Act
Proposed Amendments to Increase Maximum Fines for Offences Under the Residential Tenancies Act
Regulation Number(s):
N/A
Instrument Type:
Act
Bill or Act:
Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
Summary of Decision:
Bill 97, the Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023 was passed by the Legislature and received Royal Assent on June 8, 2023.
The Bill amends section 238 of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 to double maximum fines for offences under the Act:
- from $50,000 to $100,000 for individuals, and
- from $250,000 to $500,000 for corporations.
The Ministry sought feedback through the Regulatory Registry on these amendments.
Municipal feedback was mixed; some municipalities were supportive while others said the changes will discourage landlords from providing rental housing which could decrease rental housing supply. Indigenous community partners and tenant stakeholders provided feedback that increased fines were welcomed but may not be effective in ensuring compliance.
The legislative changes will come into force upon Proclamation.
The Bill amends section 238 of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 to double maximum fines for offences under the Act:
- from $50,000 to $100,000 for individuals, and
- from $250,000 to $500,000 for corporations.
The Ministry sought feedback through the Regulatory Registry on these amendments.
Municipal feedback was mixed; some municipalities were supportive while others said the changes will discourage landlords from providing rental housing which could decrease rental housing supply. Indigenous community partners and tenant stakeholders provided feedback that increased fines were welcomed but may not be effective in ensuring compliance.
The legislative changes will come into force upon Proclamation.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
The changes are not anticipated to create any new administrative burden for business.
Further Information:
Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023
Proposal Number:
23-MMAH008
Posting Date:
April 6, 2023
Summary of Proposal:
The government proposing changes to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 to double maximum fines for offences from $50,000 to $100,000 for individuals and from $250,000 to $500,000 for corporations.
Contact Address:
residential.tenancies@ontario.ca
Royal Assent Date:
June 8, 2023
Decision:
Approved