If you are a landlord or a tenant, here's a primer on what you should know about the new Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw or "renoviction" bylaw in Toronto. The bylaw came into effect on August 1, 2025.
The bylaw requires landlords to obtain a Rental Renovation Licence before evicting tenants for major renovations or repairs. This adds a layer of oversight to prevent abuse of the renovation eviction process.
Landlords must demonstrate that the proposed renovations genuinely require the unit to be vacant and cannot be completed with the tenant in place.
Tenants have new rights under the bylaw, including the right to return to their unit at the same rent after renovations are complete, and compensation during the renovation period.
The bylaw aims to protect tenants from landlords who use renovation claims as a pretext to evict tenants and raise rents on new tenants.
Both landlords and tenants should familiarize themselves with the specific requirements and protections under this new bylaw. Consult with a legal professional if you have questions about your rights and obligations.