Status of amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006

Council was asked to

1. staff provide Planning and Housing Committee with the original draft Rental Renovation Licence By-law on July 8, 2026, and highlight provisions that may duplicate or overlap with provincial requirements introduced through Provincial Order in Council 617/2026 and related amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act
2. the Rental Renovation Licence By-Law Review page on EngageOttawa be updated to include the draft by-law and any relevant supporting documentation that would have been provided had the original draft by-law been advanced
3. the Planning and Housing Committee receive a comprehensive presentation from staff on July 8, 2026 that highlights: Provisions contemplated in the draft by-law Results of consultation efforts Advocacy efforts of City staff to the province Changes advanced via Provincial Order in Council 617/2026 A cost-benefit analysis of advancing the draft by-law, including costs and benefits to the City, landlords, and tenants. Any legal or jurisdictional matters relevant for Council’s consideration Proposed next steps for reviewing the implications of amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act, including report back timelines whether Council proceeds or not with a by-law at this time
4. any individuals or organizations who provided comments to staff during the consultation process be invited to attend the meeting of Planning and Housing Committee as delegates or observers
5. staff continue to review the implications of amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act as they come into force, as well as approaches taken by other large municipalities and continued feedback from residents, with the objective of identifying gaps that may require additional tenant protection measures
6. that, should the analysis demonstrate that gaps exist within the provincial framework that could be addressed by the City, staff in Public Policy Development and Planning, Development and Building Services, provide the next term of Council with options to further enhance tenant protections, including through an expanded scope to the Rental Renovation Licence By-law and additional demolition control protections for tenants
7. staff include amendments to the Rental Renovation Licence By-law on the proposed workplan for the next term of Council, with the results of the review to be brought forward in Q4 2027.