In a recent report by CTV News Toronto, the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) sheds light on the issue of illegal eviction fines within the province. It is revealed that the majority of fines imposed for unlawful evictions fall considerably short of a tenant’s monthly rent. In fact, most landlords are not fined at all and when they are, fines are usually less than $2,000. This has been cause for concern about the effectiveness of current penalties.

The Reality of Insufficient fines

Many landlords who engage in illegal eviction practices are handed fines that pale in comparison to the financial burden experienced by tenants. In most cases, these penalties fail to serve as an effective deterrent, leading to a potential increase in illegal evictions.

A Change is Needed

The Ontario NDP is demanding a review of the current fine system. They argue that the penalties should be increased to create a stronger deterrent against illegal evictions. The party’s goals are to protect the rights and security of tenants across the province by holding landlords more accountable for their actions.

Ensuring Tenant Security

Unfortunately, out of 51 fines issued in the last 4 years, only 1 has been paid. This clearly indicates that rules are not being enforced and that a fair and just system for tenants is needed. By revisiting the current fine structure and imposing more significant penalties, the Ontario NDP strives to protect tenants’ security and uphold the integrity of the rental housing market across the province.