Hamilton debates controversial rental licencing pilot project

The city of Hamilton is considering licensing rental units near McMaster University and Mohawk College.

The planning committee was inundated with passionate opinions on both sides of the debate Tuesday.

The newly elected councillors of wards one and eight support the pilot project that is aimed at their areas.

Ward eight is home to Mohawk College and the other surrounds McMaster University. If the pilot is approved, a $200 fee would be imposed on each rental bulding with six or fewer units every year, money that would fund inspections of the units.

Landlords say the city already has laws to enforce safety for tenants.

“If the city of Hamilton enforces the codes and bylaws already in place, we can offer compliant safe clean affordable housing,” said landlord Steve Devisser.

Landlords say they’re not always responsible for slum-like living conditions and say rents will go up and supply will go down. But ACORN, a group that advocates for low-income renters, has been lobbying for licensed rentals.

“There’s a lot of bad landlords out there. Why not have regulation like any other business? They’re made to do what they’re supposed to why not landlords,” said Mike Wood, ACORN.

“Most landlords are good people, why impose punitive measures on those providing an essential service especially when the measures will reduce supply and increase rents,” said landlord Peter Dyakowski.

Next week city council will vote on getting the bylaw written. There will still be more meetings and consultation but it’s possible the bylaw could be implemented as early as next year in wards one and eight.