International students particularly vulnerable to abuse during tight rental market
The housing needs of international students are often forgotten when mayoral candidates talk about the lack of affordable housing, say York University Professors Tania Das Gupta and Yvonne Su
TORONTO, June 7, 2023 – With Toronto rents continuing to climb many young people are finding it near impossible to secure affordable places, but international student face additional obstacles, including rights abuses, sexual harassment, rent gouging and discrimination, says two York University professors.
York Professor Tania Das Gupta and Assistant Professor Yvonne Su have found many of the rental ads prey on international students, particularly Indian students, and are not only discriminatory, but also violate the Ontario Human Rights Code.
In the lead up to the mayoral byelection, the researchers stress the importance of addressing the situation, suggesting that mayoral candidates should state their understanding of the issue and how they plan to remedy. International students are particularly vulnerable to abuse, especially in a tight rental market.
International students often find themselves in sub-standard rentals, such as basement units not built to code or infested with pests, over-crowded and unsafe, often lacking fire and carbon monoxide alarms, say the researchers.
There have even been ads online ads for renters to share the same bed on a rotating basis.
Das Gupta’s ongoing research looks specifically at the needs of young Punjabi newcomers and their barriers to settlement during and post-COVID-19.
Su and Das Gupta are available to discuss the risks and challenges international students face when they search for affordable rental housing.
