Competition Bureau Cracks Down on Landlord Collusion in Canada

 🏘️ Competition Bureau Cracks Down on Landlord Collusion in Canada

Date: June 27, 2025
By: Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

Affordable housing is becoming harder and harder to find in Canada — and now we have more insight into one of the reasons why.

On June 25, 2025, the Competition Bureau of Canada issued a strong warning to landlords and property managers: it is illegal to coordinate or collude with competitors to fix rental prices, restrict housing supply, or align lease terms in ways that inflate costs for renters.

❗ “Agreements between landlords to ‘make the most of the booming rental market’ or ‘find ways to ensure all players benefit from the strong demand equally’ could violate the law.”

These practices — including price-fixing, market allocation, limiting supply, wage-fixing, and no-poaching agreements — are criminal offences under the Competition Act. Violators can face up to 14 years in prison and hefty fines.

What’s the issue?

The Bureau has learned that some landlords are engaging in questionable discussions in private groups and online forums, where they may be sharing strategies to inflate rents or limit the number of available rental units.

Even casual conversations between competitors can cross the legal line if they lead to agreements that harm the public.

What’s allowed?

Landlords and property managers must:

• Set rental prices and lease terms independently.
• Negotiate only with tenants, not with other landlords.
• Avoid any agreements that restrict the market or disadvantage renters.

Why this matters

This crackdown is about protecting renters, ensuring transparency, and keeping the housing market fair and competitive. With rents skyrocketing in cities like Vancouver and Toronto, renters deserve a chance to find affordable housing without being manipulated by behind-the-scenes collusion.

If you suspect anti-competitive behaviour, you can report it confidentially through the Competition Bureau’s Information Centre or their Whistleblowing Initiative, which allows for anonymous tips. People involved in illegal activity can also apply for immunity or leniency if they come forward and cooperate.

---

Let’s stand up for fairness and affordability in our housing market.

🏡 Affordable housing isn’t a luxury — it’s a right.

#HousingJustice #AffordableHousing #StopPriceFixing #TenantRights #CanadaHousing #VancouverHousingCrisis #CompetitionBureau #Whistleblower #ZipolitaWrites

---