Support the right to safe, affordable housing. Tell City Council to legalize multi-tenant houses in Toronto.
In 2019, the City of Toronto made a commitment to advance the human right to housing through its 10-year housing and homelessness plan, yet the ongoing affordable housing crisis persists. With very few affordable housing options for people across the city, multi-tenant houses are often the only option available to tenants who require deeply affordable housing. They are also not permitted in most parts of the City.
Because they are not permitted and unregulated, multi-tenant houses are often unhealthy and poorly maintained. While tenants in other types of housing can call City inspectors to enforce health and safety rules, those living in multi-tenant housing can’t access these fundamental human rights because they run the risk of getting evicted and for some, becoming homeless.
In July 2021, the City of Toronto presented a set of regulations that would allow tenants in multi-tenant homes minimum levels of safety. Unfortunately, these recommendations were withdrawn because several councillors pledged to preserve the status quo, and keep tenants in unsafe and precarious conditions.
A new vote comes to council in September. Send a letter to City Council and help us legalize safe, affordable housing across Toronto.