NDP introduces law to make renting more affordable

TORONTO — Ontario NDP Shadow Finance Minister Jessica Bell (University--Rosedale), Shadow Minister for Housing Catherine McKenney (Ottawa Centre), Alexa Gilmour (Parkdale--High Park), and Chandra Pasma (Ottawa-Centre) have introduced a bill to crack down on skyrocketing rents.

“Since Doug Ford ended rent control on new units in 2018 and left vacancy de-control in place, people are being forced out of their homes because landlords can hike the rent the moment a tenant moves out,” said Bell. “This bill closes that loophole and protects tenants from rent gouging.”

The Rent Stabilization Act, 2025, would make it illegal for landlords to raise rent above the legal limit between tenants, a practice that fuels evictions and rising housing costs.

“By introducing a rent registry, enforcing landlord accountability, and guaranteeing legal representation for those facing excessive rent hikes, we are putting power back in the hands of renters,” said McKenney. “This is about dignity, stability, and the right to safe, affordable housing for all Ontarians.”

Quotes:

“They said taking away rent control was going to increase supply and bring rents down. But in our neighbourhood, we are the living proof that this is not happening. A new building came in right next to mine, 22 John St. It’s not rent controlled. If anything, it has pushed all of the area’s rents up, while constantly churning out tenants who have to move at the moment of renewing their leases.”

• Sharlene Henry, Co-Chair of the York South-Weston Tenant Union

“Tenants in Ontario know that we are in the midst of the worst affordability crisis we’ve seen in generations, pushing working people to the brink, and in many cases, onto the streets”

• Yaroslava Avila Montenegro, Executive Director of the Federation of Metro Toronto Tenants Associations (FMTA) and member of the Fair Rent Ontario Coalition

“I’ve spoken with renters, community leaders, and tenant groups across the province. We’re all saying the same thing: enough is enough. This system doesn’t serve people, it serves profits. Corporate landlords are acting in bad faith, and they must be held accountable.”

• Alex Venuto, Co-Chair of Ontario Renters for Fair Housing and Vice President of the High Park Tenants’ Association