Uncategorised – FRPO – Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario

November 10, 2020by Muneeb NoorUncategorised

Apartmentalize 2020

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November 10, 2020by Muneeb NoorUncategorised

2020 Residential Tenancies Act Webinars (Rescheduled Dates)

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November 10, 2020by Muneeb NoorUncategorised

Canadian Apartment Investment Conference

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September 16, 2020by Lynzi MichalNews Uncategorised

Up to 200,000 Units Needed to Close Supply Gap

September 16, 2020 (ONTARIO) –

Today, FRPO is releasing a timely report with the help of leading rental market analytics firm, Urbanation. The report finds that strong demand factors of (pre-pandemic) job growth, immigration, and high home ownership prices have combined with lagging rental construction activity that will help create a shortage of 200,000 units in Ontario’s rental market over the next decade. While COVID-19 has taken a toll on the economy, pre-pandemic demand pressure will return once the economy rebounds and borders re-open, which renders this supply gap unavoidable.

“This report should be a wake-up call to those who influence the development approvals process,” said FRPO President & CEO Tony Irwin. “We need to do everything we can—now more than ever before—to close the supply gap and give Ontarians more homes and more choice in rental housing.”

One solution FRPO proposes to the Government of Ontario and municipalities across the province is a dedicated process to approve the construction of rental buildings on available land where these structures already exist, known to those in the sector as infill development. These projects are the most viable in that they can be built without purchasing land, one of the largest costs in rental construction, and can also be accommodated in more affordable market areas, a key issue in addressing new housing supply.

The report also outlines the results of an exercise undertaken by Urbanation, where approximately 950 rental sites in the GTHA were identified as opportunities for infill development to double and in some cases triple the number of rental units on a site. The data estimates that just over 176,000 units could be built on an existing rental-zoned property. Additionally, 35% of these sites are within 800 metres of a current or future rapid transit station, consistent with the Ford government’s push to establish major transit station areas and create transit-oriented communities.

VIEW REPORT: Urbanation – FRPO Ontario Rental Market Report – Summer 2020

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ABOUT FRPO

The Federation of Rental Housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO) is the province’s leading advocate for quality rental housing. FRPO represents over 2,200 rental housing providers who supply and manage homes for over 350,000 tenant households across Ontario.

Contact

Chloe Hill, Communications Manager
Phone: 416-385-1100 x30
Email: chill@frpo.org

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March 23, 2020by Lynzi MichalNews Uncategorised

Supporting tenants during the COVID-19 Crisis

(Toronto, March 18) – FRPO has been actively involved in discussions with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing as the Government tackles the many challenges associated with the COVID-19, including the continuity of residential tenancies. Our President and CEO Tony Irwin sent a letter to Minister Clark outlining a proposal to mitigate potential non-payment of rent due to an inability to obtain employment income or EI supports.

FRPO – Proposal to Support Tenants During COVID-19 Crisis

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March 16, 2020by Chloe HillNews Uncategorised

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Events Update

The staff and Board of Directors at FRPO are deeply committed to the health & safety of our members and those we serve in the rental housing industry. We share in the increasing global concern about COVID-19.

Therefore we have decided to postpone the following events until further notice.

– Future of Submetering Webinar

– Spring Social

– Spring Hope Food Drive

RTA Seminars – We are currently looking at alternative formats to deliver these important educational sessions and will provide an update in the coming days.

As this situation continues to evolve, please be assured that we will be constantly reassessing and adapting our processes to adhere to the latest updates and health guidelines.

Please note: the FRPO office has been closed until further notice, all staff are working remotely and are available via phone and e-mail.

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November 21, 2019by Lynzi MichalNews Uncategorised

Ontario Needs More Solutions to Rental Demand

(Toronto, ON – November 21, 2019) – Governments need to work together to prioritize the construction of new rental housing to meet the growing demand of renters according to Tony Irwin, President and CEO of the Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO), who participated in the Urban Land Institute’s panel: Rental Housing First Choice, Not Last Resort today.

