Understanding Bill 60:

Key Changes to Ontario’s Landlord-Tenant Laws

By Puneet Shroff

Ontario’s rental housing landscape is undergoing significant change with the introduction of Bill 60, known as the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act. This legislation brings important reforms aimed at accelerating eviction processes and modifying lease rules. These changes are designed to provide landlords with greater flexibility and faster dispute resolution, while also impacting tenants’ rights and responsibilities.

Below, we outline the key provisions of Bill 60 and what they mean for both landlords and tenants.

Shortened Eviction Notice Period for Rent Arrears

One of the most notable changes under Bill 60 is the reduction of the eviction notice period for rent arrears. Previously, landlords were required to provide tenants with a 14-day notice before filing an eviction application with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). This period has now been cut in half to just 7 days.

This means landlords can initiate eviction proceedings much sooner after rent is missed. For tenants, this shorter timeframe reduces the window to secure funds or access assistance programs to cover outstanding rent.

Financial Requirement to Raise Issues at Eviction Hearings

Bill 60 introduces a new financial threshold for tenants who wish to raise additional issues during eviction hearings, such as maintenance complaints or landlord harassment claims. Tenants must now pay at least 50% of the alleged rent arrears before these issues can be considered by the LTB.

This provision creates a financial barrier for tenants to contest eviction claims, potentially limiting their ability to challenge landlord actions effectively.

Reduced Appeal Window for LTB Decisions

The timeframe for appealing decisions made by the Landlord and Tenant Board has been shortened from 30 days to 15 days. Tenants now have only two weeks to request a review of an eviction order or other rulings.

This accelerated appeal process requires tenants to act quickly if they wish to dispute LTB decisions, which may increase pressure on legal aid services and tenant support organizations.

Lease Termination for Personal Use Without Compensation

Landlords can now terminate leases to occupy the property themselves or for family use by providing 120 days’ notice without compensating tenants. If the notice is shorter than 120 days, landlords must still provide compensation equivalent to one month’s rent or offer a comparable rental unit.

Clarification on Persistent Late Payment Evictions

The legislation clarifies the conditions under which landlords can evict tenants for persistent late rent payments. While the Residential Tenancies Act previously allowed eviction for persistent late payment, Bill 60 specifies that repeated late payments—often interpreted as nine late payments within 11 months—or continuous arrears can justify eviction.

Typically, the LTB expects tenants to pay rent on time for 12 consecutive months to avoid eviction on these grounds.

What This Means for Landlords and Tenants

Bill 60 aims to streamline the eviction process and provide landlords with more management flexibility. By shortening notice and appeal periods and introducing financial requirements for tenants to contest evictions, the legislation seeks to reduce delays and improve market confidence. For tenants, these changes mean facing shorter timelines and increased financial hurdles during eviction proceedings.

Given these significant changes, landlords and tenants alike should seek tailored legal advice to understand their rights and obligations under the new framework.

Please contact Puneet Shroff at pshroff@sorbaralaw.com for your real estate needs.