Residential Tenancy Reform Consultation Paper

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Introduction RESIDENTIAL TENANCY REFORM CONSULTATION PAPER Thank you for participating in the discussion on possible reform of Ontario’s residential tenancy legislation. The Ontario government has stated that it wishes to put forward new legislation that would protect tenants and encourage landlords to maintain and invest in rental housing. We want your input on this proposed legislation. How to share your views with us: 1. Fill out the multiple-choice questionnaire electronically on our website: www.rentreform.ontario.ca. On this site, you can also read this consultation paper, download copies of the questionnaire in English, French or any of 10 widely spoken languages, and find up-to-date information about the consultation. 2. Mail or fax the questionnaire and/or written comments to: Residential Tenancy Reform Consultation Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Market Housing Branch 777 Bay Street, 14th Floor Toronto ON, M5G 2E5 Phone: 416-645-8082 or toll-free 1-866-751-8082 Fax: 416-585-7607 or toll-free 1-888-846-8832 3. Attend one of the many town-hall meetings that will be held across the province to express your views in person. Dates and locations can be found on the website, or by calling the phone number listed above. Submissions must be received no later than June 15, 2004. We want to know what you think. It is our responsibility to make sure the system works for everyone, and the Ontario government needs your ideas and visions. Tell us how to make it work. Principles for change The Ontario government has stated its intention to introduce legislation to repeal the current law, the Tenant Protection Act, 1997, and introduce a new bill that would provide real protection for tenants and, at the same time, ensure an adequate stock of rental housing. We want to consult with Ontarians about how to develop proposed legislation to balance the interests of landlords and tenants. This consultation paper is a starting point for discussion on creating a fair system to address landlord and tenant issues in Ontario. • We intend to introduce legislation that would bring back real rent control. If passed, this legislation would: - eliminate vacancy de-control, which allows unlimited rent increases when a tenant leaves; - keep rent controls in place whenever vacancy rates are below the threshold at which tenants have real choice; - apply rent control measures on a regional basis. The minimum threshold for lifting rent controls would include a vacancy rate requirement in excess of three per cent; - protect tenants in situations of high vacancy rates against landlords who attempt economic eviction by way of selective, excessive increases; and, - restructure procedural rules so that the process to file grievances and respond to eviction applications at the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal is more fair and equitable to tenants. • The proposed legislation would ensure that municipalities with low vacancy rates have the right to protect existing rental housing from unreasonable demolition or conversion to condominiums. 2
RESIDENTIAL TENANCY REFORM CONSULTATION PAPER We want your views This paper offers proposals for improving the existing system of rent and tenancy regulation. The discussion of each proposal includes options for implementation, important considerations and issues of concern, so that interested parties can have input on all aspects of the proposals. The paper has been organized so that each of the key areas for consideration is contained in a separate chapter. These are: • Rents for new tenants • Rent increase guideline • “Costs No Longer Borne“ for utility costs • Maintenance and rent increases • Regional decontrol • Interest on rent deposits • Dispute resolution • Making landlords and tenants aware of their rights and responsibilities • Demolition and conversion At the end of this paper is a multiple-choice questionnaire that corresponds to the chapters. Additionally, if there are any other issues you wish to raise or comment on, we encourage you to submit them. This questionnaire contains the key questions and possible solutions discussed in the paper. You may also submit a more detailed written submission. We look forward to hearing from you. 3
Page 1: Spring 2004 Residential Tenancy Ref
Page 4 and 5: RESIDENTIAL TENANCY REFORM CONSULTA
Page 8 and 9: Rents for new tenants RESIDENTIAL T
Page 12 and 13: Rent increase guideline RESIDENTIAL
Page 16 and 17: Maintenance and rent increases RESI
Page 18 and 19: Regional decontrol RESIDENTIAL TENA
Page 22 and 23: Interest on rent deposits RESIDENTI
Page 26 and 27: Dispute resolution - notification o
Page 30 and 31: Demolition and conversion RESIDENTI
Page 34 and 35: Other issues and concerns RESIDENTI
Page 36 and 37: Appendix A: Overview of Ontario’s

Residential Tenancy Reform Consultation Paper

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?