Kitchener's renoviction bylaw approved, drawing landlord concerns and tenant praise

Kitchener council approved a renoviction bylaw in a 5–4 vote that creates per‑unit licences and adds enforcement staff; the measure is expected to cost over $300,000 and is set to start Jan. 1, 2027.

The City of Kitchener approved a new renoviction bylaw at a special council meeting by a 5–4 vote. The bylaw creates a licensing process for renovations that require a tenant to vacate and establishes fees and additional staffing for administration, inspections and enforcement. The proposal followed similar measures in nearby cities and was supported by local tenant advocates while drawing concerns from some landlords about costs and unintended effects. City officials said the bylaw aims to strengthen protections for tenants facing eviction for renovations. Key details: - The bylaw passed 5–4 during a special council meeting. - It requires a per‑unit licence for renovations that trigger a tenant vacancy, as prompted by service of an N13 notice, and sets a fee structure. - The city expects implementation costs above $300,000 and plans to hire two new full‑time employees to support enforcement. - The renoviction bylaw is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. Summary: Officials framed the bylaw as a step to protect renters from evictions tied to renovation work while councillors and delegates raised mixed views about its costs and impacts. The measure is approved and funded at the city level and is slated to begin on Jan. 1, 2027.