July 30, 2025
RED FM News Desk
A new Toronto bylaw aimed at protecting tenants from “renovictions” takes effect today, requiring landlords to obtain a Rental Renovation License before carrying out any repairs or renovations that would force tenants to vacate their units.
The bylaw, adopted by City Council in November 2024, is part of the city’s effort to preserve affordable housing. It is also intended to safeguard tenants from deceptive evictions carried out under the pretense of necessary renovations.
Landlords must apply for the license within seven days of issuing an N13 notice to tenants and provide building permits, prove that vacant possession is necessary, and submit plans for temporary accommodations or rent-gap compensation.
Tenants are entitled to formal notification of renovations and either temporary housing or financial compensation. If a tenant does not return after renovations are complete, landlords must provide severance to offset rent increases.
The city has also launched an online public registry to verify license applications and a reporting system for suspected violations. Additional support, including free legal advice and multilingual services, is available through the Toronto Tenant Support Program via 311.
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