Ontario Passes Bill 60: What It Means for Tenants
Ontario’s legislature has officially passed Bill 60, a sweeping and controversial piece of housing legislation, and it’s stirring up a lot of conversation about what it means for tenants across the province. Officially called the “Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act,” Bill 60 was introduced by the Progressive Conservative government this fall and aims to speed up housing development, cut through bureaucratic red tape, and address long-standing delays at the Landlord and Tenant Board. While it covers a wide range of areas from construction and transit to municipal water management, the part drawing the most attention is Schedule 12, which proposes significant changes to the Residential Tenancies Act.
The bill has already passed a final vote in the legislature and is expected to receive royal assent soon. While the NDP pushed for its repeal, the Progressive Conservative majority government has the votes to block any opposition motions. So, it seems clear that the legislation is on its way to becoming law.
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For tenants, the implications are significant. Under the new rules, landlords evicting tenants for personal use no longer have to provide compensation or offer another rental unit if at least 120 days’ notice is given. Previously, tenants in this situation were entitled to one month’s rent as compensation. The bill also shortens the waiting period for eviction over unpaid rent from 15 days to just seven. Tenants will now need to provide notice ahead of time if they wish to raise new issues at Landlord and Tenant Board hearings related to non-payment, and the time to appeal an eviction order has been cut from 30 days to 15, though the board can extend this in “just and appropriate” circumstances.
Initially, Bill 60 included consultations on ending indefinite leases, which critics feared could undermine rent control. That section has been removed, but concerns remain that the bill will make evictions easier due to shorter waiting periods and stricter appeal timelines.
Tenant advocates and opposition politicians have been vocal in their criticism. Groups like ACORN Canada argue that the legislation accelerates evictions and reduces tenants’ ability to defend themselves. Protests erupted in the legislature during the final vote, highlighting the high level of public concern. Critics have also pointed out that the government fast-tracked the bill, skipping the committee review stage and limiting debate, which they say reduced opportunities for meaningful input from tenants and housing experts.
On the government side, Housing Minister Rob Flack maintains that Bill 60 is designed to “restore balance” between landlords and tenants, speed up adjudication at the Landlord and Tenant Board, and increase the housing supply, which, in theory, should help lower rents. He emphasizes that the legislation is meant to protect both tenants and the broader economy by allowing for faster construction and development.
In short, Bill 60 is poised to reshape the rental landscape in Ontario, sparking debates about tenant rights, housing supply, and the pace of development. Tenants and landlords alike will need to navigate this new legal terrain carefully as the changes take effect.
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