February 16, 2024 – The City of Brampton is hosting a Telephone Town Hall to talk about the Residential Rental Licensing Pilot Program (RRL). Mayor Patrick Brown, Councillors, and City staff want to hear from landlords, tenants, and residents to address their questions and concerns about the program.

The Tele Town Hall, led by Mayor Brown and the RRL Task Force members, including Councillors Rowena Santos, Rod Power, and Dennis Keenan, is scheduled for Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

To join, register on Let’s Connect Brampton before February 22 at 12:00 pm. You can also dial in or join online at 8:00 pm, with the link opening at 7:55 pm.

Rental Licensing Background

The Residential Rental Licensing Pilot Program, set to start on January 1, 2024, was temporarily paused due to landlord backlash. The two-year pilot aimed to regulate property owners renting out four or fewer units, targeting illegal units and issues like overcrowding.

Applications for the pilot program are suspended as the City reviews and improves the intake process. Recent updates include waiving the criminal record check requirement, accepting property tax bills as ownership proof, and extending fee waivers.

The City is expected to reopen the registration website in March 2024 and continues to work on refining the program, including streamlining business licenses for registered Additional Residential Units (ARUs) and improving the online application process.

Council representatives emphasized the program’s aim to address health, safety, and property standard concerns raised by residents over the years. The pilot program holds landlords accountable and ensures the quality of rental housing while advocating for changes at the provincial level to support landlords’ concerns.

The Tele Town Hall provides an opportunity for community members to voice their opinions and contribute to shaping the Residential Rental Licensing Pilot Program in Brampton so don’t miss out!