The Mayor of Brampton is describing the landlord of a rental property where five family members died in a devastating fire as an “absentee landlord,” citing a six-year history of compliance issues.
On the same day flames tore through the home on Banas Way, Mayor Patrick Brown revealed on Nov. 20 that city inspectors had been repeatedly denied entry by the landlord.
“There had been attempts to gain compliance since 2019,” Mayor Brown said. “I understand from the neighbours that during that entire period, we’ve been dealing with an absentee landlord.”
In a statement later posted to social media, Brown said, “The City had issued multiple orders to follow building and fire safety requirements.”
City officials confirmed that, under current municipal rules, inspectors lacked the authority to force entry into the property despite ongoing concerns. Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, speaking at a press conference, noted that local fire services hold jurisdiction over such matters and would need to investigate further.
“This is something that they will have to investigate,” Kerzner said.
11 people were living at the Brampton home at the time of the fire
Under Ontario’s Fire Prevention and Protection Act, fire chiefs have the authority to enter and inspect a property without a warrant if there is a reasonable risk that a blaze could seriously endanger lives. It remains unclear whether Brampton officials escalated the repeated compliance issues to the fire department before the fatal incident.
The flames ripped through the rental property where 11 people were living. Five family members — three women, a toddler, and a newborn baby — are now confirmed dead. Four more remain in the hospital, in stable condition.
Peel Regional Police have said that most of those living at the Brampton residence were part of a multi-generational family who called the address home, which was demolished in the days following the intense fire.
CityNews reviewed a 2021 rental listing for 12 Banas Way, two years before the family members moved in. Photos from the ad showed rooms with missing or dangling smoke alarms. The property was marketed as a spacious four-bedroom home with a finished basement also available for rent.
CityNews tracked down the landlord, who owns three other properties in Brampton. His lawyer responded on his behalf, stating the landlord was unaware of how many people were living in the home. He denied receiving any communication or inspection requests from the City.
Brampton currently has a pilot project in select wards requiring landlords to obtain licenses similar to business permits. The program gives the city stronger inspection powers to crack down on unsafe rental practices.
The Banas Way property was not part of the pilot. A motion will be tabled at city council this week to expand the licensing program citywide.
