Attention landlords and tenants: New renovation and repair rules start September 1

Starting September 1, 2026, the City’s Rental Repairs and Renovations Licensing By-law will introduce new requirements for landlords and stronger protections for tenants when major repairs or renovations require a tenant to leave their unit.   

The by-law was developed with input from tenants, landlords and community groups across Mississauga. These changes will help make the eviction process clearer and fairer, while reducing housing instability and helping protect the City’s supply of affordable rental housing.  

What is a “renoviction?”

A “renoviction” happens when a landlord asks a tenant to leave their unit so they can complete major repairs or renovations. 

In Ontario, landlords must follow the N13 Notice process when doing this. The work must be significant, require a building permit and require the unit to be vacant. 

An N13 Notice is not an eviction order. Tenants do not have to move out immediately. Only the Landlord and Tenant Board can decide whether an eviction order should be issued.  

Problems happen when this process isn’t followed properly or when renovations are used to permanently evict tenants. The City’s new by-law adds oversight to help prevent issues.   

What’s changing for landlords

Under the new by-law, landlords who issue an N13 Notice must apply for a City licence within seven days of issuing the notice. 

To get a rental repair or renovation licence, landlords must: 

• Show the work is necessary and requires the unit to be empty. 
• Have a valid building permit.
• Provide required notices and information to tenants. 

Renovation or major repair work cannot begin until both a building permit and a City licence are in place. 

Once licensed, landlords must provide tenants with extra compensation, where required and keep them informed throughout the repair or renovation process.  

The City licence is in addition to a landlord’s responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. Landlords must continue to comply with all applicable provincial requirements.  

If landlords don’t follow the new City rules, they may face fines or penalties.  

What tenants should know

If a tenant is being evicted because of major repairs or renovations, there are new protections for them and new steps their landlord must follow.   

Tenants will receive a Tenant Information Package explaining what’s happening and what their options are.  

If a tenant receives an N13 Notice, they have four options: 

• Stay in their rental unit and challenge the N13 Notice through the Landlord and Tenant Board. 
• Move out of their rental unit permanently. 
• Move into an alternate rental unit, if offered by their landlord  
• Move out temporarily and return to their rental unit after the work is completed. 

If a tenant chooses to return, their landlord must allow them to move back in and their rent cannot be increased beyond what would have been legally allowed if they had not moved out. 

Depending on their situation, tenants may be entitled to: 

• Compensation under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. 
• A one-time Moving Contribution under the City by-law. 
• Monthly Top-up Payments if they temporarily relocate and plan to return to their rental unit. 

Tenants should also receive updates from their landlord throughout the renovation process. These steps are meant to help offset the impacts of leaving their home, improve communication and keep them informed throughout the process.  

If something doesn’t seem right, tenants can contact the City for support. 

Know who does what

The by-law works alongside provincial rules, but each has a different role. 

• The City of Mississauga manages licensing, monitors compliance and enforces the by-law, including requirements for tenant communication, moving expenses and top-up payments. 
• The Landlord and Tenant Board decides whether an eviction is valid and resolves disputes, including those about a tenant’s right to compensation under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.

The City does not issue eviction orders, decide whether an N13 Notice is valid or hear disputes related to compensation, the right to return, or other tenant rights under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.

Learn more and get help

More information is available on the Rental Repairs and Renovations Licence page, including resources for tenants, landlords and a copy of the Rental Repairs and Renovations Licensing By-law.  

If you have questions or want to learn more, call 311 (or 905-615-4311 if calling from outside Mississauga).

Tags

• By-laws and Policy
• Enforcement and Fines
• Housing