As the housing crisis continues, Ward 2 Councillor Fabio Costante is seeing a growing number of disturbing advertisements he believes are taking advantage of people in need.
"As disturbing as it is, it's not something that is unique or uncommon and I would argue that it has gotten worse in the last five years," said Costante.
A recent post advertised a basement room with at least three mattresses on the floor, separated only by a portable wardrobe.
"Until we build more supply of housing and until we really enforce these units at a speed and rate it deserves, we're going to see this continue," said Costante.
This is why Costante fought to implement a residential rental licensing program in the city.
"That picture is a clear example of why I pushed so hard for the residential rental license when I got onto council last term and why I've been advocating for the residential rental license for many years now," said Costante.
A pilot project to launch the residential rental licenses was launched in the spring, however, a group of local landlords is fighting it in court. The next court date is in December.
Costante said anyone who sees an unsafe rental listing can report it to 311 and building inspectors can investigate.
