TENANTS UNDER FIRE
The Ford government is looking for ways to make it easier for landlords to evict tenants
TORONTO — Premier Doug Ford’s government is looking to make it easier for landlords to evict tenants by slashing the waiting periods for eviction notices and allowing private bailiffs to remove renters, the Toronto Star has learned.
Internal government documents show the Progressive Conservatives are considering a proposal to “shorten the waiting period for eviction orders from 11 days to six days” and “allow for private bailiffs” to turf unwanted tenants.
Under the current provincial Bailiffs Act, bailiffs must be appointed by the government and “cannot use force to seize or repossess your things or evict commercial tenants, evict residential tenants (or) execute court orders.”
But the PC discussion paper reveals Ford’s administration hopes “to streamline the process” as part of an overall strategy to boost the supply of rental housing.
The document suggests the government is aware such plans could be unpopular with renters.
“Tenant organizations would support the current notice provisions as it allows tenants time to pay rent without starting the eviction process,” the paper says.
In a statement, Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark’s office confirmed it is working to “develop an action plan to increase the supply of housing in Ontario, which will be announced this spring.
“Creating more housing, of the types and sizes people need, will help make home ownership and renting more affordable and give people more choice,” the statement said.
Last fall, the Tories lifted rent controls on newly created housing units in a move to spur construction, but those on existing units were preserved for tenants.
Queen’s Park is also studying additional changes to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), which was recently moved under the umbrella of the new Tribunals Ontario organization that oversees a slew of adjudicative bodies.
“Over half of eviction hearings for rent arrears are not disputed by tenants,” the document says.
“Should the LTB only hold eviction hearings when a tenant wishes the dispute an eviction? What safeguards would ensure tenants receive proper notice? (This) may require mitigation and safeguards to ensure tenants receive proper notice.”
The government is concerned that “some vulnerable tenants ... could be disadvantaged by this proposal (e.g. tenants with low literacy, English as a second language, persons with disabilities, elderly, etc.)”