The city council for the Region of Waterloo is actively considering the introduction of a new municipal bylaw specifically designed to address the practice of "renovictions." This move, reported on January 19, 2026, aims to create stronger protections for tenants who may be displaced when landlords undertake major renovations.
What is a Renoviction Bylaw?
A renoviction occurs when a tenant is evicted from their rental unit under the premise that significant renovations are required, making the home uninhabitable during the work. Critics argue that this tactic is sometimes used to remove tenants and subsequently re-rent the unit at a much higher price. The proposed bylaw would establish a formal regulatory framework to govern such situations within Kitchener, Waterloo, and the surrounding townships.
The council's deliberation signals a growing municipal response to housing affordability and security concerns across Ontario. While provincial legislation sets the baseline for tenant rights, cities like Kitchener-Waterloo are exploring local tools to add an extra layer of oversight and ensure renovations are legitimate and necessary.
Potential Measures and Tenant Safeguards
Although the specific details of the Waterloo Region proposal are still under discussion, similar bylaws in other Canadian municipalities typically include several key provisions. These often require landlords to obtain a permit from the city before issuing an eviction notice for renovations.
To secure such a permit, landlords might be obligated to provide substantial evidence, including detailed architectural plans, building permits, and a clear timeline for the work. Furthermore, a core component of these bylaws is frequently a right of first refusal for the displaced tenant. This legal right would guarantee the tenant the option to move back into their unit at a similar rent once the renovations are completed, closing a loophole often exploited for financial gain.
Broader Context and Next Steps
The council's review of this bylaw occurs within a national context of heightened awareness around housing issues. The discussion in Waterloo Region reflects a proactive approach to local governance, seeking solutions to protect vulnerable renters in a tight housing market.
The next steps for the proposed renoviction bylaw will involve further council debates, potential revisions based on stakeholder feedback from both tenant advocacy groups and landlord associations, and a final vote. If passed, the bylaw would establish clear rules and penalties for non-compliance, offering a new tool for bylaw enforcement officers to ensure fair practices in the local rental market.
This initiative underscores the region's commitment to addressing housing stability head-on, aiming to balance property owner rights with the fundamental need for secure and affordable housing for all residents.
