As a landlord in Ontario, I am facing a significant issue. My current tenant has repeatedly failed to pay rent. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident but a prevalent issue affecting many landlords across Ontario.

In the current legislative environment, landlords lack the authority to take immediate action, such as locking out tenants who are consistently negligent with their rent payments. This inability to act inevitably leads to mounting financial loss and stress for landlords, who must maintain their properties and continue to pay their own bills without the guaranteed income from rent.

According to a 2020 survey by the Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO), 67% of small landlords have reported not receiving full rent payments, adding strain to their financial situation. This alarming figure prompts an urgent need to reassess our existing laws and give landlords the right to protect their interests in extreme cases of non-payment.

Landlords serve an important role in providing safe and affordable housing, but they also need protections and rights. Thus, we are calling on the Ontario Legislature to amend the Residential Tenancies Act, allowing landlords to lock out tenants three days after (commencing the 4th day) non-payment of rent. We understand that this change must be handled carefully to prevent misuse and protect tenants' rights, but it is a necessary action to balance the scales in favour of justice and fairness.

Certainly, this plea is not about causing hardship for tenants, but about protecting the vulnerable landlords who are adversely affected by persistent non-payment. Let's encourage interactions, establish mutual trust, and promote responsibility in the Ontario housing market.
Again, we implore you to grant landlords in Ontario the right to lock out non-paying tenants. Please, sign this petition and make your voice heard.