Evictions: New Typologies and Analysis for the Canadian Landscape

Across Canada and around the world, there is growing attention and awareness of evictions. This Research Insight examines the ways in which the contemporary evictions landscape has been changing.

We commissioned a research team to find out:

• What are the types of evictions and prevention measures in Canada?
• How have evictions been changing in recent years?
• What are promising practices for preventing eviction, in light of these changes?

Based on the research, we discovered that evictions have been changing in two main ways. These include by:

• Drivers (from tenant to landlord factors)
• Scale (from individual to mass evictions)

We also discovered that:

• Prevention programs are not generally designed to accommodate these changes.
• Creating new and retaining existing supply are strategies to prevent evictions.
• Data gaps on formal and informal evictions are a barrier to prevention and support measures.
• There are opportunities for comprehensive evaluation of newer prevention measures.

We found other recommended areas of focus:

• addressing the ‘not in my backyard’ mentality or NIMBYism
• building stronger relationships with landlords
• providing more education and awareness for tenants and landlords
• addressing zoning and administrative challenges
• tackling challenges arising from Airbnb

This research was completed in May 2020. While the report includes some consideration for the COVID-19 pandemic, this is a pre-COVID product.

Author:

CMHC

Document Type:

PDF

Date Published:

April 7, 2021