Mississauga announced it has updated its Rental Housing Protection By-law, approving amendments designed to “better support tenants” as older apartment buildings undergo redevelopment. First enacted in 2019, the by-law applies to roughly 360 rental buildings with six or more units. More than 85 per cent of these buildings were constructed before 1990, a stock that typically offers more affordable rents but is increasingly vulnerable to redevelopment pressures. The City says regulating this activity helps balance tenant protection with the need to expand the overall rental supply.
“As Mississauga grows, we need to build more rental housing while making sure tenants are supported every step of the way,” said Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner, Planning and Building. “Our updated Rental Housing Protection By-law strikes that balance by supporting redevelopment, strengthening tenant protections and preserving affordability so residents aren’t left behind as our City moves forward.”
The approved amendments introduce stronger supports for eligible tenants living in affordable units affected by redevelopment. These include compensation to cover the difference between a tenant’s current rent and market rent during construction, if temporary relocation is required. Moving cost assistance of $1,000 to $1,500 per move will be provided, and developers must help tenants secure temporary housing by offering support services. Tenants will continue to have the right to return to replacement units at similar rents, with increases limited to provincial rent guidelines.
To reflect current market conditions, the City has also updated its affordability requirements. Replacement units must remain affordable at similar rents for at least 10 years and must stay as rental housing for at least 20 years. The threshold for protected units has been lowered from 175 per cent of average market rent to 125 per cent of vacant-unit average market rent, meaning more moderately priced units now fall under the by-law’s protections. The amendments also introduce income-based tenant matching, ensuring that if original tenants do not return, the affordable replacement units are offered to households whose incomes align with the affordability criteria. Replacement units must also be comparable in size to the original homes.
These changes are part of a broader effort to support renters in Mississauga. Council recently approved a new Rental Repairs and Renovations Licensing By-law, taking effect September 1, 2026, to protect tenants from unlawful renovation-related evictions. Landlords undertaking major repairs will be required to obtain a license, clearly inform tenants of their rights and provide financial supports where needed.
