Housing advocates in the largest city of northern Ontario are raising concerns about the long-term impact of “cash for keys” agreements, which they say are contributing to homelessness in the region.
A “cash for keys” offer involves a landlord providing a tenant with a sum of money, often equivalent to two months’ rent or more, to vacate the premises. This approach allows landlords to avoid lengthy hearings at the Landlord and Tenant Board, which can drag on for months.
According to Raymond Landry, the coordinator of Sudbury’s Homelessness Network, while these offers may appear appealing initially, the combination of low vacancy rates and high rents in the city means that tenants often struggle to secure new accommodations after a few months. Landry emphasized that tenants who accept these agreements are typically in vulnerable situations, relying on programs like Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) to assist with their rent expenses.
Evie Ali, who serves as the executive director of the Go-Give Project, a charitable organization supporting individuals in Sudbury with substance use disorders, described cash for keys agreements as a way to circumvent the eviction process. She echoed Landry’s sentiments, noting an increase in homelessness among those who accept these offers in recent years.
Sherry Jordan, the owner of Jordan Group Property Management, which oversees approximately 300 properties in Greater Sudbury, stated that her group frequently extends cash for keys deals to tenants, particularly those who have fallen behind on rent payments. Landlords opt for this strategy to expedite the departure of non-compliant tenants, especially in cases where they intend to sell the property or lease it to new occupants.
Jordan explained that accepting the cash offer can be advantageous for tenants facing rental arrears, as it provides them with financial assistance to secure alternative housing options. She emphasized the need for the provincial government to ensure that individuals dependent on assistance programs like Ontario Works and ODSP can afford basic accommodations in a challenging rental market.
Regarding ODSP rates, a spokesperson for Ontario’s Minister of Children, Community, and Social Services highlighted a 20% increase since September 2022, with a recent 2.8% boost tied to inflation in July 2025. The spokesperson also mentioned a 400% rise in the earnings exemption for ODSP recipients, allowing individuals to earn an additional $200 monthly without affecting their social assistance benefits. Despite recent minimum wage increases in Ontario, advocacy groups argue that individuals in northern Ontario require a higher wage to cover their basic living expenses.
In conclusion, the practice of cash for keys agreements is drawing attention from advocates, landlords, and government officials due to its implications on housing stability and homelessness in northern Ontario.