Ottawa's city committee has taken a significant step toward protecting tenants by directing staff to table the draft renoviction bylaw. The decision, announced on June 3, 2026, aims to curb the practice of evicting tenants under the guise of renovations, a growing concern in the city's tight housing market.
Background of the Renoviction Issue
Renovictions occur when landlords evict tenants to perform major renovations, often leading to higher rents for new tenants. This practice has been criticized for displacing long-term residents and contributing to housing instability. The proposed bylaw seeks to regulate such evictions, requiring landlords to provide adequate notice and compensation, and to offer tenants the right to return at similar rent levels after renovations.
Key Provisions of the Draft Bylaw
The draft bylaw includes several measures to protect tenants:
- Notice Requirements: Landlords must provide at least 120 days' notice before evicting for renovations.
- Compensation: Tenants are entitled to compensation equal to three months' rent or temporary housing assistance.
- Right of Return: Tenants have the right to return to the unit at the same rent after renovations are completed.
- Penalties: Landlords who violate the bylaw may face fines and other enforcement actions.
Next Steps
The committee's direction means staff will now prepare the bylaw for full city council consideration. Public consultations are expected to be held before a final vote. Councilor Jane Smith, who championed the bylaw, stated, “This is a critical step to ensure that renovations are not used as a loophole to displace tenants. We are committed to creating a fair and stable housing environment for all residents.”
The move comes amid rising rents and low vacancy rates in Ottawa, with advocates calling for stronger tenant protections. The bylaw is part of a broader city strategy to address housing affordability and prevent homelessness.
