What you need to know.
We are in the process of developing resources to help demovicted tenants.
From an introduction slideshow to a tenant survey outline and a study on how much it *really* costs to move in Toronto, we want to ensure that you are equipped with all of the information you need to be able to negotiate for better tenant protections.
Please find the resources we have developed so far below in the order you are likely to need them. If you have any questions, or would like to request other resources, please contact us at nodemovictionsontario@gmail.com.
Moving Cost Research
Are you worried that moving cost allowances won't be enough? So were we.
This research originated to assess the validity of moving cost allowances that the City of Toronto secures for tenants facing demoviction as part of their Tenant Relocation and Assistance Plan (TRAP). Findings showcase that the compensation provided covers less than half of the full range of expenses for a local move.
Frequently Asked Questions
A demoviction is when a building of 6 or more units is demolished and redeveloped. Any existing tenants will be evicted during the construction of the new building(s).
Ontario's Landlord and Tenant Board received more than 5,550 eviction applications in 2022, up 41% from 2019.
So, why is this a problem?
There are currently over 100 buildings in Toronto facing demolition, which will displace over 10,000 people. With a vacancy rate of less than 2%, immigration bringing record numbers of newcomers to the Province, and the average rent rate reaching almost $3,000 a month–it begs the question, where are these vulnerable tenants supposed to go?
April 1st Protest from 25 St. Mary to 145 St. George
What will happen to the building?
If a redevelopment is approved, the building will be demolished and is usually rebuilt as a condo building(s); sometimes these developments include rental apartments. It is important to note that many rent-controlled buildings are not being demolished because they are in disrepair. Rather, they are being replaced with more profitable housing.
What happens to tenants?
In Toronto, tenants will be given 4-6 months notice for eviction after the application has been approved. They will have to find accommodations elsewhere, which may or may not be in their neighbourhood, for at least three years while the new building is built. Toronto tenants have a right to return at a similar rent rate, however, many do not. Toronto tenants will negotiate the terms of their Tenant Relocation and Assistance Plan (TRAP).
Read Lindsay's demoviction story at 88 Isabella
What are you entitled to when you are displaced by a demoviction?
It depends on where you live and when you’re reading this.
First the where. Rental replacement by-laws in Ontario are enforced by municipalities - Toronto, Mississauga, and Hamilton currently have them. However, these by-laws are subject to change due to Bill 97 (which means this could change at a moments notice!).
RENTAL GAP PAYMENTS:
Developers will pay a 'rental pay gap' for the duration of the construction. So if you're paying $1,500 a month, the developer will pay a 'top up' based on what they determine to be market rent (EX: If they determine $2,000 a month to be the current market rent, they will pay you $500 a month.) However, these calculations are made based on the previous year's CMHC data, which is highly flawed. As a result, some tenants will be paying out of their own pockets as rent increases. See example below.
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Rent gap payments are paid in a lump sum and are paid based on the unit, not the number of people in it.
RIGHT TO TURN TO THE BUILDING:
While tenants have the right to return, it is not a guarantee. Sometimes landlords try to rent units to new tenants for higher rent. If tenants to secure a replacement unit in the new building, it may have a smaller square footage, or they could lose amenities.
MOVING COSTS:
Moving allowances are provided to help mitigate hardship associated with having to move. Allowances for moving costs (BOTH move-out and move-back) are based on the type of the unit (i.e., number of bedrooms), given at the moment the tenant has moved out. Read more about this.