Renovictions by-law approved by Planning Committee to protect Ottawa tenants from bad-faith evictions
Starting January 1, 2027, landlords seeking to evict tenants for renovations will need a city licence, building permit, and must provide tenants with an education guide on their rights.
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Ottawa's Planning and Housing Committee approved a Rental Renovation Licence By-law on July 8 to protect tenants from evictions that use renovation or repair as a pretext for rent increases — a practice known as renovictions.
Under the by-law, which takes effect January 1, 2027, landlords must obtain a building permit before issuing an eviction notice for renovations. Once the notice is issued, they have seven days to apply for a rental renovation licence from the city. Tenants will receive a city-produced eviction education guide in multiple languages explaining their rights under provincial law.
The city will not charge a licence fee, keeping compliance costs low for landlords while relying on enforcement and fines to discourage bad-faith evictions. The approach encourages adherence to Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act rules and aims to preserve affordable rental housing in Ottawa.
The facts
When does Ottawa's Renovictions by-law take effect?
January 1, 2027. On this date, landlords seeking to evict tenants for renovations will need a city licence and building permit.
What must landlords do before evicting a tenant for renovations?
Landlords must obtain a building permit before issuing an eviction notice for renovations under Ottawa's by-law.
How long do landlords have to apply for a rental renovation licence after issuing an eviction notice?
Seven days. After issuing an eviction notice for renovations, landlords have seven days to apply for a rental renovation licence from the city.
What will tenants receive when evicted for renovations?
Tenants will receive a city-produced eviction education guide in multiple languages explaining their rights under Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act.
