On April 1, 2023, El-Balad reported that Housing Our University Students Equitably at Toronto Metropolitan University (HOUSE TMU) organized a tenant rights workshop. This event took place at the Tecumseh Auditorium and was a collaboration with the Toronto Metropolitan Students’ Union (TMSU).
Importance of Tenant Rights Education
HOUSE TMU, part of HOUSE Canada, aims to educate students about their tenant rights. According to Sadaf Shaik, the communication director, many students face higher rental costs compared to non-student renters. They often pay more for smaller spaces due to their proximity to campus, leading to financial strain.
Shaik emphasized that many students are unaware of their rights, making them vulnerable to exploitation by landlords. The organization’s objective is to support the cooperative housing movement, which aims to provide affordable housing options for students.
City Support and Initiatives
Recently, Mayor Olivia Chow highlighted the importance of cracking down on poor landlord practices. In a memo, she stated that the 2026 City of Toronto budget will fund 73 RentSafeTO officers, twice the number from 2023. These officers will have the authority to enforce repairs by landlords, reinforcing the city’s commitment to tenant rights.
“I will not tolerate slumlords in the City of Toronto,” Mayor Chow declared, signaling a strong stance against bad housing practices.
The Student Experience
- According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the average rental cost in Toronto reached $1,917 in October 2025.
- Many students, like Gaelle Chan Tam Chan from Mauritius, reported a lack of knowledge regarding Canadian housing policies. Chan expressed challenges in navigating the rental market due to insufficient financial support and the judgment faced from landlords.
- Joseph Abay, from HOUSE TMU, noted that students often do not realize they can address their housing issues legally, leading to precarious living situations.
Shalin Thomas, a third-year medical physics student, shared their experience of facing eviction without warning. Thomas expressed frustration with landlords engaging in questionable practices, such as charging high rents for overcrowded units.
Challenges with Landlords
Colin Hausser, a fifth-year urban and regional planning student, recounted a situation where a landlord changed the locks of his apartment while he was in the process of moving out. This incident required them to seek intervention from the Ontario Land Tribunal.
Mason Fitzpatrick, communication director of the Federation of Metro Tenants Association, pointed out that students are often at a disadvantage because of their limited knowledge of tenant rights. He noted that financial pressures and policy cuts to the Ontario Student Assistance Program exacerbate their vulnerability.
Overall, the workshop highlighted the critical need for tenant rights education among students. As they navigate the complex rental landscape, understanding their rights can empower them to secure better living conditions.
