Over 300 tenants at two apartment buildings in Toronto have stopped paying rent, claiming that their landlord is engaging in illicit rent increases. On July 15, 2023, around 100 tenants and union representatives marched in front of Local MPP’s and Federal Housing Minister’s offices to bring awareness to the rent payment strike.

One tenant said that they began paying rent at $500 and it is now almost $1,000. Many tenants are finding it hard to make ends meet with some having to choose between rent or food.

Although rent has increased, the amenities have declined. The building’s elevators have not been working properly for the past three years. A couple pregnant women have had to use the stairs, one from the 27th floor to the 4th floor and one from the 17th floor to the 4th floor.

tenants experienced a rent increase of 25% in 2019

Ontario landlords can increase rent up to 2.5% in rent-controlled buildings without submitting an application to the Ontario Landlord Tenant Board (LTB). Anything higher than 2.5% must be approved by the LTB since it is considered ‘Above Guideline Rent Increase’ (AGI).

The landlord of the two buildings stated that 40% of the building is affordable housing and is exempt from the AGIs. Even with the rent increases, the building’s rent is still 30% below market standards.

The tenants still don’t agree with the rent increases as many have seen an increase that is three to four times above rent control. They say the building is supposed to be rent controlled so should adhere to the AGIs.