IMPORTANT UPDATE: The Ford government has said that they are not proceeding with the consultations to eliminate security of tenure – a measure that would have effectively ended rent control, eliminate housing stability, and punish tenants who assert their rights.
This is an important win, but we must be vigilant. The government has shown us that this is on their policy agenda, and they could bring it back at any time. Please sign this petition and continue to send it to your friends, family and neighbours.
PETITION TEXT:
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the changes proposed by the Doug Ford Government that would eliminate rent control and security of tenure for tenants across Ontario. These would be the most radical and harmful changes to tenant protections we’ve ever seen.
Right now, tenants sign a fixed-term lease, which automatically converts to a month-to-month tenancy when that term expires. This allows tenants to stay in their homes indefinitely as long as they abide by the terms of the lease.
The Government is now proposing to give even the biggest corporate landlords the power to evict tenants and increase rents at any time, which will result in more Ontarians being unable to afford to remain in their homes.
Tenants could be forced to move every 12 months, face unpredictable and exorbitant rent increases, and would put thousands of Ontarians into highly precarious situations where they would be afraid to speak up about repairs out of fear of reprisal from corporate landlords.
These changes would be the biggest and most consequential loss of tenant protections in our lifetime, impacting millions of Ontarians. This could result in a significant increase in homelessness, particularly for the most vulnerable including seniors.
Tenants across Ontario are mobilizing and will not allow our rights to be stripped away without a fight.
I am writing to you, my provincial representative, to demand that you oppose these proposed changes and choose to protect renters in Ontario. We will be paying attention to your decision on this matter and will not forget the next time there is an election.