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What you need to know.
WHAT IS A DEMOVICTION?
A demoviction is when tenants are evicted so that their home's can be redeveloped.
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 70 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?
Tenants will be evicted to an unknown place, that may or may not be in their neighbourhood, for at least three years while the new building is built. Depending on the package provided by the developer, tenants may be able to return, however, many will not. Tenants may receive a compensation package that is intended to cover some costs.
Read Lindsay's demoviction story at 88 Isabella
Why is this happening?
Rent is at a record high because our rent control was removed by the Provincial government for any unit built or renovated after November 15th, 2018. This makes the demolition of purpose-built rent controlled apartments and replacement of them with luxury market units much more appealing to developers, investors, and landlords.
Research shows that Toronto is losing affordable housing 14 times faster than we are building it.
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.
April 29th Protest at 55 Brownlow Avenue
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, they do not take rent increases and unit types into account. Some tenants will be paying out of their own pockets as rent increases.
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.