City of Brampton provides update on the success of the Residential Rental Licensing Pilot Program
Preliminary data reveals program helping to create a safer Brampton for all
The Voice of Canada:
The City of Brampton is providing an update on the ongoing success of its Residential Rental Licensing (RRL) Pilot Program, a critical initiative which continues to make significant strides in creating safer and healthier living environments for renters across the city.
The program, which requires landlords with one to four rental units within Wards 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7 to obtain a licence per property, is a key step toward protecting the well-being of residents and enhancing the overall quality of life in Brampton.
Key RRL Pilot Program successes to date
The City’s Enforcement and By-law Services, in collaboration with Brampton Fire and Emergency Services, have been proactive in ensuring Property Standards By-laws, Fire and Building Codes are upheld through conducting proactive intelligence-based inspections and blitzes across the wards involved in the pilot.
As of September 16, 2024, the City has:
- Issued more than 2,200 RRL business licenses.
- Conducted more than 4,700 inspections related to Residential Rental Licensing, Additional Residential Unit registrations, parking and property standards.
- Issued more than 611 administrative penalties, resulting in fines of more than $83,500.
Poor property standards and illegal, unsafe living conditions captured during a property inspection. Credit: City of Brampton
Commitment to creating safer places for renters to call home
Before the introduction of the RRL pilot program, rental operators with four or fewer units were not subject to the same level of regulatory oversight as larger apartment rental buildings. Now, with the program in place, these landlords are required to comply with Property Standards By-laws, Fire and Building Codes prior to providing rental accommodations to ensure that they are safe and secure.
The RRL pilot program underscores the importance of legal rental units in contributing to the safety and well-being of Brampton’s residents. Properly maintained and operating smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, ventilation systems and electrical systems are critical in reducing the risk of accidents, fires and exposure to hazardous conditions.
Residents and landlords alike play a crucial role in this effort. By obtaining a licence, adhering to local by-laws and encouraging others to do the same, they contribute to creating neighbourhoods where everyone feels secure. The City remains steadfast in its commitment to investigating complaints regarding illegal rental units and will apply appropriate fines and penalties as necessary.
The RRL Program is guided by a dedicated Task Force, which includes City Council representatives Rowena Santos, Dennis Keenan and Rod Power. The Task Force plays an important role in overseeing the program’s progress and ensuring it meets the goal of enhancing safety for Brampton’s residents.
Next steps in the program
City staff will present a report with in-depth information, key findings and next steps at Brampton’s Committee of Council meeting on September 18, 2024.
In 2025, when the number of licensed properties increases, efforts will transition to incorporating proactive inspections of licensed properties to ensure compliance with the Landlord Code of Conduct and minimum maintenance conditions.
The City is continuing to offer a 50 per cent discount on the registration fee, reducing it from $300 to $150 for those who apply for a licence by September 30, 2024. Starting October 1, 2024, the full registration fee of $300 will be in effect.
Additional information and resources
For more information about the RRL program, including monthly updates on the number of registered units and an extensive FAQ section, visit Brampton.ca/rrl.
Photo Library
Photos from By-law Enforcement inspections can be found here and credited to the City of Brampton.
Quotes
“Safety in our communities is non-negotiable and we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring every renter in Brampton has a safe place to call home. Full compliance with Property Standard By-laws and Fire and Building Codes is not optional – it is a mandatory requirement when it comes to providing a secure living environment for all residents. The RRL pilot program is a proven means of enforcing these by-laws and regulations. The success of the Residential Rental Licensing pilot program is a clear example of how we are taking proactive steps to ensure that every resident has access to safe and well-maintained housing. This initiative protects our residents, creating stronger and healthier communities.” – Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“The safety and well-being of our residents is at the heart of everything we do. The RRL pilot program is more than just a policy, it is a promise to our community that we are here to protect and support them. Knowing that this program has already made a positive difference in the lives of many Brampton residents fills me with pride and hope. Together, we are building a Brampton where everyone can feel safe and at home.”– Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Legislative Services, City of Brampton; RRL Task Force Member
“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents is our top priority. The RRL pilot program demonstrates the City’s dedication to safety and is a proven initiative that has already made a positive impact on the quality of life for many Brampton residents. By enforcing these standards and working closely with our community, we are creating safer, healthier homes where everyone can feel secure and supported.” – Robert Higgs, Director, Enforcement and By-law Services, City of Brampton
