Supporting Renters and Small Businesses
New legislation would freeze rent for families and tenants in 2021 and extend the temporary ban on evictions for commercial tenants
Families and small businesses continue to be financially impacted by COVID-19.
That’s why our PC government is introducing the Helping Tenants and Small Businesses Act, 2020, which would freeze residential rent increases in 2021, giving the vast majority of Ontario’s 1.7 million tenants some relief during these unprecedented times. The proposed legislation would also support small businesses by extending the temporary ban on commercial evictions. provincial elections.
“From the very beginning of this pandemic, our government promised the families, workers and small business owners of this province that we would have their backs and provide them with the support they need to get back on their feet,” said Doug Ford, MPP for Etobicoke North and Premier of Ontario. “The crisis is far from over and the threat of a second wave is real, as are the challenges it will bring. That’s why we need to take the necessary steps now to help families keep a roof over their heads and small businesses keep their doors open.”
This legislation would revise the rent increase guideline, which is currently set at 1.5 per cent for 2021, to 0 per cent. This guideline applies to most tenants living in rented apartments, houses, townhouses, semis, basement apartments, condos, mobile homes, and land lease communities, as well as care homes, including most retirement homes.
Extending the ban on commercial evictions would allow Ontario to continue to protect small businesses and help them get back on their feet, so they can create jobs and help rebuild the economy.
With this legislation, our PC government will leave more money in the pockets of families and renters so they can get through these difficult times, while providing more certainty to small businesses who have been seriously impacted by COVID-19.