​​​​​BRAMPTON, ON - Yesterday, Brampton City Council approved changes to the Residential Rental Licensing (RRL) Pilot Program, effective March 28, 2024,​​ aimed at enhancing rental property standards and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.

Since the program’s initial launch on January 1, 2024, the City has incorporated community feedback and made several refinements to streamline the application process and improve the overall program.

Landlords and property owners in city Wards 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7 with one to four rental units are required to obtain a licence per property. 

Rental properties that apply for a residential licence prior to June 30, 2024, will qualify for a full licence fee waiver and be considered for a renewal fee exemption if there are no violations on the subject property for the length of the two-year pilot program.

Program Changes​​​

Application requirements:

The City has removed the following requirements to simplify the application process:

• Proof of Ownership: Property owners are no longer required to submit proof of ownership.
• Corporate Ownership: Proof of Corporate Ownership no longer required​.​​
  
• Criminal Record Check: Applicants are no longer obligated to provide criminal record checks.
• Floor Plans: Detailed floor plans are no longer mandatory.
• Electrical Inspection: The need for a separate electrical inspection has been eliminated.
• Gas Inspection: Gas inspections are no longer part of the application process.
• Parking and Storage Plan: Property owners are no longer required to submit parking and storage plans.

Fees:

• To encourage applicants (including registered Additional Rental Units and convertible dwellings) to obtain a licence through the program, there is a full $300 fee waiver for the length of the pilot for applications filed prior to June 30, 2024.
• For licences issued by June 30, 2024, the renewal fee would not be required in January 2025.​

Application process:

The updated application process now includes the following components:

• Fillable Application Form: Property owners must complete a fillable application form. This form collects essential information, including property owner details, an acknowledgment of adherence to the pilot program and consent for inspections.
• Rental Unit Information (Form A): Property owners are encouraged to provide details about their rental units, including sleeping areas, kitchens, bathrooms and other relevant information. This fillable form is optional and not required for ARUs that have not modified their unit.
• Property Owner Authorization and Declaration (Form B): This form ensures that property owners authorize the application and declare their commitment to program compliance.
• Insurance Declaration (Form C): Property owners must submit proof of insurance coverage for their rental properties.

Two resources have been developed for property owners and tenants:

• Property Standards and Safety Information Package: This comprehensive guide outlines the standards and safety measures expected for rental properties.
• Emergency Information Tenant Sheet: Tenants will receive essential emergency contact information to ensure their safety and well-being.​​

All landlords/property owners in identified City Wards are encouraged to participate in the RRL Pilot Program. The City remains committed to holding lan​dlords accountable to provide safe living accommodations for renters in Brampton. By working together, we can create safer and more transparent rental experiences for our community.

For more information on the Tele Town Hall, including a recording of the session and poll results visit letsconnect.brampton.ca/rrl. For more details on the RRL program and forms visit brampton.ca/rrl.​