Tenants in new buildings need rent protection too

Here is a question to ask all candidates for office in Ontario.

“If you are elected, will you pressure the Government of Ontario to rescind the exemption to the Residential Tenancies Act, which prevents the protection of the annual rent increase guidelines from applying to tenants in new apartments and condos occupied after Nov. 15, 2018, because rules about rent increases don’t apply to them?”

Rents in new apartments and condos are barely affordable now. If this exemption isn’t removed, couples, young families, seyoung niors downsizing and disabled people who seek housing will not be protected. After one year, the landlord may increase rents by any amount. Tenants pay or move out. Political will can remove this exemption, and all tenants can be protected by the rent increase guideline. It won’t cost the taxpayers or government a penny. Only some greedy investors will be affected.