announced this morning they’ll also be reinforcing the necessity for landlords to explore repayment agreements before considering evictions.
They say the new measures will be added to the Protecting Tenants and Strengthening Community Housing Act which received Royal Assent today.
Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing says the legislation updates both the Residential Tenancies Act from 2006 and the Housing Services Act from 2011.
It will requiring tenant compensation of one month’s rent for “no fault” evictions.
It will also allowing the Landlord and Tenant Board to order up to 12 months’ rent in compensation for eviction notices issued in bad faith or where the landlord does not allow the tenant to move back in after renovations or repairs
And finally it will double the maximum fine amounts for offences under the Act to $50,000 for an individual and $250,000 for a corporation.
Clark says this will modernize and streamline the dispute resolution processes.
Ontario will consult with service managers and stakeholders on regulations to protect, repair and grow community housing supply, new access system rules, and ways to encourage new, innovative approaches.
