Brampton Council Approves Citywide Expansion of Landlord Licensing Program Following Fatal House Fire
Brampton city council has voted unanimously to expand its Residential Rental Licensing (RRL) program across the entire city, marking a major shift in local housing oversight and safety enforcement. The decision comes in the wake of a devastating rental house fire that claimed four lives, prompting renewed urgency around rental safety standards.
The council’s move represents one of the most significant policy expansions in Brampton’s rental housing regulation history, aiming to ensure that all rental properties adhere to basic fire, safety, and building code requirements.
A Turning Point for Rental Oversight in Brampton
Tragedy Sparks Renewed Commitment to Safety
The decision to scale the licensing program citywide was heavily influenced by a fatal two-alarm house fire on Banas Way on November 20, which killed four people—three women and a toddler—and critically injured several others. The tragic incident drew attention to the challenges the city faces in enforcing safety standards in rental homes, especially those operating without adequate oversight.
The home was located in a ward not covered under the original pilot program, raising concerns among city officials.
Councillor Rowena Santos described the incident as a painful reminder of the risks posed by unsafe rental conditions. “Every resident in Brampton deserves to live in a home that meets basic safety standards. Today’s Council decision to move toward a citywide rollout of the RRL program is the right step to protect lives,” she said in a statement released on November 26.
Peel Regional Police later confirmed that 11 people were living in the home at the time of the fire—well beyond the number permitted by the landlord’s lease agreement, according to the owner’s lawyer.
Background of the Pilot Project
A Two-Year Initiative That Grew Into a Citywide Strategy
The RRL program was originally launched as a two-year pilot in January 2024. It required landlords in specific electoral wards—1, 3, 4, 5, and 7—to obtain a licence and undergo mandatory fire and building safety inspections. The initiative aimed to address longstanding issues related to overcrowding, illegal renovations, and substandard living conditions across Brampton.
To prevent disruptions and allow the city more time to evaluate the program’s effectiveness, council extended the pilot through December 31, 2028. In July 2025, council further approved expanding the program to include wards 2 and 8. The latest vote confirms that the licensing framework will now extend to all wards through a phased rollout beginning next year.
Council’s Unanimous Vote for Expansion
A Phased Citywide Rollout Starting Next Year
At the November 26 general committee meeting, council members unanimously supported expanding the RRL program to every ward in Brampton. Mayor Patrick Brown emphasized that the tragic fire underscored the need for uniform safety standards across the city, rather than restricting enforcement efforts to select neighbourhoods.
“We really need to make sure that all housing conditions in the city meet the building code and fire code,” Brown said. He also dismissed claims from some landlords who argued that the program was being used as a revenue-generating tool. “There were myths about the RRL initially… There is no fee for the RRL,” he said.
Concerns Raised About Bylaw Compliance at the Fire Property
Both Mayor Brown and Councillor Santos questioned the compliance status of the Banas Way property. However, the landlord, represented by lawyer Sukhi Baidwan, rejected accusations that the home had been illegally modified or over-occupied with the landlord’s knowledge.
According to Baidwan, the lease signed in March 2023 permitted only four adults and one child to reside in the home. “Additional person(s), if any, visiting or otherwise residing at the house was/were without the knowledge and authorization of the landlord,” he stated.
The house has since been demolished due to extensive fire damage.
Debate and Controversy Surrounding the Program
Landlord Concerns Over Costs and Enforcement
The RRL program has faced strong opposition from some landlords since its inception. Critics accuse the city of targeting responsible landlords while failing to address systemic issues in the rental market. Some argue that the program creates unnecessary red tape and leads to increased operating costs.
At a protest held at city hall earlier this year, members of the Brampton Home Providers Association expressed frustration, even holding signs referring to Mayor Brown as a “slum mayor.” They argued that honest property owners were being burdened, while negligent landlords continued to operate unchecked.
City Officials Defend the Program’s Purpose
Mayor Brown has repeatedly countered those claims, asserting that the program’s sole purpose is to protect tenant safety and ensure basic living standards.
“(The RRL) is simply saying to landlords that it’s your responsibility to meet building code and fire codes,” Brown said. “If the city doesn’t enforce these codes, we could be legally negligent.”
Acknowledging the presence of “bad actors,” Brown stressed that consistent enforcement across all wards is crucial to prevent further tragedies.
Financial and Staffing Implications
Licensing Fees Suspended to Encourage Compliance
To reduce barriers for landlords and encourage widespread participation, council voted to suspend the original $300 licensing fee for both 2025 and 2026. However, staff recommended reinstating the fee in 2027 to help offset increasing enforcement and administrative costs.
Expanded Bylaw and Fire Inspection Teams
Implementing the licensing system at scale will require significant staffing increases. In anticipation of expanded enforcement needs, council approved a major increase to the city’s bylaw department workforce in 2024. Additional hires included four new fire code inspectors tasked with helping roll out the program in wards 2 and 8.
City officials acknowledged that an even larger team will be required as the program expands citywide. Council has directed staff to return in December with a detailed breakdown of funding and staffing requirements as part of the 2026 budget.
A Step Toward Safer, More Regulated Housing
Ensuring That All Residents Benefit From Uniform Standards
The expansion of the RRL program signals Brampton’s commitment to citywide rental safety, particularly as the population continues to grow and housing density increases. While the program remains a point of contention among some landlords, city officials maintain that ensuring compliance with safety codes is non-negotiable.
Looking Ahead
With implementation set to begin in phases next year, the city is preparing for a comprehensive overhaul of rental oversight. The upcoming council report on staffing and funding needs will shape how quickly and effectively Brampton can transition from a pilot program to a fully operational, citywide licensing system.
For many councillors and residents, the goal is clear: to prevent future tragedies and guarantee that all tenants in Brampton, regardless of the ward they live in, have access to safe, regulated, and compliant housing.