In Ontario, landlords can legally end a tenancy for major renovations that truly require the tenant to move out. In those cases, tenants have the right to return once the work is complete, at the same rent.

A renoviction happens when a landlord issues an N13 form to the tenant, also known as a “Notice to end your Tenancy Because the Landlord Wants to Demolish the Rental Unit, Repair it or Convert it to Another Use” as a reason to evict a tenant but doesn’t actually plan to do the work or where the renovations are not substantial enough to require vacant possession of the rental unit.

The underlying goal may be to re-rent the unit at a higher price. These evictions are illegal and can lead to housing instability. At the same time, legitimate renovations are essential to keeping rental properties safe and well-maintained.

Whether you’ve experienced a renoviction, managed renovations as a landlord or work with housing issues in the community - your input matters. Your feedback will help us understand:

• What community members think about introducing a Rental Renovation Licensing By-law
• What you see as the benefits or drawbacks of this kind of by-law
• What specific protections or requirements you think should be included in the by-law

We’re inviting tenants, landlords, legal representatives, housing advocates and community members to take part in a public survey

We are also holding discussion sessions with landlords and tenants. If you are interested in participating, you will have the opportunity to register at the end of the survey.