Support for Toronto Tenants During the COVID-19 Pandemic - by Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Shelley Carroll

The average rent for a new 1-bedroom is now $2,250, more than the $2,000 monthly Canada Emergency Response Benefit payment from the federal government. While eviction orders are frozen during the course of the pandemic, far too many renters have had their housing threatened during this pandemic as Landlords are still allowed to proceed with eviction notices (N4s). The Province's formal advice for tenants to "speak to your landlord about whether rent can be postponed or if other payment arrangements can be agreed to" has not proven effective. To make matters worse, the Province has moved forward with Bill 184 which, if passed, will make it easier for Landlords to evict tenants once the Landlord and Tenant Board resumes operation. To support tenants and provide surety to Landlords, this Motion requests the Premier to provide a clear strategy that includes: • Rent forgiveness for vulnerable tenants: Offset payments for Landlords to forgive rent for tenants who now qualify for federal income supports. Deferrals could lead to mass evictions and financial ruin when the COVID-19 crisis is over. • Ban COVID-19 Evictions and Eviction notices: No one should lose their housing due to job loss from the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, while eviction orders have been suspended, landlords are still allowed to file eviction notices and are "entitled to collect compensation from a tenant for each day an eviction order is not enforced," according to the Province. If allowed to continue, this measure will leave a threat of eviction over the heads of tenants; exacerbating a public health and financial crisis. • No Rent Increases: Many Landlords are still issuing Guideline and even Above the Guideline Rent Increases (AGIs). There should be a pause on these increases during the course of the pandemic. Many renters have done their part by staying home - the Province must now do their part to support tenants.