2010/11 annual report

Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario

Defining moments Chair’s report

• The government has introduced new accessibility Historical Rent Control Guidelines standards under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act. (Ontario) Annual Increase % FRPO successfully lobbied against a cost prohibitive 25 years as and unachievable retrofit requirement for accessibility 6.0 standards which would have added over $370 per unit 5.0 Allen Weinbaum, FRPO Chair The Voice of Ontario’s Rental in annual costs to existing buildings. 4.0 Housing Industry 3.0 • The government approved new regulations and rules for sub-metering electricity consumption in rental housing 2.0 buildings. 1.0 0.0 FRPO advocated for the rights of all rental housing 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 providers to implement sub-metering energy conservation projects, and successfully obtained many Ontario’s extraordinarily restrictive guideline does not allow positive changes that will allow landlords to provide landlords to keep up with growing costs new, prospective tenants with more control of their own electricity costs. 1 In the late summer of 1985, concerned landlords across Over 2010, FRPO continued to serve members through its • Municipal Fire Inspectors are issuing costly orders to 2 Ontario held their first meeting together to explore new government relations efforts on a broad range of regulatory • Bed bug infestations are increasing across all types of landlords on issues related to the audibility of fire alarms ways of dealing with the provincial government. Facing threats against a healthy, vibrant rental housing sector: private and public property across North America. without the legislative authority to require a retrofit. damaging rent control and social housing policies proposed FRPO is persuading the government to adopt FRPO is leading an appeal of a decision by the Fire • The province announced the lowest rent control guideline by a newly elected Liberal-NDP minority government, the comprehensive, constructive solutions to educating the Code Commission upholding these orders to the in Ontario’s history: 0.7%. The 2011 guideline will private rental industry in Ontario faced extreme challenges. public and support for treatment strategies provided by Divisional Court. be devastating to Ontario’s rental stock and tenants, landlords against bed bug infestations. FRPO quickly became an effective and credible voice for not allowing proper investment in the maintenance of • In an increasingly competitive housing market, tenants landlords and property managers, and from its earliest days Ontario’s ageing rental stock. demand higher quality, good service and value for their influenced government policy by advocating positions that FRPO is educating the government on the long-term rental housing dollar. Housing providers are striving to were shown to be in the best interests of rental housing – consequences of the low rent guideline on the viability demonstrate that their rental housing buildings meet for both landlords and tenants. of private rental housing in Ontario, and advocating for Percent of Rental Stock Needing Major rigorous quality standards. The past quarter century has seen FRPO battle many the rent control guideline to be increased. Repairs by Year of Construction FRPO’s Certified Rental Building (CRB) Program challenges that are nothing short of extraordinary, from % provides the needed quality assurance advantage that • The new 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) took effect on retroactive rent controls imposed by the NDP in the early tenants demand. The CRB program, the first apartment July 1, 2010, contributing to about a 4.8% cost increase 20.0 1990’s, to the impact of changes in the human rights code, building accreditation program in North American, is (6.4% when inflation is included) that landlords cannot to a monumental effort to secure vacancy-decontrol in the 15.0 raising the standards of quality and professionalism recover due to rent control policies. later 1990’s, only to have to protect it following the 2003 10.0 across our industry. provincial election of a government that committed to bring FRPO is actively seeking relief from the HST in the form Many of FRPO’s successes are due to the volunteer support back “real” – and harmful – rent controls to Ontario. of tax credits for energy efficiency or capital renovation 5.0 of numerous members on FRPO’s Board of Directors and projects, and other regulatory changes that would reduce 0.0 Committees. I want to thank them for their continued industry costs. In 2009, FRPO obtained a valuable HST 2001-06 1996-00 1991-95 1986-90 1981-85 1971-80 1961-70 1946-60 1921-45 pre-1921 support as we look forward to a successful 2011. rebate for new rental housing construction. Source: Statistics Canada – 2008 Census. Catalogue Number 97-544-XCB2008022 If no action is taken by the province on the rent guideline or tax mitigation, there will be serious consequences for Allan Weinbaum, Chair viability of Ontario’s ageing rental housing stock Year-at-a-Glance