Moderated by the Toronto Star’s Tess Kalinowski, Irwin was joined by:

Shaun Hildebrand, President of Urbanation
Cary J. Green, Chairman of Greenwin
Paula Munger, AVP, Industry Research & Analysis, U.S. National Apartment Association
Cordelia Clarke Julien, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ontario Growth Secretariat, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

The perception of rental housing in Ontario is deeply entrenched. Traditionally seen as an option intended for people who can’t afford to buy a home, policymakers and consumers have long de-prioritized rental housing. Yet there are strong signs of a desire for change, especially in urban Ontario.

“Many people today are choosing to rent, whether it be a financial choice, to maintain a high quality of life, live closer to where they work, or to downsize. It is no longer just a stepping stone, but a viable, first-choice long-term housing option,” said Tony Irwin, President and CEO of FRPO.

Ontario lags behind, with a planning regime and rental housing options that don’t reflect this changing landscape and evolving consumer focus. Despite the number of condominium rentals, which cover about a third of all rentals in Ontario, it is not enough. Planning and policy need to reflect what people want and need, as demand soars amongst all demographics.

FRPO applauds the Ontario government for reinstating the rent control exemption for new construction and introducing other policy changes that have directly contributed to new applications of rental units. Additional changes are needed from the federal and municipal governments to ensure supply will meet demand.

“If supply is to meet demand, municipal governments need to expedite land approvals, and find sites that can be leveraged to build additional towers,” said Irwin. “The newly elected federal government should look at changes such as allowing rental housing to qualify for small business tax treatment, and eliminating the GST/HST on rental housing operations.”

The panelists addressed the full spectrum of supply alternatives, from purpose-built high-rise rental to mid-rise, infill, mixed use and as-of-right rental within existing single-family homes – options that for too long have been circumscribed by planning rules and homeowner resistance.

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About FRPO

FRPO is the province’s leading advocate for quality rental housing. FRPO represents over 2,200 rental housing providers who supply and manage homes for over 350,000 tenant households across Ontario. Learn more about us at www.frpo.org or @FRPOFACTS on Twitter.

For more information, please contact:

Counsel Public Affairs
Shanice Scott

Counsel Public Affairs
sscott@counselpa.com
416-920-0716 ext. 240

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July 31, 2019by Lynzi MichalNews Uncategorised

2019 FRPO Charity Golf Classic Raises $67,000 for Interval House

(Toronto, July 30, 2019) The FRPO Charity Golf Classic was held on Monday, July 22nd at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club. This event saw 288 players take to the links for a fun-filled day of golf and networking in support of Interval House. We sincerely thank our sponsors, attendees and volunteers for their generous support of this event. Over the last ten years, this event has provided over half a million dollars to Interval House.

We are pleased to announce that this year’s tournament has raised $67,000 for Interval House. This includes proceeds raised from registrations, raffle sales and silent auction.

“Thanks to everyone who came out to be part of our most successful golf tournament yet. FRPO is honoured to support Interval House and truly make a difference!” Tony Irwin, FRPO President & CEO

These funds will enable Interval House to provide safe shelter to women and children escaping intimate partner violence as well as provide their clients with the tools and resources they need to successfully start over. For more information about Interval House, please click here. If you would like to get more involved with Interval House, please contact Lynzi Michal at lmichal@frpo.org

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May 2, 2019by Chloe HillNews Uncategorised

Today the Ontario Government Announced its Housing Supply Action Plan: More Homes More Choice

(Toronto, May 2nd, 2019) Earlier today, the Honourable Steve Clark announced the provincial government’s Housing Supply Action Plan. The measures proposed will help get more purpose-built rental housing built in Ontario. It will reduce barriers to development by:

Speeding up the development approvals process and reducing the costs of delay
Controlling fees and charges
Updating policy to encourage more units in the rights places, like transit hubs, and other places where density is both needed and appropriate.

Further details on the plan will be available once legislation is tabled, but we applaud the vision, and the courage of the Government in taking bold action to address the housing shortfall, and making more purpose-built rental housing available for Ontarians who need it.

For more information please click here to access the Government’s website.

