With just weeks left before some Brampton landlords face fines, protests continue as the city prepares to release a report on the first six months of its contentious Residential Rental Licensing (RRL) program.
The pilot program, which affects landlords in Wards 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7, has sparked opposition from local property owners who are required to register with the city. Despite the city waiving the initial $300 annual fee and offering a discounted rate of $150 for a limited time, rental property owners with up to four units could face fines of $600 starting October 1, with penalties increasing up to $1,200 for repeat violations.
Some landlords have taken to weekly protests in opposition to the rules, joining forces with groups advocating for extended post-graduation work permits for international students and temporary foreign workers facing deportation.
Brampton Councillor Dennis Keenan, representing Wards 3 and 4, says he’s been the target of some protesters. In response to ongoing concerns, Keenan has proposed halting construction on basement suites and other rental units until next year, citing multiple cases of “slumlord squalor” in the city as motivation for the pause.
Mayor Patrick Brown and the Rental Licensing Task Force are expected to provide an update next week on the program’s progress. According to city data, nearly 2,000 registrations had been received from landlords in the pilot areas by July. The program aims to address property standards and rental safety, with Brown pointing out that Brampton has around 16,000 unregistered rental units, with four deaths occurring in illegal suites during his tenure as mayor.
“Ensuring safe, regulated rental properties is critical for the well-being of our community,” said Regional Councillor Rowena Santos. “The Residential Rental Licensing program is a necessary step to protect both tenants and landlords by holding everyone accountable for maintaining proper standards. While change can be challenging, it’s ultimately about safety and ensuring Brampton grows responsibly.”
Landlords caught operating without a license will be fined $600 for the first offense, $900 for the second, and $1,200 for any further infractions. Additionally, the pilot includes $250 fines for violations such as failing to provide proper waste containers or not adhering to the city’s grass and weed cutting bylaws.