Mississauga landlords will face new licensing requirements and tenants will get stronger protections when major repairs or renovations force them out of their units, starting September 1, 2026.
That's when the City's Rental Repairs and Renovations Licensing By-law comes into effect, according to a City of Mississauga news release. The by-law applies to rental properties across the city and targets what's commonly known as a "renoviction" — when a landlord asks a tenant to leave so significant work can be done.
What landlords must do
Under the new rules, landlords who issue an N13 Notice must apply for a City licence within seven days of issuing that notice. Renovation or major repair work cannot begin until both a building permit and a City licence are in place.
Once licensed, landlords must provide tenants with extra compensation where required and keep them informed throughout the repair or renovation process. Landlords who don't follow the City's rules may face fines or penalties.
The City licence is in addition to landlords' responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, and landlords must continue to comply with all provincial requirements.
What it means for tenants
The by-law was developed with input from tenants, landlords and community groups across Mississauga, according to the City. Officials say the changes are meant to make the eviction process clearer and fairer, reduce housing instability and help protect the city's supply of affordable rental housing.
Tenants facing a renovation-related eviction will receive a Tenant Information Package explaining what's happening and what their options are. The City says tenants who receive an N13 Notice have four options, and that they may be entitled to compensation depending on their situation.
If a tenant chooses to return after the work is done, their landlord must allow them to move back in — and their rent cannot be increased beyond what would have been legally allowed had they never moved out.
How the by-law works with provincial rules
In Ontario, an N13 Notice is not an eviction order, the City notes. Tenants do not have to move out immediately, and only the Landlord and Tenant Board can decide whether an eviction order should be issued. The notice process requires the work to be significant, require a building permit and require the unit to be vacant.
The City's by-law adds a layer of oversight on top of that, but the City does not issue eviction orders, decide whether an N13 Notice is valid, or hear disputes related to compensation, the right to return, or other tenant rights under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
Tenants who think something isn't right can contact the City for support. More information, including resources for both tenants and landlords and a copy of the by-law, is available on the City's Rental Repairs and Renovations Licence page. Residents with questions can also call 311, or 905-615-4311 from outside Mississauga.