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November 30, 2018by Lynzi MichalNews Uncategorised

Congratulations to the 2018 FRPO MAC Award Winners

(Toronto, November 30, 2018) Thank you to the over 1050 guests that attended this event held on Thursday, November 29th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The MAC Awards celebrate innovation, commitment to quality and everything that goes into promoting the brand of rental housing. Each year our members continue to raise the bar and this year was no exception. We are pleased to announce this year’s winners and offer our sincere congratulations.

Lifetime Achievement Recipient
Eugen Drewlo, Drewlo Holdings

Best Property Management Website
Quadreal Property Group – www.quadrealres.com

Advertising Excellence for a Single Campaign
Vertica Resident Services – The Livmore

Advertising Excellence – Social Media
Greenwin Inc.

Best Lobby Renovation
CAPREIT – 18 Panorama Court, Toronto

Best Curb Appeal
Starlight Investments – 77 Parkwoods Village Drive, Toronto

Best Suite Renovation under $15,000
Briarlane Property Management – 265 Dixon Road, Toronto

Best Suite Renovation over $15,000
Timbercreek Communities – 165 Bathurst Street, Toronto

Rental Development of the Year
Medallion Corporation – Primo Tower, 2 Vena Way, Toronto

Amenities Excellence
Shiplake Properties – 99 Davisville Avenue & 118 Balliol Street, Toronto

Outstanding Community Service
Sifton Properties

Outstanding Community Service (Supplier Member)
Wyse Meter Solutions Inc.

Environmental Excellence
Skyline Living

Leasing Professional of the Year
Roomana Nazli – Morguard

Property Manager of the Year
Nina Rastegorac – MetCap Living

Resident Manager of the Year
Saffia Hassin Dewan – MetCap Living

Customer Service Award of Excellence
CAPREIT

Marvin Sadowski Memorial Award for Certified Rental Building Member of the Year
Greenwin Inc.

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November 15, 2018by Lynzi MichalNews Uncategorised

Fall Economic Statement

(Toronto, November 15, 2018) – “Today’s Economic Outlook And Fiscal Review demonstrated that the Ford Government is taking a considered, measured and strategic approach to meeting the province’s housing challenges – including matters of affordability – while recognizing the need to create an environment that encourages the development of new, purpose-built rental housing.

On behalf of Ontario’s rental housing providers, FRPO looks forward to continuing to engage in a fulsome dialogue with the government and with key stakeholders as part of the Housing Supply Action Plan. Through that process we will continue to advocate for solutions that encourage more options for Ontario’s renters and policies that contribute to increased choice and greater affordability.

There is more to be done but we commend the government for demonstrating fresh thinking and a commitment to working together to meet the housing challenges facing the province.”

Tony Irwin,
President & CEO
FRPO

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February 7, 2017by Lynzi MichalUncategorised

FRPO concerned Bill 204 would result in less rental housing being built

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December 23, 2015by Lynzi MichalUncategorised

Media Resource: Questions & Answers – Housing For Refugees

(December 23, 2015)

Are you saying the law prevents housing providers to rent to refugees?

We’re pointing out that renting a house or apartment in Ontario is a complex transaction in a heavily regulated environment. It was not created for, and is not well-equipped to, facilitate the fast, mass resettlement of an unprecedented quantity of refugees at a pace not previously seen.

Renting in Ontario is a long-term business transaction, but not a simple one. Tenants have many rights and housing providers have many obligations. They are spelled out in the Human Rights Code as well as the Residential Tenancies Act and governed in a complex manner with a dedicated adjudication system.

Sounds complicated, but it doesn’t prevent housing providers from renting to refugees, does it?

No, it doesn’t. In fact, renting to refugees is not at all new our members. 26,000 refugees come to Canada annually; a large number end up in Ontario and a large number of those find quality rental housing with our members who are happy to support their new customers in resettlement.

Indeed, some housing providers made early announcements of support for the influx of Syrian refugees expected with offers of discounted rentals or dedicated allocations of units when they arrive here.

So why is the regulatory environment important?

Renting is a business transaction, regulated by laws and adjudicated by the Landlord and Tenant Board, for which not all parties supporting a refugee tenancy may have standing.

