'Rogue landlords' put on notice by council committee that backed licensing by-law to prevent renovictions

Councillors vented their frustration about the number of Londoners losing their homes to so-called "renovictions."

Councillors vented their frustration about the number of Londoners losing their homes to so-called "renovictions."

“We are here around this table to protect those who can’t protect themselves,” asserted Coun. Peter Cuddy to members of the Community and Protective Services (CAPS) Committee.

On Monday, the CAPS Committee discussed a draft licensing by-law to stop the unethical use of N13 Notices by some landlords to evict tenants on the pretense of an extensive renovation to their unit— only to instead use the vacancy to hike the rent.

“This by-law is meant for those rogue landlords who have come into this city with the only intention of making money as quickly as they can— on the back of our good tenants,” Cuddy added.

Coun. David Ferreira’s comments took direct aim at landlords who are renovicting tenants, “When your business model comes at a cost of the basic human rights (of) people, expect the people to respond. Expect the loopholes to close.”

A staff report recommends requiring landlords who issue an N13 Notice to obtain a $400 Rental Unit Repair License from city hall and include a professional opinion that the unit must be vacated during the renovation.

Also, the impacted tenants would receive an information package explaining their rights.