Ontario introducing legislation to freeze residential rent next year

Sep 17 2020, 6:58 pm

The Ontario government has introduced legislation that, if passed, would freeze residential rent in 2021.

On Thursday, the government announced the Helping Tenants and Small Businesses Act, which would freeze rent for most rent-controlled and non-rent-controlled residential units.

“From the very beginning of this pandemic, our government promised the families, workers and small business owners of this province that we would have their backs and provide them with the support they need to get back on their feet,” said Ford.

“The crisis is far from over and the threat of a second wave is real, as are the challenges it will bring. That’s why we need to take the necessary steps now to help families keep a roof over their heads and small businesses keep their doors open.”

According to the province, the legislation also proposes to change the Commercial Tenancies Act to extend the temporary ban on evictions for commercial tenants.

The ban was initially in place from May 1 to August 31, to align with the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses.

“This temporary ban would continue to apply to businesses that are eligible for federal-provincial rent assistance through the CECRA for small businesses, but their landlord chose not to apply for the program. The ban will protect small businesses from being locked out or having their assets seized during COVID-19,” the province adds.

This proposed legislation would also create a single register of voters for municipal and provincial elections, which is expected to be more accurate, have fewer delays for people on election day, and may reduce costs for municipalities.

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