The City of Brampton is making significant strides in enhancing the safety and living conditions of renters with its ongoing Residential Rental Licensing (RRL) Pilot Program. Since its launch, the initiative has played a crucial role in improving the quality of rental properties across the city, ensuring safer and more secure housing for residents.
The RRL Pilot Program focuses on rental units in Wards 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7, requiring landlords with one to four rental units to obtain a license for each property. This new level of regulation, previously reserved for larger apartment complexes, has been instrumental in holding landlords accountable for the safety and upkeep of their properties.
Mayor Patrick Brown emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “Safety in our communities is non-negotiable. The RRL pilot program is a proven method of enforcing regulations that ensure every Brampton resident has access to safe, well-maintained housing.”
Since the program’s inception, the city’s Enforcement and By-law Services, along with Brampton Fire and Emergency Services, have conducted over 4,700 inspections related to property standards, fire safety, and additional residential units. These inspections, based on a proactive and intelligence-led approach, have helped ensure that landlords are complying with Brampton’s Property Standards By-laws, Fire Code, and Building Code.
Key accomplishments of the RRL program include:
Issuing over 2,200 Residential Rental Licensing business licenses.
Conducting more than 4,700 property inspections.
Issuing over 611 penalties, totaling more than $83,500 in fines for non-compliant properties.
Sept 16, 2024 RRL Update (Credit: City of Brampton)
Photo 4 Sept 16, 2024 RRL Update (Credit: City of Brampton)
The city remains committed to enforcing these standards, ensuring that rental units are equipped with operational smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and other essential safety measures. This effort has not only reduced the risk of hazardous living conditions but has also fostered a safer environment for all Brampton residents.
Before the RRL Pilot Program, landlords of smaller rental properties faced fewer regulations, often leading to unsafe living conditions for tenants. Now, with strict licensing requirements in place, landlords must meet specific safety and maintenance standards before offering rental accommodations. This shift has contributed to reducing incidents of fire hazards, poor ventilation, and unsafe electrical systems.
Regional Councillor Rowena Santos echoed this sentiment: “The safety and well-being of our residents is at the heart of everything we do. The RRL program is more than just a policy—it’s a promise to our community.”
Looking ahead, the city plans to present a comprehensive report on the RRL program’s progress at the Committee of Council meeting on September 18, 2024. As the number of licensed rental properties grows, the city will shift its focus to proactive inspections of these properties, ensuring ongoing compliance with the Landlord Code of Conduct and minimum maintenance requirements.
To further encourage participation, the City of Brampton is offering a 50% discount on the RRL registration fee, reducing it from $300 to $150 for those who apply by September 30, 2024. After this date, the full fee will apply.
Residents and landlords alike are encouraged to contribute to the program’s success by maintaining compliance with local by-laws and reporting any issues related to illegal rental units. The city’s efforts to inspect and penalize non-compliant properties remain a top priority, ensuring that Brampton continues to be a safe place for all to live.
For more information on the Residential Rental Licensing Pilot Program, visit Brampton.ca/rrl.