The Competition Bureau of Canada is urging landlords and property managers to exercise caution when engaging with competitors, particularly in online forums and discussion groups. While industry dialogue is common, certain agreements between competitors may violate the law.
According to the Bureau, phrases like “make the most of the booming rental market” or “ensure all players benefit from strong demand” may signal problematic behaviour if they point to coordinated strategies. As such, it has issued a reminder to housing providers that it is illegal for competitors to agree on:
- Rental prices, surcharges, or planned increases
- Lease terms, including amenities or services offered
- Artificially limiting rental supply to drive demand
Conduct along those lines may constitute criminal offences—such as price-fixing or market allocation—under the Competition Act. Penalties include up to 14 years in prison and significant fines.
To avoid legal pitfalls, landlords and property managers should:
- Set pricing and lease terms independently
- Negotiate directly and exclusively with their own tenants
The Competition Bureau also urges anyone who suspects illegal conduct to contact the Information Centre or file a report online. Anonymous disclosures are accepted via the Bureau’s Whistleblowing Initiative. Companies may also seek immunity or leniency for cooperation.
