Bill 60 has passed its third reading in the Ontario Legislature, moving closer to Royal Assent and igniting heated debate. The legislation, if approved, would reshape landlord–tenant laws by streamlining processes for landlords and rolling back some key tenant protections—measures supporters say will cut delays and boost housing supply. Critics, meanwhile, warn that the changes will fuel evictions, deepen homelessness, and erode renters’ ability to defend themselves.

Specifically, the bill eliminates the requirement for landlords to provide one month’s rent compensation when evicting tenants for personal use and accelerates eviction timelines by permitting applications after just seven days of non-payment. In addition, tenants can no longer raise new issues during rent arrears hearings unless they gave prior notice. If passed, some changes would come into force on the day Royal Assent is granted, while others would be phased in on dates yet to be determined.

According to Kristin Ley, Partner, Cohen Highley LLP Lawyers, this staged rollout is designed to allow time for administrative and procedural adjustments before certain provisions are enforced.

“We will continue to monitor the progress of Bill 60 and provide timely updates as new information becomes available,” she said. “Once Royal Assent is granted and the government announces the effective dates for the bill’s provisions, we will issue further guidance on compliance and best practices.”

Until then, the existing legislation and Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) procedures remain in effect, with ongoing or new disputes still governed by the current rules. Landlords are advised to begin reviewing their current practices and documentation in anticipation of the upcoming changes. Once the government sets the effective dates, Ley warns there may be a need to update notices, internal procedures, and other operational materials to align with the new standards.