London’s rental market just got a major shake-up that every tenant needs to know about. The City of London has officially implemented a new bylaw targeting the increasingly common practice of “renovictions” — when landlords force tenants to leave their homes under the guise of renovations.

As of March 2025, the City’s new Eviction Due to Renovation bylaw is officially in effect, creating a significant layer of protection for renters across the city. This new regulation specifically targets landlords who issue N13 Forms, the official notice used to evict tenants when claiming substantial renovations are needed.

The bylaw introduces something called a Rental Unit Repair Licence, which is now mandatory for any landlord planning renoviction-style evictions. This licence isn’t just a rubber stamp — it represents a concrete step toward protecting tenant rights in a rental market that often feels tilted in favour of property owners.

According to information shared by the City of London, tenants who receive an N13 Form from their landlord should be aware that the property owner is now required to obtain this special licence before proceeding with any eviction plans. The City has created resources specifically for tenants caught in this situation, including a downloadable Tenant Information Package for those who prefer offline reading.

The City of London’s website details what the Rental Unit Repair Licence is, explains key terms associated with the process, and outlines what tenants should do if they receive an N13 Form. Understanding these new regulations, alongside the existing Residential Tenancies Act, can help renters navigate what has historically been a confusing and often intimidating process.

While the City emphasizes that this information isn’t intended to replace the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act, it serves as a crucial supplement that addresses a specific local concern. The bylaw creates additional requirements for landlords beyond provincial legislation.

It’s worth noting that the City of London can’t directly assist tenants in Landlord Tenant Board hearings or intervene in landlord disputes. However, this new licensing requirement creates an additional administrative hurdle for landlords considering renovictions, potentially deterring those who might abuse the system.

For tenants wanting to learn more about their rights under this new bylaw, the City encourages visiting their official website at london.ca/tenantsupports or contacting the licensing department directly at [email protected] or by phone at 519-930-3515.

The implementation of this bylaw represents a significant development for London’s rental housing market, establishing new requirements for landlords and creating additional protections for tenants facing displacement due to renovations.