Member Services • Record attendance and record number of award nominations for the December 2009 FRPO MAC Awards Gala, featuring Kevin O’Leary and Tim Hudak, MPP, as Government Relations Vince Brescia, President & CEO • Providing members value guest speakers. through 14 different bulk- purchase discount programs, • Celebrated FRPO’s 25th Anniversary Party with 150 including a new Merchant members and guests, featuring Donna Cansfield, MPP, PC Leader Tim Hudak and Former Premier Mike Harris Low Rent Guideline: Bed Bugs: Services Program through • FRPO made this one of our top advocacy issues and • In the face of legislative proposals that targeted landlords Chase Paymentech • Launched @FRPOFACTS on Twitter and the FRPO is actively lobbying for at least 2% to be added to the with costly, burdensome red tape, FRPO called for a • FRPO’s Appliance facebook site current consumer price index-based annual rent guideline more positive and cooperative approach by the provincial Replacement Program helped formula. government. The province responded with comprehensive members replace over 26,000 FRPO’s FE Magazine Favouritism of Homeowners Exposed: and effective recommendations to help property owners old refrigerators with new Policy Submissions • A report undertaken by FRPO and the CFAA showed and residents battle the latest pest infestation problem. energy efficient models that the federal government, the Ontario government and Landlord Tenant Board: • Educated over 250 landlords and property management • Improving Ontario’s Rent Regulation Guideline municipalities in Ontario discriminate against tenants. • Participated in the Board’s Stakeholder Advisory staff with FRPO’s RTA Re-fresher seminar series in Ottawa, (December 2009) 3 Cambridge and Toronto, including a new focus on human 4 In Ontario, all three levels of government together provide Committee meetings and provided direct input on new • Mitigating the Impact of the HST on Landlords and rights law $2,629 in subsidies per homeowner household, versus forms and guidelines. FRPO continues to advocate for Tenants in Ontario (January 2010) $395 per renter household, who have half the income as changes that would reduce excessive statutory and • Hosted other seminars and webinars on economic/market homeowners. hearing delays. updates, bed bugs, debt collection, energy efficiency and • Comment on Suite Metering Provisions under Bill 235, HST strategies The Energy Consumer Protection Act (March 2010) MPP Meetings: Affordable Housing: • FRPO continues to be a constant presence at Queen’s • FRPO continued to advocate for the government to • Handled over 100 legal inquiry cases for member landlords • Proposed amendments to Ontario Regulation 516/06, Park meeting with over two dozen MPPs and Cabinet adopt a new Housing Benefit program to help low income • Distributed 26 electronic update bulletins to members on key FRPO Opposition to Abolition of AGI Recovery of HST Ministers over the past year, and participating in households afford shelter costs. industry news Costs (May 2010) numerous government consultation meetings and Property Taxes: • Bi-monthly FE Magazine – free for FRPO Members – also • A Bed Bug Prevention Strategy for Ontario (October 2010) hearings on behalf of landlords. • Unfair property taxation of tenants is one of the biggest serves as a key communications tool to government officials • The Provincial Policy Statement: Removing Barriers to Suite Metering: factors affecting housing affordability, and FRPO is and politicians Housing Supply (October 2010) • FRPO appeared before the Standing Committee on helping to educate residents and elected officials about • Conducted a strategic policy retreat General Government to advise the government on the need for fair property tax rates for rental housing by for members in conjunction with amendments required to the Energy Consumer Protection promoting the www.fairtaxfairrent.ca campaign. the National Multi-Housing Council Certified Rental Building Act and related regulations to ensure a sensible approach Conference in Boca Raton, Florida (CRB) Program to allowing individual metering and billing of tenants’ • FRPO’s 6th Annual Golf Classic electricity use. Regulations approved late in 2010 provide raised a record $26,000 for Interval Multi-residential Tax Ratios • There are now over 700 “fully-certified” multi-residential a stable framework for the industry to move forward. House charity for Major Centers in Canada, 2007 apartment buildings in Ontario Fire alarm inspections: • Helped members collect hundreds 4 • The program enrolment has grown to over 95,000 suites • FRPO is now leading a court challenge against a decision 3.5 of thousands of lbs of food province- and 1,400 buildings. by the Fire Code Commission to allow retroactive retrofit 3 wide for the Spring HOPE Food orders without legislative authority. 2.5 Drive • CRB program website now receives approximately 1,800 2 • Launched the Federation of visits a month. 1.5 Rental-housing Providers of Ontario • Over a 1,000 employees have completed the program’s Donna Cansfield, Parliamentary 1 Scholarship in partnership with Assistant to the Minister of training & education component. 0.5 Humber College Housing, presents a commemora- • The program was the recipient of the CSAE’s Make 0 tive plaque from the Premier of a Better Canada award for Ethical, Technical, or Halifax Ottawa Ontario in recognition of FRPO’s Montreal Toronto London Calgary St. Johns Hamilton WinnipegSaskatoon Vancouver Professional Standards Source: FRPO 25th Anniversary CommitteesFRPO

