The City of Brampton says its Residential Rental Licensing (RRL) program is producing results as thousands of landlords register rental properties and enforcement efforts intensify across the city.
Since launching in early 2024, the city has issued nearly $700,000 in fines while registering thousands of rental units under the expanding landlord licensing initiative.
According to city officials, 3,983 rental licences were issued throughout 2024 and 2025, while more than 13,000 new and renewal applications have already been submitted since the program expanded citywide at the beginning of 2026.
Program Designed to Improve Safety and Accountability
The Residential Rental Licensing program requires landlords operating rental properties with four or fewer units to obtain a municipal licence and comply with fire, health and safety standards.
The program initially launched as a pilot project in selected wards before Brampton council unanimously approved a citywide expansion last November, extending the initiative through the end of 2028.
Dennis Keenan said the city is already seeing positive impacts in neighbourhoods affected by overcrowding and illegal rooming houses.
“We know that this program is successful based on the information we’ve received back,” Keenan said during a recent town hall meeting for residents in Wards 3 and 4.
He noted the city has heard reports of young families moving back into homes that had previously been converted into overcrowded rooming houses.
Hundreds of Fines Issued
Between Jan. 1, 2024 and March 31, 2026, Brampton issued 893 penalty notices under the RRL program, totalling approximately $695,550 in fines.
The city also reported:
- 2,497 rental units were brought into fire code and health and safety compliance.
- 1,077 additional rental units were identified and registered through proactive investigations and public complaints.
To strengthen enforcement, council approved increased fines and added new offences tied to unlicensed rental operations beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
The city has also expanded its bylaw enforcement department for the second consecutive year in an effort to improve compliance and investigations.
Residents Continue Raising Concerns
Despite the city’s efforts, some residents say illegal rental units and overcrowded homes remain widespread in certain neighbourhoods.
Local resident Mike Agius told the Brampton Guardian that some streets continue to experience serious issues involving:
- Excessive garbage
- Parking congestion
- Overcrowded homes
- Health and safety concerns
“There’s a lot of inefficiencies with enforcement,” Agius said, arguing that the city needs stronger oversight and more effective bylaw management.
He criticized what he described as slow enforcement despite increased municipal spending.
City Says More Improvements Are Coming
Councillor Keenan acknowledged there have been “growing pains” during the rollout of the licensing system but said recent expansions to staffing and enforcement powers are expected to improve results over time.
City officials say the program is intended to improve neighbourhood safety, protect tenants, and ensure rental housing across Brampton meets proper living standards as population growth and housing pressures continue to rise.
The RRL program remains one of the most aggressive municipal landlord licensing initiatives currently operating in Ontario.