QUEEN’S PARK – MPP Terence Kernaghan (London North Centre) demanded to know why the government refuses to defend London tenants against massive rent increases in question period Monday. He released the following statement:
“Families in London already find it difficult to keep up with the rising cost of housing, now they are worried they might be evicted or forced to move because their landlords are imposing massive rent increases of seven or 10 per cent.
Instead of fixing high rent prices, this government has made it worse by scrapping rent controls on thousands of homes and letting the greediest developers and landlords gouge tenants and force people out of their homes. We’re seeing this more and more in London and the government is refusing to act.
Londoners should be able to find a home that meets their needs at a fair price, and tenants deserve stability and protection. We must re-instate rent controls and would make sure landlords cannot jack up the rent between tenants. Housing is a human right and London families should be able to rent without fearing massive increases that force them out of their homes.”
Kernaghan’s question to the government comes as reports of London tenants facing rent increases or evictions from large housing corporations is on the rise. In London North Centre, tenants at One Richmond Row are facing seven to 10 per cent rent increases, while tenants at 601 Grenfell Drive, many of whom are seniors on fixed incomes, are being pressured to move out as their units are converted to condos.
Government must help London tenants facing massive rent increases: Kernaghan
Published on March 28, 2022