Brampton’s Residential Rental Licensing (RRL) pilot program, designed to crack down on illegal rentals, has led to significant results, according to city officials, with 4,700 home inspections completed and over 600 penalties issued since its launch earlier this year. The program, which targets landlords renting out four or fewer units in certain wards, has sparked heated protests from landlords, who argue they are being unfairly penalized for their tenants’ behavior and face bureaucratic challenges when dealing with problematic renters.
Mayor Patrick Brown emphasized the importance of the pilot at a news conference, stating that the initiative is essential for addressing unsafe and illegal lodging across the city. To illustrate the severity of the problem, city officials shared disturbing images from recent inspections, revealing overcrowded homes with multiple mattresses crammed into single rooms, unclean washrooms, and piles of garbage. Brown condemned the actions of “slum landlords,” saying they degrade entire neighborhoods and create unsafe conditions for vulnerable tenants, often international students or low-income renters.
“The RRL pilot is working,” Brown said, praising the program’s effectiveness in addressing illegal rentals and unsafe living conditions. He added that 46 landlords have already made their illegal units compliant, marking a step forward in improving housing standards. Despite this, only 2,200 landlords have registered for the pilot’s licensing program, which is set to last two years and requires an annual $300 fee.
The program has not been without controversy. Several landlords protested outside Brampton City Hall, arguing that the initiative unfairly targets responsible property owners and increases their financial burden. Namit Sharma, a landlord who participated in the protest, expressed frustration with the system, citing delays at the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) that prevent landlords from addressing tenant-related issues in a timely manner. “If my tenant brings in additional people without my consent, I can’t do anything about it,” Sharma said, emphasizing that landlords often bear the blame for issues beyond their control.
Azad Goyat, founder of the Brampton Housing Providers Association, which represents over 1,500 landlords, echoed similar concerns. Goyat, who rents out rooms to multiple tenants, said that while he complies with city regulations, the pilot program unfairly paints all landlords as “slumlords.” He and other landlords argue that the LTB’s massive backlog—reportedly over 53,000 cases as of May 2024—leaves them powerless to evict non-compliant tenants, forcing landlords to endure lengthy waiting periods for hearings. Goyat called on the province to address these delays and prevent landlords from being punished for problems caused by tenants.
In response to the backlash, city officials reiterated the necessity of the program, citing over 8,000 complaints in July alone related to parking issues, property standards, and fire code violations, all stemming from illegal rental units. Councillor Rowena Santos, a key supporter of the RRL pilot, highlighted troubling incidents, including online advertisements in which landlords offered reduced rent in exchange for sexual favors from female tenants. “This is the worst of the worst,” Santos said, stressing that the program aims to protect vulnerable renters from exploitation and dangerous living conditions.
The city’s initiative to tackle illegal rentals will be further bolstered by the hiring of 38 new bylaw enforcement officers, some of whom will focus specifically on addressing complaints generated by the RRL pilot. With these additional resources, the city hopes to accelerate inspections and resolve issues more efficiently.
Despite the opposition from landlords, Brown reaffirmed the city’s commitment to the program. “Ninety-five percent of landlords are good, but we’re dealing with the few bad apples who ruin neighborhoods,” he said, referring to landlords who operate unsafe and overcrowded rental units. He noted that illegal modifications to homes often lead to dangerous situations, including increased fire risks.
To encourage more landlords to participate, the city is offering a 50% discount on the RRL fees for those who register before September 30. After this date, the full $300 annual fee will apply. Brown emphasized that the program is crucial for improving rental housing standards and protecting tenants, and that it will continue as planned despite the protests.
The RRL pilot has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising its efforts to curb illegal lodging and improve safety for renters, while others criticize it as an unnecessary burden on landlords who are already struggling with delays in the LTB. As the program moves forward, city officials hope to strike a balance between protecting tenants and supporting compliant landlords, while addressing the broader issues surrounding housing in Brampton.