Toronto’s new renovictions bylaw officially takes effect today, marking a major shift in how the city handles rental renovations and tenant protections. The Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw, passed by City Council last November, aims to curb “bad faith” evictions—commonly known as renovictions—where landlords force tenants out under the guise of renovations only to hike rents or deny re-entry.

Under the new rules, landlords must obtain a Rental Renovation Licence before initiating any repairs or upgrades that require tenants to vacate. This licence must be secured within seven days of issuing an N13 notice to end tenancy. Landlords are now required to provide tenants with either temporary housing or rent-gap compensation during renovations. If tenants choose not to return, they must receive severance compensation equal to three months of rent-gap payments, plus a one-time moving allowance of $1,500–$2,500 depending on unit size.

Mayor Olivia Chow hailed the bylaw as a “new day for Toronto tenants,” emphasizing that it brings fairness and accountability to a rental market plagued by rising costs and housing insecurity. Advocacy groups like ACORN and the Federation of Metro Tenants’ Associations have praised the move, calling it a victory for tenant rights and housing stability. The city has also launched an online public registry where tenants can verify whether their landlord has obtained the required licence. Violations of the bylaw could result in fines of up to $100,000.

With average rents in Toronto having surged over the past decade, supporters of the bylaw see it as a good step toward preserving affordable housing and ensuring tenants aren’t displaced unfairly.