Rising Eviction Notices in Toronto's Rental Market: A Look at the Numbers

The Toronto rental market has seen a noticeable increase in eviction notices this year, raising concerns among tenants and housing advocates. According to Veronica Spada, a spokesperson for Ontario's Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), there has been a significant uptick in eviction applications based on N12 notices for personal use in Toronto.

Data from the LTB reveals that between January and September of this year, 1,767 L2 applications based on N12 notices were filed, in contrast to the 1,312 filed for the entire year of 2022. This represents an almost 80% increase in L2 applications based on N12 notices year to date, compared to the same period in 2022.

While the LTB did not disclose how many of these applications might be in bad faith, there is a growing concern that some landlords may have a profit motive behind these eviction notices. Ontario's rent control rules stipulate that rents for units first occupied before November 15, 2018, can only be raised by a provincially mandated amount. However, units occupied after this date are not subject to rent controls, giving landlords more flexibility to increase rents as tenants turnover.

Toronto is known for being one of the most lucrative rental markets in the country, with average rents hitting $2,902 in September, according to the latest national rent report. Even studio apartments and roommate accommodations command high rents, averaging $2,107 and $1,308, respectively.

Improvements in Eviction Hearing Wait Times

Last year, the LTB faced challenges due to a five-month moratorium on eviction hearings from March to August 2020, resulting in a backlog of cases. At that time, hearings were taking up to two years to be scheduled. However, things have improved, with most new and adjourned matters currently being scheduled within seven to eight months.

While this is still longer than the 25 to 30 business days intended by the process, it marks a significant improvement. The funding from the government played a crucial role in these changes. Last year, the province allocated $1.4 million to the LTB to hire additional staff, enhance scheduling, expedite decision-making, and reduce the backlog. Furthermore, a $6.5 million investment was made in the spring to bring on more adjudicators and staff members.

Since May 2023, the LTB has welcomed 23 new full-time adjudicators, 16 part-time adjudicators, and one part-time vice chair. With additional appointments expected, the board aims to maximize the resources provided by the government.

Challenges Persist

Despite these improvements, the LTB still faces challenges. The active case count remains higher than ideal, with a 25% increase in the number of monthly applications received by the tribunal. In 2023, approximately 7,000 applications will be received per month, compared to about 5,500 in 2022. Additionally, the LTB is handling a higher proportion of complex applications that require more time to resolve.

As the Toronto rental market evolves, it's essential for both tenants and landlords to stay informed about the changing landscape and navigate it with a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities. The rise in eviction notices underscores the need for ongoing attention and advocacy to ensure a fair and balanced rental market in the city.