Ottawa has proposed a renters' bill of rights. Will it help?

The federal government's proposed measures to protect renters from low vacancy rates, high prices and other significant challenges might not be enough, according to some housing experts.

The proposed renters' bill of rights is «an attempt to appear to be doing something,» said Steve Pomeroy, a housing policy research consultant.

«I don't think, in practical terms, it can really be implemented in any way that's going to have a meaningful impact on rental affordability.»

But others see it as, at least, a start that could evolve into something more substantial and helpful.

«There are some hints in this announcement,» that the government could be headed toward a more comprehensive bill of rights, said Dale Whitmore, director of policy and law reform at the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights.

«It's just important that they take the process seriously and really develop something that functions as a proper bill of rights.»

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the upcoming federal budget would introduce protections specifically geared toward younger renters.

The renters' bill of rights would include a national standard lease agreement and require landlords to disclose a unit's pricing history to allow tenants to negotiate their rent.

The government would also create a $15-million fund for provincial legal aid organizations to help tenants fight landlord abuse and «renovictions» — when a landlord evicts a tenant by saying they need to do significant renovations.

The Liberals are also proposing to change federal rules so that making rental payments on time will count toward someone's credit scores.

Statistics Canada says younger Canadians tend to face greater challenges than older age groups when it comes to shelter costs.