In a time where everyday people are struggling with a housing crisis and one of the toughest job markets, the newly introduced Lease Agreement Expiry by Doug Ford's Conservative government threatens to exacerbate these challenges even further for renters.

The government announced that it is planning to explore allowing "landlords to control who occupies their units and for how long, allowing them to adjust tenancy arrangements based on market conditions personal needs, or business strategies. This could add flexibility for some landlords in the approach to leases, potentially unlocking additional rental unit stock."

This means possibly allowing month-to-month rental agreements to expire, essentially evicting tenants who are adhering to the Residential Tenancies Act and making their rent payments on time.

The Lease Agreement Expiry undermines the security and stability of countless renters across Ontario. It would create an environment ripe for abuse, where tenants can be displaced without just cause, causing uncertainty and stress. It’s especially egregious during a period marked by a housing crisis with a lack of affordable housing options, a cost-of-living crisis, and a high unemployment rate.

Allowing at-will tenancy agreement changes of paying and RTA-abiding tenants could push more individuals and families into precarious situations without viable alternatives. It is an even larger risk for seniors, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable communities who rely on rent-controlled units to make ends meet. This will also increase the already significant homeless population, compounding our community’s socio-economic challenges.

For landlords, rentals are an investment, but for tenants, these are our homes. We must stop Doug Ford's administration from passing this unfair policy and ensure the protection of tenants' rights. We must urge him to explore other, more effective options to increase housing in Ontario, without increasing homelessness.

If you are a tenant, becoming a tenant, or know someone who is a tenant, this affects you and your community directly.

Please sign to ensure that homes remain a human right, not a commodity to be exploited. Also, make sure to write your Minister of Provincial Parliament.

Your signature can make a difference.

Resources

• Send a letter to your MPP, the Attorney General, and Doug Ford's government here: https://acorncanada.org/news/doug-ford-moves-to-end-rent-control/
• Find your MPP here: https://www.ola.org/en/get-involved/contact-mpp
• Template and how to write a letter to your MPP here: https://opencouncil.ca/write-your-mpp/
• Learn more about the Lease Agreement Expiry in the 2025 Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act here: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1006645/province-introducing-legislation-to-build-homes-and-infrastructure-faster