Executive Committee Mebs m er : Landlord and Tenant Committee Legislation and Regulations Mebs m er : Anthony Koziol, Hirsch Habitats Ltd. Robin Bookbinder, Pinedale Properties; Paul Cappa, Cohen Highley LLP; (North Bay); C hAIR: C hAIR: Committee Tony Allen, Ozz Corporation. Tom Deutsch, Parkway Realty Ltd.; Charles Lumley, Quinte District Landlords’ David Horwood, Effort Trust Joe Hoffer, Cohen Highly LLP C hAIR: Robert Doumani, Aird & Berlis LLP; Association; The Finance Committee directs FRPO’s Allan Weinbaum, W.J. Properties Tom Halinski, Aird & Berlis LLP; Steven Manders, Kingston Rental financial management, as well as makes Margaret Herd, Park Properties; Property Owners; recommendations to the Board of Directors Joe Hoffer, Cohen Highley LLP; Doug Simmons, Sudbury District Landlords’ on pertinent issues. Continuing to uphold Jeff Hutchison, Timbercreek Asset Association; strong financial accountability for FRPO, the Management; Larry Smith, Waterloo Regional Apartment Committee meets regularly and privately with Joy Overtveld, Milton, Geller LLP; Managers’ Association; the accountants, the Board of Directors, and Heather Waese, SPAR Property Glenn Trachsel, Waterloo Regional Apartment with FRPO management, to review accounting, Consultants Ltd.; Managers’ Association. auditing, internal controls, financial reporting Allan Weinbaum, W.J. Properties. matters. FRPO’s annual audit is based on an The Regional Associations Committee examination conducted in accordance with The Rent Control Committee helps FRPO continued to meet regularly to exchange generally accepted accounting standards, develop policies that promote the benefits of information from the various regions of the and includes a review of the internal control free-market rental-housing for Ontario. Together province. As a province-wide organization, Mebs m er : structure, as well as tests of accounting Mebs m er : with the Landlord and Tenant Committee, the FRPO is committed to providing up-to-date Ugo Bizzarri, Timbercreek Asset Management; procedures and records. Paul Cappa, Cohen Highly LLP; Mebs m er : Rent Control Committee provided comment and information to local members across Ontario on Paul Chisholm, Berkley Property Robert Doumani, Aird & Berlis LLP; Debra Fine, Debra Fine, Barrister & Solicitor; input on numerous new rules, guidelines, forms the priorities and activities of our association. and brochures at the Landlord Tenant Board, In addition, the Regional Committee creates Management Corp.; Political Action Committee Eric Ferguson, O’Shanrter Developments Inc. Joe Hoffer, Cohen Highley LLP; 5 Margaret Herd, Park Property; Debra Fine, Debra Fine Barrister & Solicitor; Joy Overtveld, Milton, Geller LLP; as well as on any Residential Tenancy Act an open forum for associations to provide the 6 Ken Kirsh, Sterling Silver Development; C hAIR: Tom Halinski, Aird & Berlis LLP; Steve Weinrieb, Park Property Management. provisions related to rent regulation, discounts, Committee with feedback and updates at a John Stang, Minto Developments Inc.; Alan Greenberg, Minto Developments Inc. Jeff Hutchison, Timbercreek Asset deposits and other rules. Over the years, this local level. The information exchange through Allen Wienbaum, WJ Properties; Management; The Legislation and Regulations Committee committee has worked tirelessly to advocate for the Committee