The record misleads
City to study whether rent inspectors can help tenants fight fraudulent evictions
A motion asks city staff to explore whether RentSafe officers can identify and compile evidence of criminal conduct by landlords, such as fraudulent evictions and illegal renovictions, and forward it to police or provincial authorities. The motion was revised to focus on gathering legal and factual information before the city commits to an expanded enforcement role. Nothing happens immediately; this is a study request that will report back in 2027.
Councilor Matlow moved a revised motion that 'strikes and replaces' the original. The chair stated the motion 'carries' (unanimous or all-in-favor).
Who did what
- Councillor Josh Matlow (Ward 12) movedMoved revised amendment to focus on fact-finding rather than debating the substance; seeks staff and legal advice on what RentSafe can do within existing law.
From the floor
“This motion seeks to understand what our abilities are to use existing resources within our rent safe staff to be able to when they see or are told about a potential crime being perpetrated toward tenants, whether it be illegal evictions through renovictions. Often we hear about cases where landlord owned use is done fraudulently. White collar crime is still crime and if you defraud somebody that's covered under the criminal code.”Councillor Josh Matlow (Ward 12)
“A tenant should not have to become a detective to prove that they were pushed out of their home unfairly. But it is usually them who must find the evidence and figure out where to take it. The report should look beyond a simple yes or no answer and explain what officers would be legally allowed to investigate, what evidence they could collect, and how that evidence would reach the province, the police, or another appropriate authority.”Speaker not identified
“My intent with the initial wording of the motion is that we've concluded that we do have the ability to do it. I've heard others question that or have concerns about other aspects of that. So the revision is to ensure that at least the intent of the request be able to reach the next stone across the river and that we seek the facts.”Councillor Josh Matlow (Ward 12)
Also in this item
• RentSafe currently covers only larger apartment buildings, leaving tenants in condos, basement apartments, townhouses, and smaller buildings without city inspection support, a significant coverage gap that will need to be addressed in the report.
• The motion cites the 500 Dawes Ave case, where it took 15 years of complaints and fines before an incarceration order was issued, as evidence that the Landlord and Tenant Board's enforcement is often ineffective.
The journey
What happens next
No immediate window. The study will report back in 2027; residents interested in tenant protections can track the report when it arrives and advocate for implementation. Deputation window has closed.
Decision
Staff directed to report back in 2027 on whether RentSafe officers can identify and compile evidence of landlord criminal conduct for forwarding to law enforcement, with particular focus on fraudulent evictions, illegal renovictions, and landlord-owned-use fraud.
Watch it happen
Jump to this item in the meeting video
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