I've lived in a complex at 9-27 Bergamot Ave for 13 years, witnessing the struggles and injustices that countless tenants endure in silence, fearful of reprisal from our landlord. While I voiced our grievances, including an outdated and inadequate playground and ongoing maintenance issues, the property management responded with an eviction notice rather than solutions. Many of my neighbors remain silent, scared of being targeted, just as I have been for daring to demand a state of good repair – a plea made back in 2021 also made in 2025.

This situation is not unique to our address. The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) in its current form, does not adequately protect tenants. It often leans heavily towards landlords, leaving tenants vulnerable and living in unsafe conditions. Landlords should be held accountable, particularly when it comes to basic safety repairs, such as fixing flooding issues that jeopardize tenant safety. Instead, property managers have requested  close files without action, avoiding responsibility.

Additionally, the concerning trend of charging tenants for ordinary wear and tear, or for replacing outdated appliances with the same old appliances again, exacerbates renter exploitation. Shockingly, our landlord face little to no legal repercussions for such practices under the current RTA.

We must push for a reform of the RTA that includes issuing fines to negligent landlords, often referred to as 'slum lords,' who neglect their properties and exploit their tenants. Ensuring that landlords maintain a state of good repair should not be optional but legally enforced with severe penalties for non-compliance.

Our voices can invoke change, and it's time for the government to listen. Together, we can urge the authorities to revisit the RTA, ensuring it provides fair and just protection to all renters. Please join me in calling for an immediate amendment to the Residential Tenancies Act.

Sign this petition today to demand justice and safety for all tenants across Ontario.