assists FRPO in developing its Bill Zigomanis, Boardwalk Residential. David Lyman, Dickie & Lyman LLP; proactively monitors and responds to legislative rent regulation policies that promote a healthy policy positions and responses to issues as Jim Moak, Paralegal Services Inc.; issues that impact our industry beyond the rental market. they arise throughout the year. The meetings The Executive Committee is responsible for Joy Overtveld, Milton Geller LLP; scope of residential tenancy legislation. Key also provide opportunities for local associations managing activity and providing strategic issues addressed by this committee include to offer advice, support and assistance to one Tyler Seaman, Oxford Properties Regional Committee direction at FRPO between Board of Directors Neil Sigler, Parkway Realty Ltd.; those related to labour law and workplace another in addressing common concerns and meetings. Members have continued to make Allan Weinbaum, W.J. Propertyies; safety, real estate transaction law, fire and C hAIR: challenges in the industry. key policy decisions regarding financial Martin Zarnett, Sandlar Gordon Barristers building code regulations, crime and security Arun Pathak, Hamilton and District statements and to monitor the activities of & Solicitors. and the legal liability of landlords, and Apartment Association FRPO committees. responding to any provincial private members’ Utilities Committee The Landlord and Tenant Committee addresses bills that impact the rental housing sector. C hAIR: matters related to the security of tenure and Finance Committee David Horwood, Effort Trust other landlord and tenant relationship issues. Rent Control Committee C hAIR: The committee makes recommendations to Mebs m er : Paul Chisholm, Berkley Property FRPO’s Board of Directors on policies related to C hAIR: Ugo Bizzarri, Timbercreek Asset Management; Management Corp. the legislative, regulatory and legal issues that John Dickie, Dickie & Lyman LLP Robin Bookbinder, Pinedale Properties; affect residential tenancy procedures, as well David Horwood, Effort Trust; as the quality and fairness of the adjudication Ken Kirsh, Sterling Silver Development; system that resolves landlord-tenant disputes. Brent Merrill, Metcap Living Inc.; The committee played a valuable role to FRPO Allan Weinbaum, WJ Properties. members through review of the Landlord Tenant The committee developed an overall strategy Board’s suite metering forms, and extensive input on numerous new rules and guidelines of for achieving government relations progress on Mebs m er : the Landlord Tenant Boards. key industry issues. The committee developed Brad Butt, Greater Toronto Apartment critical input on FRPO’s plan to publicly address Association; Mebs m er : challenges related to the newly implemented Kim Walker, London Property Management Tony Allen, Retired Executive; harmonized sales tax (HST), the eviction process Association; Robin Bookbinder, Pinedale Properties Ltd.; and rent control. The committee continued John Dickie, Eastern Ontario Landlord Paul Chisholm, Berkley Property Management; to work to ensure our industry’s message is Organization; Jason Craig, ECNG Limited Partnership; being properly and effectively conveyed to Bruce Henderson, Dawson Properties Ltd.. government, the media and the public. (Thunder Bay); ... cont’d page 7 CommitteesFRPO cont’d

