Calgary Tenant Advocates Demand Landlord Licensing to Combat Unsafe Housing
Renters' rights advocates in Calgary are intensifying their call for the implementation of a comprehensive landlord licensing system, arguing that it is essential to protect tenants from hazardous and unsanitary living conditions. The advocacy group ACORN Calgary organized a rally outside Historic City Hall on Friday, February 20, 2026, where approximately 10 members braved chilly temperatures to urge the new city council to take decisive action.
Addressing Critical Housing Issues
Abi Martin, a chair of ACORN's Calgary chapter, emphasized that the rally's primary focus was on tackling the unsafe environments many renters face daily. Martin, who uses they/them pronouns, highlighted common problems such as pest infestations, bed bugs, and mold issues that tenants endure due to neglectful landlords. "Renters have had to live with these unacceptable conditions for too long," Martin stated, underscoring the urgency for regulatory reform.
ACORN, which stands for Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, is a membership-based union advocating for low- and moderate-income individuals globally. In Calgary, the group has previously lobbied for measures like a heat protection bylaw to limit maximum temperatures in rental units during summer and rent control policies at the provincial level.
Proposed Licensing System Details
The proposed landlord licensing system would empower city bylaw officers to enforce enhanced health and safety standards in rental properties, similar to how business licenses regulate commercial operations. Martin, who owns a cleaning business, drew a parallel: "I have a business license and insurance. I do my due diligence, and landlords need to step up and do the same." This system aims to hold property owners accountable and ensure they maintain safe, habitable living spaces.
Currently, Calgary requires landlords to obtain a business license as "apartment building operators" if they own or manage three or more units in an apartment building. However, advocates argue this is insufficient, pointing to municipalities like Brampton, Ontario, which has piloted a Residential Rental Licensing program for properties with one to four units. Edmonton also mandates a rental accommodation business license to promote well-maintained rental units.
Broader Implications and Advocacy Efforts
The push for landlord licensing in Calgary reflects a growing movement across Canada to strengthen tenant protections. ACORN members stress that such a program would not only improve living conditions but also provide a framework for addressing violations more effectively. By establishing clear standards and consequences, the city could better safeguard its most vulnerable residents, particularly in a time of rising housing insecurity.
As the debate continues, ACORN plans to maintain pressure on local officials through rallies and lobbying efforts. The group's advocacy highlights the critical need for policy changes that prioritize tenant well-being over landlord profits, aiming to create a fairer and safer rental market in Calgary.
