Tenant advocates gathered in downtown London on Tuesday to urge provincial political parties to strengthen rent controls and prioritize housing affordability ahead of the upcoming provincial election. The rally, hosted by ACORN, a tenant advocacy group, welcomed candidates from various parties to discuss their strategies for addressing the high cost of rental housing.
According to Jordan Smith, chair of the Carling-Stoneybrook chapter of London ACORN, the main focus of the rally was rent control as they aimed to raise awareness before the election. Rental costs have surged nationwide since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, although prices have started to stabilize in London, as reported by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
Despite the apparent stabilization, the average rent for a one-bedroom unit in the city remains beyond the reach of many individuals reliant on government assistance or earning minimum wage. Issues such as renovictions and delays in the Landlord and Tenant Board exacerbate challenges for renters, notes ACORN.
Before the rally, ACORN had urged provincial parties to adopt their proposals, which include comprehensive rent control covering all types of buildings, including vacant units, and restricting significant rent hikes. Currently, any dwelling occupied since before November 15, 2018, falls under rent control regulations, limiting annual rent increases to 2.5 percent.
Candidates from the Liberal and NDP parties were present at the rally, while the Green party was represented. Notably, the Progressive Conservatives were invited but did not attend, drawing disappointment from ACORN for missing the opportunity to engage with issues affecting the vulnerable and working class.
Terence Kernaghan, the NDP candidate for London North Centre, criticized past decisions by the PC and Liberal administrations, particularly the removal of rent control from vacant apartments. Kernaghan emphasized his party’s commitment to affordable housing and reforms to the Landlord and Tenant Board to address bureaucratic inefficiencies and accessibility challenges for low-income tenants.
London North Centre Liberal candidate Tariq Khan also participated in the event, advocating for provincial funding to assist residents in combating the rising cost of living. Khan highlighted the Liberal party’s focus on rent control and pledged to expedite LTB dispute resolutions, aiming for decisions within a maximum of two months.
ACORN’s evaluation of the main parties revealed varying levels of alignment with their recommendations, with the NDP fully supporting their proposals, the Liberals showing mixed support, and the Conservatives lacking endorsement for critical measures like rent control. The Progressive Conservative platform emphasizes housing construction but does not address rent control or other key suggestions from ACORN.
As voters prepare to cast their ballots on February 27, the tenant rights rally serves as a platform for candidates to present their rental policy agendas and engage with crucial housing affordability issues.