In Ontario, if you’re looking to rent housing, the housing provider is bound by the laws of the Human Rights Code and the Residential Tenancies Act. That means:

Housing providers must ensure a tenant screening process that is fair, diligent and complies with all the legal requirements
Housing providers must strictly and equally apply the application process for all new prospective renters, regardless of their residency status
Housing providers cannot impose different criteria to assess newcomer applications; they are required to request the same credit history, employment history and income information of refugees that is requested of all rental applicants
This is not the policy of any one housing provider; it is the law in the province of Ontario

Couldn’t a housing provider choose to waive all that?

A housing provider cannot waive the requirements for one group potential tenants – the Residential Tenancies Act and the Human Rights Code requires housing providers to follow consistent processes when reviewing and evaluating each rental application.

These are private businesses. For example, if you are buying anything on layaway or were leasing a car, a service provider would seek to reassure themselves that you could cover the costs of the transaction before committing to let you use the services and not be able to offer them to someone else. Renting is a business – therefore, it is not unreasonable to have surety that a prospective tenant can pay the rent. After all, if the housing provider cannot collect the rent it is owed, it won’t be able to keep their doors open to provide homes for the tenants in the building.

What about guarantors?

Guarantors can be very helpful to refugee tenants. They should also know their rights and obligations under Ontario’s regulatory regime, for example, if they ‘co-sign’ for a tenant, they act as a guarantor for the duration of the tenancy itself, not just the term of the initial lease. This is not a policy set by individual housing providers—this is prescribed in the Residential Tenancy Act.

So why do you think the system not well-equipped for the Syrian refugees that will seek to live in Ontario?

Housing providers know that a refugee, fleeing a war-torn country in crisis, is not likely to have a credit or income history nor be able to provide employment details in the early days and months of resettlement. Our members understand the frustration with the situation but housing providers can’t skirt the law, they can’t set aside some requirements in the reasonable name of goodwill – the current law doesn’t give them that leeway.

It’s important to know, however, that the provincial government could respond to the need to deal with special circumstances such as the influx of a huge number of refugees, through regulation. FRPO continues to be willing to work with the Ontario government to identify ways to make it easier for rental housing providers to assist refugee families in securing needed rental housing. We believe the advice we offered in October and November remains valuable and worthy of the government’s consideration.

What can be done?

The current legal regime around rental housing is not sufficient for the unprecedented influx of Syrian refugees – in the number, and at the pace they’re arriving. This unusual and unprecedented situation demands an exception to some of the current rules that will facilitate their speedy accommodation and encourage community re-settlement.

The provincial government has the power (the regulatory authority) to fix it. FRPO has provided our best advice to the provincial government on how they can use existing regulatory authority to expand the number of options housing providers would have to meet both the short term and longer term needs of Syrian refugee families. We hope they will make these positive changes and in the meantime, we will continue to provide support, resources, advice and information to our members as well as to supporting associations and stakeholders.

What do you think of landlords that are refusing to rent to refugees?

Firstly, they’re breaking the law. If there’s a housing provider out there refusing to rent to a refugee because they are a refugee, that’s illegal. FRPO will not support the action of any housing provider that discriminates against any applicant based on race, religious background, or any other social determinant.

The more than 2,200 housing providers that we work with, that manage more than 350,000 rental units in Ontario, are hardworking business people, who are doing what they can, when and where they can to provide support, just like many, many other Ontarians and Canadians across the country. To remain in compliance with the law, they have to provide that support within the legal regime that exists today.

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December 22, 2015by Lynzi MichalNews Uncategorised

Statement: Syrian Refugee Update – Housing Needs

(December 22, 2015)

The Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO) represents more than 2,200 members who own or manage more than 350,000 households in every area of Ontario. We well understand the housing needs, costs and capacities in the communities that we build and manage.

Our members are a diverse group – from those with one small building or a single rental unit up to the largest property management firms and institutional owners. Renting to refugees in Ontario is not new to our members. Some 26,000 refugees from all over the world are admitted to Canada every year. A large percentage of these newcomers land in Ontario, and for a large number of them, the quality rental housing and communities built and provided by our membership play a vital role in their accommodation and re-settlement. We are proud of that.

