Blueprint for a Renters’ Bill of Rights
The Federal Government has announced plans to introduce a Renters’ Bill of Rights. To provide clarity on this initiative, they have released a blueprint, which is outlined below. For more information, you can visit the government’s website through the provided link.
One-third of Canadians rent their homes. They are facing challenges like exorbitant monthly rents, low vacancy rates, and the erosion of protections against unfair rental practices, like renovictions or landlord failure to maintain safe and habitable units. These factors are increasingly threatening the right to adequate housing.
A lack of housing supply is putting pressure on housing affordability across the country. To ensure affordability for everyone, we need a drastic increase in the supply of all types of housing, from market housing to non-market and affordable housing, to meet the demands of a growing Canada. In order to increase the supply of adequate housing, all levels of government need to make it easier for builders to build and make sure there are proper mechanisms in place so that renters live in safe and adequate conditions.
The Government of Canada recognizes that housing is fundamental to dignity and well-being, and to building sustainable and inclusive communities. The National Housing Strategy is Canada’s commitment to ensure more people living in Canada have access to safe, affordable and inclusive housing.