Housing Act progress and the expected outcomes for renters and owners
The governing coalition is nearing a key milestone in housing policy as the Housing Act moves toward final approval. After months of debate, the proposal seeks to establish a price ceiling in the rental market and hinges on a 3 percent cap that could be revisited by 2025. This framework has stirred intense discussion among lawmakers and the general public in both Canada and the United States, reflecting broader concerns about affordable housing and market dynamics. The focus remains on creating predictable costs for tenants while addressing the responsibilities of property owners and managers. Source: Government Briefing.
Renters will be asked to show a new housing certificate
The act introduces a required certification process for renting a home. This certificate is designed to verify compliance with rental standards and help streamline the lease process for both tenants and landlords. Along with the certification, the law clarifies ownership thresholds, defining large property holdings for regulatory purposes as five or more units. This change aims to improve oversight and ensure consistent application of housing rules. Source: Policy Summary.
Warning to tenants How the Housing Act affects eviction rules
Those who sign a lease will notice shifts in how protections against eviction are applied. The new framework outlines conditions under which a tenancy can be terminated and emphasizes realities that tenants face in locating a new home. The intent is to balance tenant protections with the rights of property owners to manage their portfolios under clear guidelines. Source: Legislative Review.
Major changes for renters under the Housing Act
Depreciation costs and upfront expenses have long been a hurdle for first time renters. The new act revisits the deposit structure and related charges, with the aim of reducing barriers to entry. Historically, some listing platforms included fees paid by tenants to agents; the act seeks to reallocate certain costs and simplify the rental transaction, benefiting applicants with tighter budgets. Source: Housing Policy Analysis.
Ending excessive rent deposits and simplifying access to housing
New measures in the policy framework place a greater share of rental costs on property owners and managers. The goal is to minimize the burden on tenants while maintaining a fair market. The proposed changes are designed to reduce upfront barriers and encourage a smoother rental experience for households seeking housing in competitive markets. Source: Regulatory Update.
Government announcement: tenant focused changes in the rental market
Beginning with its enactment, the act shifts agency fee responsibilities away from tenants and assigns them to landlords or owners when a rental agreement is negotiated. This move targets abusive charges that have discouraged many potential renters, particularly younger people, from entering the housing market. The owner or manager will bear service costs tied to listing and rental processing. Source: Government Communication.
Support for renters in 2023: what the new measures mean
The Housing Act also incorporates a right to housing framework published in May, aimed at reinforcing access to safe and affordable homes. As part of this framework, real estate firms are expected to adjust their practices to avoid charging tenants for management tasks that should rightly be covered by property owners. Regions will retain some flexibility to tailor rent regulations to local market conditions. Source: Legislative Archive.