Ontario's housing plan protects students from unfair rent increases and evictions
Last week, the Government of Ontario announced its new eviction rules would be in effect starting September 1.
The new rules are part of Ontario’s Fair Housing Plan, which also includes the expansion of rent control to all private rental units, including those first occupied on or after November 1, 1991.
And now, they want college and university students to know that they are also protected under the new rules.
“Our government is committed to protecting Ontario’s students from unfair rent increases and evictions,” said Peter Milczyn, Minister of Housing and Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy, in a statement. “Students face a whole host of challenges as they embark on the next phase of their lives – new friends, new responsibilities, and a new place to call home. Knowing their rights and responsibilities as renters helps to ease the transition, while allowing them to keep focused on what matters most – getting a great education to help secure an even brighter future.”
Students living off-campus, including in condominiums, basement apartments, and houses will have their rent capped at the annual rent increase guideline of 1.8 per cent in 2018, according to the province.
The government also wants students to know that:
- Starting September 1, if the landlord wants the unit for their own use, a close family member’s or caregiver’s use, they must give the tenant one month’s rent or offer them another acceptable unit – and they can’t re-rent it for a year
- Landlords are responsible for maintenance, but tenants have to keep the place clean
- Renters have to give landlords 60 days’ notice before they move out if they are on a monthly or fixed term lease
- A landlord can’t ban pets or guests, but if renting a condo, tenants have to follow any rules set under the Condominium Act
Most university and college classes start this week.