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.
Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton 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.”
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 non-compliance will be announced in January 2024.
The pilot will be evaluated over the next two years to make informed decisions for the program’s future.
“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,” said Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 and 5; Chair, Legislative Services, City of Brampton