Brampton Landlords Rally Against Relaunch of Rental Licensing Pilot
Tensions flare in Brampton as landlords voice their opposition to the city’s plans to reintroduce a rental licensing pilot, sparking protests outside city hall. Amidst concerns of penalization and bureaucratic hurdles, landlords are demanding the scrapping of the contentious two-year initiative.
Protesters gathered outside city hall, chanting slogans like “No to RRL,” following the announcement of the relaunch of the residential rental licensing pilot. Scheduled for implementation between March 28 and April 19, the initiative aims to tackle issues of illegal lodging, drawing criticism from landlords like Azad Goyat.
Goyat, who rents out multiple units in compliance with regulations, expressed frustration over the city’s approach, emphasizing the need for support in resolving landlord-tenant disputes instead of imposing fines on responsible property owners. He questioned the efficacy of enforcement measures, highlighting the burden placed on landlords under the pilot.
Initially introduced on January 1, the pilot mandates landlords with four or fewer units to register with the city, subjecting properties in specific wards to regular inspections and penalties for violations of property standards. However, critics argue that existing bylaws already address such issues, making the pilot redundant and burdensome.
City officials defend the relaunch, citing the need for enhanced oversight and accountability in the rental housing sector. Councillor Rowena Santos asserts that the pilot will enable better tracking of landlords and occupants, ensuring compliance with regulations and addressing substandard housing conditions.
Despite assurances from city officials, concerns persist among landlords regarding delays in addressing complaints and potential penalties. Delays at the Landlord and Tenant Board compound these anxieties, leaving landlords feeling “helpless” in navigating the regulatory landscape.
Amidst mounting opposition, city authorities are pushing forward with streamlined processes for pilot implementation, signaling a commitment to addressing housing challenges in Brampton. However, protests and petitions continue to underscore the deep-seated tensions surrounding the rental licensing pilot, prompting calls for a more collaborative approach to housing regulation.