Thread by @jonrshell

When I suggest an evictions ban, people say "why do we need one? Landlords would be stupid not to take 75% over zero!" That's a very wrong take.But when Doug Ford, business owner, says THE SAME THING?🤦‍♂️This article and thread explain why they're wrong.1/11
macleans.ca/opinion/should…

For context, the CECRA rent relief program launches today. Landlords can apply to get 50% of rent paid by the government with only 25% paid by small businesses hit by the pandemic. 75% total. This is a HUGE deal. It could save thousands of small businesses. But it probably won't.

The issue is that it's the landlord's choice. So, why wouldn't a landlord take 75% if their tenant is struggling so much they can't pay the rent? I mean, who are they going to rent to in this economy, amiright? Why would they evict? Great questions! Let's discuss. 3/11

First, they may prefer to evict, even in this tough economy. Their property may be worth more as a redevelopment. The rent value of their neighbourhood may have risen enough for it to make sense to evict and wait. And they may simply just not like their tenant. That happens.4/11

Second, even if their tenant is struggling, they don't need to settle for 75%. If a business is evicted, they lose everything. Much of fixtures and equipment can't be moved. Clients know their location. Might not get a loan to start over. The THREAT of eviction is powerful.5/11

So, even when a landlord is worried about re-renting, and wants to keep a tenant, they can STILL hold out for 100% of rent. Small businesses have to find rent somewhere by taking out new loans or a bigger mortgage. The livelihood of their family may depend on the business. 6/11

Or, often, they have to sign deferral deals, promising to pay the rent over time, maybe with interest. This will cripple the business for years, but again, they have no choice. Businesses forced to close to protect the community are being asked to carry the full burden. 7/11

Landlords are NOT being stupid by "choosing zero over 75%." That's simply not the choice they have. It's much more complicated, and they're just acting in their own best interests. That's what we would expect them to do. #onpoli 8/11

All this is why you need remove eviction as an option. You need to level the playing field and make #CECRA the most attractive option for landlords who want to keep their tenants. This is on the Provinces - evictions bans are provincial jurisdiction. 9/11

Should everyone know all of this? Of course not! If you haven't been in small business there's no way to know. But should Doug Ford? Damn straight he should. His business background is literally the reason he was elected. He knows how important this is. 10/11

That's what makes Doug Ford's approach so frustrating. He knows better. Yet he chooses to yell at landlords on TV instead of doing the things within his power to make a difference. He has abandoned small business and without explanation. This must change before its too late. END

@ChristopherGuly