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Landlords, tenants and new homeowners raise alarms about Markham rental moratorium and permit delays
Summary
Landlords warned Markham's upcoming rental moratorium could force distressed sales and slow rehabilitation of vacant homes, while residents and a recent buyer raised concerns about costly driveway repairs and months-long permit delays. Council members heard the comments during public comment but took no immediate policy action.
Several residents urged the Markham City Council on May 6 to reconsider elements of a rental ordinance they said will force owners into distressed sales and increase housing-market volatility.
"I just want to make sure you realize that it may be detrimental to the city because now it's forcing us to sell ahead of time," said landlord John Pezzullo, who described using rental options as a way to absorb unexpected rehab costs on homes with foundation or sewer problems.
Other commenters described personal financial hardships tied to city processes. Franklin Joe, who said he has lived at 2318 W. 157th Place for more than 20 years, told the council driveway repair estimates exceeded $10,000 and that, on a fixed income, he struggles to pay for medication and feared mounting fines and court action.
Amanda Pezzullo, who identified herself as working in data and statistics and as a landlord, asked how landlords can track the city's progress toward rental targets and highlighted market pressure: "days on the market for homes being sold in Markham are about 45 days," she said, warning the moratorium could swell listings and depress prices when owners are forced to sell in the fall.
Jamie Torres, who recently purchased a home on Honore Avenue, said a four-month delay waiting for a city transfer sticker left her paying for a house she could not occupy: "I had to pay for a home that I was not living in." She asked whether staffing or process changes are needed to shorten permit and transfer timelines.
Council members received the comments during the public-comment period but did not take immediate legislative action during the meeting. Several aldermen and City Administrator Derrick Champion later addressed operational items and upcoming infrastructure projects during the business portion of the agenda.
