On April 3rd, the Ontario Government reduced the businesses it deems essential during the COVID-19 outbreak, meaning that more rental management services and businesses were ordered to close their doors by midnight on Saturday, April 4.

As for how these additional closures will impact the rental-housing sector, the Canadian Federation of Apartment Associations (CFAA) released the following comment: “The aspects of maintenance, repair and property management which are essential are those strictly necessary to manage and maintain the safety, security and essential operation of residential properties and buildings. Therefore, rental management businesses are legally allowed to continue their operations and keep their offices open for those purposes.”

CFAA recommends that all businesses continue to minimize in-person contact by operating by telephone or remotely when possible. In addition, it says rental businesses should limit employee contact with building residents to the minimum necessary in order to perform urgent repairs and to maintain the essential operations of the buildings.

Aside from property management and critical maintenance, other essential services that will continue to support the sector include: supplies and delivery, packaging, processing, waste collection, building security, financial services related to banking and payroll, insurance and more.

Organizations and providers that deliver home care and personal support services to seniors and individuals with disability will also remain essential.