SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 170

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
April 10, 2024
Keeping People Housed Act, 2024
  • This bill aims to make changes to rental accommodation regulations in Ontario. It includes amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act, the City of Toronto Act, and the Municipal Act. Some key points include adjustments to rental termination notices, compensation for tenants during repairs or renovations, regulations on lawful rent for new tenants, and the establishment of a rent registry. Additionally, a Rental Task Force will be appointed to investigate issues related to rent increases and provide recommendations.
  • H1
  • H2
  • H3
  • RA
  • Yea
  • Nay
  • star_border

SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • A steelman argument in favor of Bill 170 2024 could be that the proposed amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, the City of Toronto Act, 2006, and the Municipal Act, 2001 aim to address issues related to rental accommodation in a comprehensive and systematic manner. By amending various sections of the Acts, the bill seeks to improve the rights and protections of tenants, ensure transparency in rental agreements, and address concerns related to rent increases and renovations. Specifically, the amendments related to rental unit repairs or renovations (Sections 8, 9, 10) aim to provide tenants with options for alternative accommodations or fair compensation during periods of necessary repairs or renovations. This can help prevent tenants from being unfairly displaced or burdened by sudden changes in their living situations. Additionally, the establishment of a Rent Registry (Part XI.1) can contribute to greater transparency in the rental market by providing accessible information on rental unit details, rents charged, and landlord contact information. This can empower tenants to make informed decisions and hold landlords accountable for their rental practices. Furthermore, the creation of a Rental Task Force (Section 232.1) demonstrates a commitment to addressing housing affordability and tenant rights through a consultative and evidence-based approach. By inquiring into matters such as above-guideline rent increases and renovation impacts, the Task Force can provide valuable insights and recommendations for policy improvements. Overall, Bill 170 2024 presents a proactive and multifaceted approach to enhancing the rental accommodation landscape, promoting fairness for both tenants and landlords, and fostering a more sustainable and equitable rental market in Ontario.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • A steelman argument opposing Bill 170 2024 from a right-wing anti-government perspective could be as follows: This bill, under the guise of implementing measures respecting rental accommodation, is a blatant overreach of government authority into the housing market. By amending various sections of the Residential Tenancies Act, the City of Toronto Act, and the Municipal Act, the government is further encroaching on the rights of property owners and landlords. The amendments proposed in this bill, such as setting limits on rent increases and requiring landlords to provide compensation or alternative rental units during repairs or renovations, undermine the principles of free-market capitalism. These measures restrict the ability of property owners to manage their investments as they see fit and interfere with the natural supply and demand dynamics of the housing market. Furthermore, the establishment of a Rent Registry and the creation of a Rental Task Force represent unnecessary bureaucratic interventions that will only add layers of red tape and administrative burden on landlords. This increased regulation will stifle innovation, deter investment in rental properties, and ultimately lead to a decrease in the availability of affordable housing options for tenants. In a free society, individuals should have the freedom to enter into voluntary agreements regarding rental accommodations without government interference. By imposing these restrictive measures, the government is infringing on property rights and distorting the housing market, ultimately harming both landlords and tenants in the long run.
Second Reading
  • April 10, 2024, noon
  • In Progress
  • Read

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
April 10, 2024
First Reading
  • March 6, 2024, noon
  • Passed

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
March 06, 2024