Housing stability plays a crucial role in the safety and well-being of survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). When faced with renovictions, many women and gender-diverse individuals experience increased housing insecurity, which can exacerbate their vulnerability to further violence. The threat of eviction and displacement not only disrupts their lives but can also deter them from seeking help or leaving abusive situations.
This joint submission by WomanACT and Right to Housing Toronto to the City of Toronto’s Planning and Housing Committee addresses the urgent need for a Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw to mitigate the impacts of renovictions on vulnerable tenants. It outlines the importance of adopting a human rights and trauma-informed approach in the bylaw’s implementation, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by survivors of GBV. The letter offers recommendations to strengthen the proposed framework, including enhanced tenant protections, educational resources for landlords, and support for marginalized communities. By prioritizing these measures, the City can uphold the right to housing and contribute to safer living conditions for all residents.