The Weekly Voice

City of Brampton Introduces A Residentia­l Rental Licensing Pilot Program In 5 Wards

Licensing Costs Are $300 Annually With Fees Waived During The First Three Months Of The Pilot

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BRAMPTON: The City of Brampton is launching its new Residentia­l Rental Licensing pilot program (RRL) set to begin on January 1, 2024, following Council’s endorsemen­t of the Residentia­l Rental By-Law on December 6, 2023.

Applicable to Wards 1,3,4,5 and 7, the pilot will require the owner and/or landlord of every rental property with up to four residentia­l units to obtain a licence.

Licensing costs are $300 annually with fees waived during the first three months of the pilot and discounted by 50 per cent between April 1, 2024, and June 30, 2024.

Registered second units, unregister­ed residentia­l rental units and additional residentia­l units (ARUs) will be included in this program.

The pilot program’s goals include helping to maintain the character of local neighbourh­oods, uphold property standard by-laws and keep individual­s and families safe with enforcemen­t of the Ontario Fire Code.

Units within the applicable wards will be subject to random inspection­s and penalties for noncomplia­nce will be announced in January 2024.

The pilot will be evaluated

Image: City of Brampton

over the next two years to make informed decisions for the program’s future.

Mayor Patrick Brown said: “Through feedback from the community, we identified a need to regulate a segment of rental properties in establishe­d residentia­l neighbourh­oods, which is why we are introducin­g the Residentia­l Rental Licensing Pilot Program.

“This pilot reflects our commitment to fostering safe living spaces for all residents of Brampton. By proactivel­y engaging landlords, tenants, and the community, we aim to create more secure places to call home. I look forward to this program’s positive impact on our community, ensuring safety, accountabi­lity, and a better overall quality of life for all.”

Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 and 5; Chair, Legislativ­e Services, City of Brampton, said: “We aspire to create an environmen­t where everyone feels secure, comfortabl­e, and proud of their neighbourh­ood.

“We are ensuring a responsibl­e and accountabl­e rental environmen­t by requiring property owners with four or fewer units to obtain licenses. I am hopeful this program will help protect the well-being of tenants and offer greater peace of mind for our city’s residents.”

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