Haroon Gafur, M&R Property Management; The focus of efforts over the past year was to Mark Kesseler, Greenwin Property strengthen the program’s risk management Management; practices, continuously improve on the Mike McGee, Energy Profiles; program’s Standards of Practice, and to continue to build awareness with Ontario Peter Mills, Stratacon; landlords and rental housing consumers. To Dan Pastoric, ECNG Limited Partnership; bolster our risk management practices, a new John Sirilas, Timbercreek Asset Management. Random Audit program was introduced and 53 successful random audits were conducted The Utilities Committee assists FRPO in over the year. Two new Standards of Practice addressing the increasing importance of were introduced and seven current ones were issues related to electricity, gas, water, upgraded to reflect increased requirements. waste management services and any other Five public launches of the program and matter impacting energy conservation and 14 member-only launches were conducted environmental sustainability in our industry. garnering excellent media coverage and In 2009, the Committee was focused on profile for the CRB program and the respective members. advocating for workable submetering legislation, practical Ontario Energy Board policies, and an FRPO held its first Investment Forum in 2010 Former Premier Mike Harris personally congratulated FRPO on its 25th Anniversary energy conservation program for rental housing. The committee also developed and launched the FRPO appliance replacement program, L-R: Sons of FRPO Co-founder and 1987-90 Chair, the late John Bassel (Chris Bassel and Rob Pike); which has helped members replace over 12,000 Past FRPO President Phil Dewan; Past Chairs David Horwood (2008-10) & Florence Minz (1990-93); old appliances with new energy efficient models Membership and Member Public Relations Committee 7 President & CEO Vince Brescia; Past chair Rob Herman (1993-95). Sitting: FRPO’s 1st Chair Bill 8 since the program was launched in 2008. Services Grenier (1985-87); Current Chair Allan Weinbaum Mebs m er : Mebs m er : Dan Acre, Cogir Management; Certification Committee Peter Altobelli, Yardi Systems Inc.; Peter Altobelli, Yardi Systems; Robin Bookbinder, Pinedale Properties Ltd.; Vito Campisi, CMHC; C hAIR: Paul Chisholm, Berkley Property Management; John Dickie, Dickie and Lyman; Martin Tovey, Minto Management Inc. Governance Committee Darlene Davis, Stratacon; Janis Duley, Greenwin; Mebs m er : C hAIR: Ruth Grabel, Morguard; David Eisenstadt, The Communications Amin Rahim, Vertica Resident Services; Marv Sadowski, Sterling Karamar Jim Mathewson, ICI Paints; Group Inc.; Yehudi Hendler, Y. L. Hendler Ltd.; Property Management Anne Meinschenk, Metcap Living; Sheryl Erenberg, Sheryl Erenberg and Mr. Bruno Colavecchia, Peel Living; Christine Tonus, Mediapeach. Associates; Bill Grenier, Founder and Chair of FRPO (1985-1987) Mebs m er : Mr. Jeff Hutchison, Timbercreek Asset Heather Waese, SPAR Property Consultants; Brenda Hajdu, Fuller Landau; The Membership and Member Services Management Inc.; Justin Taylor, Bank of Nova Scotia; Bonnie Hoy, Bonnie Hoy & Associates; Committee pursues and develops additional Until FRPO, there was Geoff Younghusband, Osgoode Property Tony Allan, Retired Executive; Bob Helyar, Robert Helyar Consulting; member programs and services to help property Management; Sam Grossman, Retired Executive. Anne Meinschenk, Metcap Living; owners and managers improve their buildings Randy Daiter, O’Shanter Developments Kim Reid; Taeus Group; The past year was a busy one, as members and businesses. Overall, these benefits included no comprehensive voice Company Ltd.. B.J. Santavy, Skyline Management; reviewed and gave their final approval to over an ongoing program of education seminars, Christine Tonus, Mediapeach; 400 buildings to receive official “certification” social events, and membership information Michael Wright, A-Team Strategies. to speak for the providers status. In addition, the committee reviewed sessions. Especially successful were the 2010 51 tenant inquiries and the action taken FRPO Golf Classic, which raised over $26,000 FRPO’s Public Relations Committee is by participating members to ensure that for the Interval House shelter, and the Annual responsible for developing a comprehensive of rental accommodation stakeholder interests were being properly Awards Gala, which last year attracted a record strategy for improving and enhancing the overall maintained and upheld. The committee also number of award nominations and attendees. image of the FRPO as an industry association, provided valued input on the audit reporting promoting the positive aspects of Ontario’s to government, the public, process and the development of the new Over 2010 the committee helped FRPO deliver private rental housing sector and building Random Audit Program. a series of education seminars on social, credibility and strength of the industry and our tenants, news media bed bug prevention, energy efficiency, debt members. This year the committee developed FRPO’s sold out HST Seminar was attended collection and FRPO’s first Investment Forum. by 65 landlords and managers and launched a post-secondary scholarship or financial institutions. With the assistance and support of our current (the Federation of Rental-housing Providers of members, FRPO looks forward to the continued Ontario Scholarship) in partnership with Humber growth of the membership in years to come. College. The committee is working on public This allows us to continue to positively impact relations initiatives designed to strengthen our industry to the benefit of landlords and awareness of FRPO’s role within the industry tenants. and promote the value and benefits of rental living to the general public. Award Winners

