Legal Clinics Warn Rental Rule Changes May Boost Homelessness Risk

Two legal clinics in southwestern Ontario are joining forces with 132 organizations to voice their concerns about proposed changes to the province’s residential tenancy laws. This collective effort targets Bill 60, an initiative by the Ford Government that may significantly impact rental rights and accelerate evictions, potentially worsening homelessness across the region.

Concerns Over Bill 60 and Its Implications

The omnibus Bill 60, titled the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, intends to address delays at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) and boost rental availability. However, advocates argue that it could instead multiply the number of residents facing homelessness. Jamie Hildebrand, the executive director of the Huron Perth Community Legal Clinic, indicates that these amendments will not alleviate the LTB backlog and will likely have the opposite effect.

Key Changes Proposed in Bill 60

• Reduction in the appeal period for tenants from 14 days to 7 days.
• Limitation on the ability to raise new issues during LTB hearings.
• Eviction hearings expedited for landlords.
• Landlords can reclaim occupied rental units with 120 days’ notice, without tenant compensation.
• Tenants must pay 50% of alleged arrears before addressing maintenance or harassment issues.

Critics highlight that shortening the grace period for non-payment to seven days disregards the financial realities many tenants face. Hildebrand emphasizes that this adjustment will likely push more tenants to the LTB, increasing the risk of eviction and homelessness.

Public and Municipal Reactions

The proposed legislation has faced significant opposition from city councils in Hamilton and Toronto, both of which voted against the bill due to concerns about tenant rights. Last month, public pressure forced the province to retreat from a proposal that might have eliminated rent control and allowed indefinite leases.

In response to the opposition, a spokesperson from Housing Minister Rob Flack stated that Bill 60 aims to restore balance in the rental market and support landlords who provide rental housing. However, advocates argue that the changes could destabilize housing for vulnerable populations.

Homelessness Statistics in Ontario

Recent reports show alarming homelessness statistics in London, Ontario. As of October, approximately 2,000 individuals were actively experiencing homelessness in the municipality. Of those, over 1,000 individuals were deemed chronically homeless, having lived without stable housing for six months or longer in the past year.

Advocates’ Call for Action

Housing advocates, including Jeff Wilkins from Chatham-Kent Legal Clinic, point out that rising eviction numbers demand immediate attention. Wilkins warns that changes to the LTB’s ability to consider tenants’ circumstances will exacerbate ongoing housing crises.

In light of these developments, legal clinics and community organizations urge the Ontario government to reconsider Bill 60. They advocate for a more tenant-friendly approach that prioritizes housing stability and accessibility.

Hildebrand highlights the need for in-person LTB hearings to address systemic barriers faced by low-income tenants, suggesting that these measures could help manage the existing backlog more effectively.