UK Landlords are familiar with licensing schemes, as many local authorities have introduced them over the last few years. The practice is not so common in other countries, but an organisation representing tenants in Toronto, Canada, is putting pressure on the city to increase the scale of its existing licensing scheme to bring rogue landlords into line.
The Association of Community Organisations for Reform Now (ACORN) surveyed 174 residents living in the rental sector and found that 94% of them were living with problems in their homes. More than 66% of them said they had had problems from the day they moved in, but it was extremely difficult to persuade their landlords to complete even basic repairs.
Rogue Landlords in Toronto
Problems in Toronto rental units included cockroach infestations, holes in walls and ceilings, and peeling paintwork. Many tenants also felt threatened when they asked their landlord to carry out repairs.
More Comprehensive Landlord Licensing Scheme
ACORN wants a more comprehensive landlord licensing scheme where larger landlords would pay a fee. The extra revenue to the city would then pay for extra city inspectors, who would have the power to carry out annual inspections of larger apartment buildings. They would also be given the authority to levy large fines to landlords who violated property standards.
Toronto’s City Council will consider the proposal in the next few days. If the licensing scheme goes ahead, it will affect more than 2,900 larger apartment blocks and 500+ public housing apartments.
