Ontario tenant rights: What to know about Bill 60

What is Bill 60?

Ontario’s Bill 60 (the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025) is legislation that amends certain landlord-tenant rules under the Residential Tenancies Act and changes procedures at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

It would shorten some timelines in rent arrears and eviction cases, adjust how certain hearings and reviews are handled, and update rules related to notices given when a landlord intends to move into the rental unit themselves under Ontario rental laws.
 

When does Bill 60 take effect?

The bill received Royal Assent on November 27, 2025, but the LTB says the changes to the Residential Tenancies Act are not yet in force, so the old rules still apply until the government brings them into effect under current Ontario rental guidelines.
 

Key changes Bill 60 would make to rental rules

Bill 60’s rental regulation changes would include:

• Shorter notice period after non-payment of rent: The waiting period after serving an N4 (Notice to End Tenancy for Non-Payment of Rent) would be decreased from 14 days to 7 days for the notice of termination to take effect.
   
• Limits on raising certain issues at arrears hearings: Tenants may need to pay 50% of the claimed rent arrears before raising certain tenant issues, such as maintenance concerns, during a non-payment eviction hearing.
   
• Shorter review request deadline: The time to request a review of an LTB order would be decreased from 30 days to 15 days, although the LTB may extend the deadline in appropriate cases.
   
• Changes to N12 compensation: An N12 is a notice used when a landlord plans to move into the rental unit. Previously, landlords were generally required to pay the tenant one month’s rent as compensation. Bill 60 removes that compensation requirement if the termination date in the notice is at least 120 days after it is given.
   
• Regulation-based definitions: Certain eviction-related terms, such as “persistent late payment of rent,” may be defined through regulation rather than directly in the statute.

These changes would apply only to new cases once the amendments take effect. Landlords should confirm which rules apply before serving notices or filing new applications.
 

Understanding Ontario tenant rights

Ontario tenant rights are primarily set by Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, along with related Ontario rental guidelines. Tenant rights include:

• Right to a well-maintained home: Landlords must maintain the residential complex and units in a good state of repair and fit for habitation (RTA s.20).
   
• Right to vital services: Landlords generally cannot withhold or interfere with vital services (such as heat, electricity, water) (RTA s.21).
   
• Right to reasonable enjoyment: Landlords cannot substantially interfere with a tenant’s reasonable enjoyment of the unit/complex (RTA s.22).
   
• Protection from harassment: Landlords (or their agents) must not harass, obstruct, coerce, threaten, or interfere with a tenant (RTA s.23).
   
• Privacy and entry notice: Except for limited situations, a landlord must give at least 24 hours written notice before entry and specify a time window and reason (RTA s.27).
   
• Protection from lockouts: A landlord cannot change locks during a tenancy without providing replacement keys (RTA s.24).
   
• Freedom from housing discrimination: Tenants have the right to equal treatment in housing without discrimination on protected grounds (Human Rights Code s.2).

Compliance tips for landlords

1. Use the correct LTB notice form and keep proof of service

   Match the situation to the proper LTB notice, such as an N4 for non-payment or an N12 for landlord’s own use. Complete the form accurately and keep proof of how and when it was delivered. Many eviction cases are delayed due to technical errors or missing documentation under Ontario rental laws.
    

2. Centralize maintenance requests

   Create a single intake channel for repair requests, such as a dedicated email address or online portal. Log the date received, action taken, vendor assigned, and completion date. A simple tracking system helps demonstrate consistent follow-through if concerns arise later. Include photos where possible, when relevant.
    

3. Standardize entry procedures

   Provide written notice before entering a rental unit, stating the reason, date, and time window, except in emergencies. Use a consistent template so required details are not overlooked. Retain copies of all entry notices for your records.
    

4. Create a rent increase checklist

   Before issuing a rent increase, confirm the unit qualifies, apply the correct guideline if applicable, and serve the proper LTB form within the required notice period. A recurring calendar reminder can help keep timing consistent with Ontario rental guidelines.
    

5. Track payment history carefully

   Maintain clear records of rent payments, partial payments, and arrears balances. Accurate ledgers are critical in rent arrears cases and often form the backbone of an LTB application.
    

6. Review lease agreements annually

   Periodically review your lease template to reflect current legislation and operational practices. Outdated clauses can create confusion or conflict if challenged under Ontario rental laws.
    

7. Keep communication professional and documented

   Summarize important discussions in writing and follow established processes when issues arise. Clear, factual communication can help reduce misunderstandings.

How FirstService Residential can help

FirstService Residential helps boards and owners navigate changing requirements with greater confidence. As Ontario tenant rights and rental housing regulations continue to evolve, including proposed changes under Bill 60, our teams support clients with local expertise backed by national resources.

We help boards and owners stay organized with financial management, governance support, recordkeeping systems, insurance and risk management, maintenance planning, vendor coordination, and resident communication.

To learn more, contact a member of our team today.

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, regulatory, financial, or operational advice, or as a representation or guarantee of any specific services, capabilities, or outcomes. Property management needs, regulatory requirements, market conditions, and available services vary by jurisdiction, property type, and community. FirstService Residential provides services through locally based affiliates and associates, and services and results may vary by community, region, contractual terms, and applicable law.