TORONTO – Ontario NDP Housing critic Jessica Bell (University – Rosedale) joined tenants facing unfair above-guideline rent hikes and members of the York South – Weston Tenants Union to call for a ban on Above Guideline Rent Increases (AGIs) for big buildings.
“We’re in the middle of a housing affordability crisis and rent is at record highs. If we want to make Ontario affordable for renters, the government needs to clamp down on AGI abuse,” said Bell.
“The Conservatives are allowing Canada’s biggest and most profitable landlords to apply for rent hikes about the provincial yearly maximum, filing hundreds of Above Guideline Rent Increases each year on the thousands of tenants who live in their buildings.
“Big landlords are already legally required to maintain a building with the millions in rent they collect. It makes no sense to permit a big landlord to increase the rent above the provincial maximum and force tenants to pay twice for maintenance."
When the Ontario legislature resumes, MPP Bell will be introducing a motion to ban Above Guideline Rent Increases for buildings with six or more units.
To ensure everyone can live a home they can afford to rent or buy, an NDP government will spur the construction of 1.5 million homes, build thousands of affordable homes on public land, bring in real rent control, and clamp down on investor led speculation.
QUOTES:
Chiara Padovani, York South – Weston Tenants’ Union
“Rent control is to tenants what minimum wage is to workers - it's the bare minimum. It's time to close the AGI loophole and implement real rent control in this province. The YSW Tenant Union fully supports MPP Bell's private member's bill.”