Ontario tenants share stories of living with no rent control. Here's what it's like
Ontario tenants living in new builds are speaking out about the stress of double-digit rent increases that threaten to price them out of their homes.
In 2023, the province capped rent increases at 2.5 per cent. But for those who moved into buildings constructed after Nov. 15, 2018, rent can be increased by any amount.
The Ford government scrapped rent control for these units to incentivize developers, and in doing so, increase the province’s housing supply.
CTV News Toronto spoke to three tenants living without rent control.
PRICED OUT OF TORONTO
Jonathan Holmes' rent increased 12 per cent in March.
“We were disappointed because we didn't want to increase our bills by $400,” Holmes said.
He moved into a new two-bedroom condominium with his partner at Bathurst and Front streets in July 2021. The rent for their corner unit, along with standard amenities and a parking spot, came to $2,900.
In January, their landlord notified them of a rent hike, to $3,350 a month, come March, which they were able to negotiate down to $3,250.
With a wedding in the books for the summer, on top of a rent hike, they said they were forced to tighten their spending, which Holmes said has made the decision to live downtown less worthwhile.
“We are contemplating moving from the area. Spending that much doesn't allow you to actually enjoy the area,” he said.
Now, the couple says they are looking at rentals in Mississauga, Oakville, or Burlington, Ont. While they are flexible on location, they are firm on finding a rental that’s not in a new building.
“Just so we can gain that protection,” he said.
LITTLE WIGGLE ROOM
Nicole Stibbe’s 77-year-old mother lives alone in an apartment of about 600 square feet near her community in Oakville, Ont.
She moved into the new one-bedroom unit in 2019 for $2,000-per-month. At first, rent increased by $20 a month, which Stibbe said was manageable. Then last September, Stibbe said a 3.75 per cent increase raised the senior's rent to $2,095, followed by a notice to expect another uptick come next September.
“I guess on paper, it doesn't sound too bad,” Stibbe said. But in reality, the absence of a cap is particularly concerning for a senior with a fixed income, she said, explaining that her mother primarily lives on pension payments.
“There’s not a lot of wiggle room. If this continues to go up, we might have to look at other options,” Stibbe said.
NEARLY 20 PER CENT HIKE
Paul Lagace moved into a four-bedroom house in Aurora, Ont., last May, built a year before he moved in.
His rent, which started at $3,500, is set to increase 18.5 per cent in June, reaching $4,150.
“We’re close to retiring, but that’s not the point,” he said, adding that the house is changing ownership this month, but the rent hike remains in effect.
The point, according to Lagace, is “why does it have to be raised by that much to begin with?”
“Most people that are renting can afford what they are paying that month. That’s why they are renting.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.