The Ontario government has proposed Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, to update the Residential Tenancies Act and improve efficiency at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). The bill is part of a broader strategy to accelerate housing development and improve adjudication timelines for both landlords and tenants.

According to Attorney General Doug Downey, Ontario’s “evergreen” lease system—where fixed-term leases automatically convert to month-to-month—may be discouraging landlords from listing vacant units. By rebalancing tenancy rules, the government hopes to unlock thousands of rental units and boost housing supply.

Proposed changes outlined in Bill 60 include the following:

Limiting Last-Minute Issues at Hearings – Tenants would no longer be allowed to raise new issues during rent arrears hearings unless they’ve provided prior notice within LTB timelines. This aims to reduce delays and improve predictability in non-payment cases.

Shortened Review Periods – The window to request a review of an LTB decision would shrink from 30 days to 15. While extensions may be granted in exceptional cases, the goal is to expedite resolutions and minimize financial uncertainty.

Standardized Termination Notices – The province would gain authority to prescribe the content of termination notices, including the N4 form. This move is intended to simplify documentation and clarify legal obligations for both parties.

Accelerated Lease Termination for Non-Payment – Landlords could set termination dates and file applications 7 days earlier for rent arrears. Additionally, for “Landlord’s Own Use” evictions (N12), compensation would no longer be required if 120 days’ notice is given.

Defining Persistent Late Payment & Lease Expiry Options – The government plans to consult on defining “persistent” late rent and explore alternatives to Ontario’s current lease expiry rules. This could give landlords more control over occupancy after a lease ends, potentially ending the default shift to month-to-month tenancies.

Tighter Rules on Eviction Order Postponement – Future regulations would limit LTB adjudicators’ discretion to postpone eviction orders and restrict tenants’ ability to file motions to set aside such orders. These changes aim to prevent procedural abuse and reduce delays.

Bill 60 is currently in its early stages in the Ontario Legislature, and will undergo further readings, committee review, and public consultation before any changes are finalized. To stay informed or to participate in upcoming consultations, visit www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-44/session-1/bill-60