As some of you may have seen on CTV, we (Yumna & Khadeja) recently experienced an unjust rent increase of $7000 per month after we exercised our rights as tenants. This personal experience has highlighted the urgent need to establish real rent control measures in Ontario.

Rent control is a crucial policy that ensures fairness and stability in the rental market, protecting tenants from exorbitant rent increases and providing them with a sense of security in their homes. However, the current system falls short of meeting these needs, leaving tenants vulnerable to exploitation by landlords.

We call upon the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to take immediate action by implementing the following measures:

1. Rent control for all buildings: update Ontario rent regulations to enact rent control (as outlined below) for all buildings, not just those built prior to Nov 2018. 

2. Same Rent for New Tenants: Introduce legislation that mandates new tenants pay the same rent as former tenants within a building. This will prevent arbitrary increases and ensure affordability for all.

3. Allowable Annual Rental Increases: Calculate annual rental increases based on inflation rates determined by the Government of Ontario. By tying rental hikes to economic indicators such as inflation, we can strike a balance between protecting tenant rights and allowing landlords reasonable adjustments.

4. Public Rent Registry: Establish a publicly accessible rent registry where tenants can find out what previous occupants paid in rent for specific units or buildings. Transparency is key to preventing unfair practices and empowering renters with information they need during negotiations.

5. Accessible Legal Aid: Provide access to legal aid services specifically tailored for tenants who wish to contest illegal rent hikes or address other housing-related issues through proper legal channels. This support will level the playing field between landlords with resources at their disposal and vulnerable renters seeking justice.

6. Stronger Enforcement & Tougher Penalties: Strengthen enforcement mechanisms against landlords who neglect their maintenance responsibilities or fail to comply with established regulations regarding fair rents and habitable living conditions within their properties.

By implementing these vital changes, we can restore balance to the rental market, protect tenants' rights, and ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing in Ontario.

We urge all concerned citizens, tenants, and advocates for fair housing to join us in signing this petition. Together, let's make our voices heard and demand real rent control measures that prioritize the well-being of tenants over the profit-seeking interests of a few landlords.