Committee backs renovictions licence rules for Ottawa landlords

Ottawa’s Planning and Housing Committee approved a Rental Renovation Licence By-law aimed at bad-faith evictions tied to renovations or repairs. The City says landlords seeking to evict tenants for that work would need a building permit before issuing an eviction notice, would have to give tenants a City-produced rights guide, and would have seven days after the notice to apply for a rental renovation licence. The proposed licensing program would carry no licence fee and is expected to take effect January 1, 2027, with enforcement measures and fines for non-compliance.