What is new, however, is the pace and quantity with which Syrian refugees are now coming to Canada. We foresaw this. Since mid-November, our organization has been seeking a process with appropriate provincial government representatives to assist in meeting the immediate needs of those in crisis. We have offered our expertise, information and resources.

Our members continue to be ready, willing and able to rent quality housing to refugee newcomers. Housing providers that have the opportunity to do more are doing so. For example, in Ottawa, Q Residential is reserving 150 apartments for refugee families in two apartment towers. Boardwalk has a plan in place to accommodate up to 350 refugee families.

Our members also continue to be duty-bound by the laws of the Human Rights Code and the Residential Tenancies Act. As housing providers, we must ensure a tenant screening process that is fair, diligent and legal. We must strictly apply equally the application process for all new prospective renters, regardless of their residency status. This means:

Housing providers cannot discriminate based on immigration or refugee status
Housing providers cannot impose different criteria to assess newcomers; housing providers are required to request the same credit history, employment history and income information of refugees that is requested of all rental applicants.
Housing providers’ rental application can consider credit references, rental history information and credit checks, alone or in any combination in order to assess the prospective tenant. A guarantor can also be required to sign a lease. It is also important that potential guarantors realize they remain guarantors for the duration of the tenancy, and not just the original lease. This is set out in the Residential Tenancies Act, and not by the policy of any one housing provider.
Housing providers cannot require pre-paid rent, or a signed termination notice for a fixed term as a condition of approving a rental application.

Our members understand the exceptional challenge and frustration this may present Syrian refugees and their guarantors. That is why we have been communicating with government officials to offer suggestions on what can be done to respond more appropriately to the influx of families requiring rental housing.

FRPO believes the rental housing application process for the Syrian refugees that are now coming to Ontario in an unprecedented number and at an unprecedented pace demands an exception to facilitate their speedy accommodation and community re-settlement. In fact we have already provided our best advice to the provincial government on how they can use existing regulatory authority to expand the number of options housing providers would have to meet both the short term and longer term needs of Syrian refugee families. We continue to be hopeful that the provincial government will respond positively to our advice.

In the meantime, FRPO is providing our members with ongoing, and publicly available, information on their rights and responsibilities with respect to providing rental housing within the existing regulatory regime. We have begun to reach out to the community services and associations that are supporting the Syrian refugees to provide facts and information on how to find a quality housing provider in Ontario and the rights and protections for tenants in the province.

Our members will do their best to support arriving refugee families as best as we are able within the prescribed regulatory environment. We encourage interested parties to contact FRPO for information on rental housing services.

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ABOUT FRPO

FRPO is the largest association in Ontario representing those who own, manage, build and finance residential rental properties. Our membership includes a diverse group of owners and managers, from those with one small building or a single rental unit, up to the largest property management firms and institutional owners and managers. The association also includes our colleagues and partners in industry, including service providers, suppliers, and industry consultants. With more than 2,200 members in every area of Ontario, and with over 350,000 homes, we represent the full spectrum of the industry in Ontario.

Contact

Kristina Lauesen, Vice President, Government & Industry Relations
Phone: 416-385-1100 x21
Email: kristina.lauesen@frpo.org

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December 1, 2015by Lynzi MichalUncategorised

Refugee Settlement: Helpful Links

Find Your Member of Parliament
Your local MP will have helpful information on refugee settlement and support programs. You can find your federal MP here.

Immigration and Citizenship Canada
This website has helpful information on the refugee system, sponsorship, and services available to refugees in Canada.

Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
Earlier this year, Ontario committed $8.5 million over two and a half years to help deliver both settlement and integration supports to refugees, as well as to help organizations and groups that are supporting private sponsors.

Ontario Human Rights Code (Overview For Landlords)
Information on choosing and accommodating tenants.

SPARK Ontario
SPARK is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade. SPARK has information on volunteering, donation and sponsorship opportunities to help Syrian families settle in and make Ontario home.

Settlement.Org
Settlement.Org receives federal and provincial funding from Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration and provides trustworthy information that is relevant to newcomers to Ontario on: Immigration & Citizenship; Housing; Health; Employment; Education; Community & Recreation; Legal Services.

Back to Main Refugee Industry Response Page

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