Brampton Expands Rental Licensing to Combat Illegal Rentals NOW

UPDATE: The City of Brampton is urgently expanding its residential rental licensing (RRL) project to crack down on illegal rentals, just days after a tragic house fire claimed the lives of five individuals. The city council voted on Wednesday to extend the RRL requirements to wards 2 and 8, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, significantly enhancing monitoring and enforcement of rental practices.

Since its launch last year, the RRL pilot project has required landlords to register and pay a $300 annual license fee. The initiative aims to ensure safe living conditions for tenants, with Brampton’s Mayor Patrick Brown emphasizing the importance of preventing hazardous living environments. “We don’t want to see fire traps,” Brown stated, as authorities work to address the risks associated with unsafe rentals.

The expansion follows a grim reminder of the risks posed by illegal rentals. The recent fire incident occurred in a home not covered by the current RRL, highlighting the urgent need for broader regulations. “This heartbreaking tragedy is a painful reminder that unsafe rental conditions are not limited to one neighbourhood or ward,” said Rowena Santos, councillor for wards 1 and 5.

The RRL pilot has already led to over 4,700 inspections and issued over 600 penalty notices. The pilot allows city officials to assess residential units for compliance with safety bylaws, despite provincial restrictions on access without permission. “Under our RRL program, we treat rental units as businesses,” Brown explained, asserting the city’s right to ensure compliance.

Landlord groups have protested the pilot since its inception, arguing against the increased regulatory burdens. However, Brown and Santos maintain that the program is essential for tenant safety. Santos noted that the phased approach of the pilot has led to increased compliance among previously non-compliant homes.

As investigations continue into the recent fire, which involved a multigenerational family, the mayor revealed that the landlord had a history of compliance issues with the basement unit. “We don’t know the full extent of what the negligence and compliance was,” Brown said, stressing the need for thorough investigations.

The city’s attempts to inspect the property in question had faced refusals in past years. The landlord’s attorney, Sukhi Baidwan, denied allegations of non-compliance, claiming the lease was lawful and that the number of occupants exceeded the agreed terms without the landlord’s knowledge.

With the expansion of the RRL, Brampton officials are determined to make significant headway in addressing illegal rentals, ensuring that all wards are included in the licensing requirements. The city has requested a report to evaluate costs for including the remaining wards in future phases.

As Brampton moves forward with these critical updates, residents are urged to stay informed about their rights and responsibilities in rental agreements. The city is committed to fostering safe living environments and holding landlords accountable for compliance.

This urgent expansion reflects a growing recognition of the importance of rental safety and the need for comprehensive oversight in the face of rising illegal rental situations. As the city gears up for these changes, the focus remains on protecting tenants and ensuring compliance across all wards.