News

Council moves forward on Rental Renovation Licensing By-law

14 April 2026

The Kitchener City Council has approved a Rental Renovation Licensing By-law designed to protect tenants from badfaith evictions while still allowing legitimate renovation work to move forward.

Informed by extensive research and engagement with tenants, landlords, community organizations, advocacy groups, and legal and housing service providers, the by-law creates a licensing process that requires a perunit licence for any renovation that needs a tenant to vacate their unit, as triggered by the service of an N13 notice. It also establishes a fee structure and provides additional staffing to support administration, inspections, and enforcement.

This initiative strengthens the City’s commitment to secure, affordable housing and to building stronger, more connected neighbourhoods.

To learn more, read the report online.