London poised to combat 'renovictions' that target low-income tenants

A licensing by-law recently approved in a nearby municipality might hold the key to ending so-called ‘renovictions’ here in London, Ont.

A licensing by-law recently approved in a nearby municipality might hold the key to ending so-called ‘renovictions’ here in London, Ont.

In January, council directed civic administration to prepare a report about limiting or preventing the unethical use of N13 notices by landlords to pressure low-income tenants from their apartments so that the rent can be hiked.

A provincial N13 notice informs a tenant that significant renovations are planned for their apartment that require them to relocate.

However, some landlords have been accused of abusing the use of N13 notices to pressure tenants to leave apartments so that the rent can be substantially increased for the next tenant.

An initial report by city staff investigating the scope of the problem offers a potential solution.

The report states, “The City of London may consider exploring a renoviction and relocation style by-law similar to Hamilton’s proposal.”

In Hamilton, landlords issuing an N13 notice will have to obtain a renovation license from the municipality for $715 (per unit).