Brampton’s controversial landlord licensing program could soon cover nearly the entire city, with council expected to vote on expanding the Residential Rental Licensing (RRL) initiative to more wards starting in 2026.
Launched in 2024 as a pilot project, the RRL program currently requires landlords of properties with four or fewer rental units in wards 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7 to obtain a license to operate legally. A new staff report now recommends adding wards 2 and 8 to the program next year, leaving only wards 6, 9, and 10 temporarily exempt.
The initiative was created to address concerns around unregulated rental housing, including property standards, safety, and accountability. Mayor Patrick Brown has said there are an estimated 16,000 unregistered rental units in Brampton, and described the pilot project as “an effective tool” in improving housing enforcement.
However, expanding the program comes with a significant price tag. City staff estimate the additional cost to be over $1.3 million, including new bylaw officers and enforcement equipment. Around $400,000 would be funded by fines and fees, while the rest would be covered through reserve funds, pending council approval.
So far, the city has issued 3,424 RRL licenses and handed out 439 penalty notices, totaling over $301,000 in fines. Another 830 investigations into licensing violations remain ongoing. While the city initially anticipated $450,000 in revenue from the pilot, widespread pushback from landlords prompted the city to waive the $300 annual licensing fee, resulting in a budget shortfall.
City councillors say it’s not a matter of if, but when the remaining wards will be included. Wards 9 and 10, in particular, present logistical challenges due to a higher number of large, multi-family homes. “I know this stuff is coming one day,” said Coun. Harkirat Singh. “We just need more time.”
If the recommendations are approved, Brampton will take another major step toward city-wide landlord licensing — a move that could reshape how rental housing is regulated and enforced across the growing city.