2010/11 FRPO Board of Directors The Federation of Rental-housing 2010 FRPO Providers of Ontario FRPO’s Annual MAC (Marketing, Achievement and Construction) Awards highlight the positive MAC Award Winners things that our members are achieving and celebrate the industry’s accomplishments. The FRPO C hAIR MAC Awards ensure achievements by landlords, managers, building staff and other industry Allan Weinbaum, WJ Properties participants are not overlooked. P CaST hAIR David Horwood, The Effort Trust Company

Tsrea urer Lifetime Achievement Award Suite Renovation Award – Over $5000 ✹ W. Bernard Herman ✹ Timbercreek Asset Management – Manhattan Towers Paul Chisholm, Berkley Property Management

Property Management Advertisement – Single Project Rental Development Award – High Rise Jason Ashdown, Skyline Apartment REIT ✹ CAPREIT ✹ Skyline Apartment REIT – Place Saint Marie Ugo Bizzarri, Timbercreek Asset Management Inc. Mike Bolahood, Transglobe Property Management 9 Vince Brescia Ted Whitehead 10 Property Management Advertisement – Corporate Branding Environmental Award of Excellence Robin Bookbinder, Pinedale Properties Ltd. President & CEO Director of Certification Oxford Properties Group CAPREIT ✹ ✹ John W. Dickie, Dickie & Lyman Lawyers LLP Kevin Green, Greenwin Curb Appeal Award Outstanding Community Service ✹ Skyline Apartment REIT – Wyndamere Apartments ✹ Skyline Apartment REIT Margaret Herd, Park Property Management Inc. Harvey Katz, Esam Group Property Management Website Award – Corporate Branding Leasing Professional of the Year Mark Kenney, CAPREIT ✹ CAPREIT ✹ Tracey Fisher – Greenwin Ken Kirsh, Sterling Silver Development Gary Lee, GWL Realty Advisors Inc. Property Management Website Award – Specific Property Property Manager of the Year Brian McCauley, Concert Properties Inc. Greenwin – The Oaks Janet Chamberlain – CAPREIT ✹ ✹ Brent Merrill, MetCap Living Tyler Seaman, Oxford Properties Group Lobby Renovation of the Year Award Resident Manager of the Year Mike Chopowick Lynzi Michal Greenrock Property Management Limited – 45 Balliol Stan Jacob – Skyline Apartment REIT John Stang, Minto Management Ltd. ✹ ✹ Manager of Policy Membership Services Manager Glenn Trachsel, Waterloo Regional Apartment Suite Renovation Award – Under $5000 Customer Service Award of Excellence Managers Association ✹ Schickedanz Bros. – 505 Cummer Ave ✹ Morguard Residential – 160 Chapel Bill Zigomanis, Boardwalk Rental Communities Contact before after Toll Free: 1.877.688.1960

Lifetime Achievement Award – Suite Renovation Award – Environmental Award of Excellence Resident Manager of the Year Phone: 416.385.1100 n Fax: 416.385.7112 n [email protected] Laurie Cooper W. Bernard Herman Under $5000 CAPREIT Stan Jacob, Skyline Apartment REIT www.frpo.org The CBC’s Peter Mansbridge congratulated Schickedanz Bros. for 505 Cummer Administrator Mr. Herman for receiving this honour at Avenue, Toronto ON FRPO n 20 Upjohn Road, Suite 105, Toronto, Ontario M3B 2V9 FRPO’s Awards Gala on Dec 2, 2010. Our Profile The Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO) is the province’s leading advocate for quality rental housing. We represent a wide range of multi-residential housing providers who supply and manage homes for over 250,000 households across Ontario. We are promoting a healthy and competitive rental housing industry by ensuring the impact of legislative and regulatory changes serve the best interests of landlords and tenants. Our Mission Our mission is to provide the highest quality services to our members through education, policy development and advocacy. We will do this through: ✹ν Upholding public policies that support the availability of quality housing ✹ν Protecting the rights of private sector landlords and property managers while helping them profit from their investment in multi-residential real estate ✹ν Informative and educational training sessions on regulatory issues and industry best practices ✹ν Promoting industry best practices, fair conduct and professional standards of our members ✹ν Fostering better communication and information sharing among members ✹ν Educating government, the media and general public on the critical role of the private sector in the supply of well-managed and maintained rental accommodation.

Our Objective A balanced and healthy housing market with a vital rental-housing industry, choice for consumers, adequate government assistance for low-income households and private sector solutions to rental-housing needs.