Understanding Bill 60 Changes That Impact Ontario Landlords and Tenants

Recent changes to Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) under Bill 60 bring important updates for both landlords and tenants. These changes aim to speed up dispute resolution, clarify tenant responsibilities, and strengthen landlords’ ability to manage rental properties effectively. Whether you rent out a property or live in one, understanding these updates helps you navigate your rights and obligations with confidence.

Shorter Timelines for Appeals

One of the most significant changes under Bill 60 is the reduction in the time allowed to request a review or appeal of decisions made by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). Previously, landlords and tenants had 30 days to submit an appeal. Now, this window has been cut in half to just 15 days.

This change encourages quicker resolution of disputes and reduces the backlog of cases at the LTB. Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances, so it’s crucial to act promptly if you disagree with an order.

Example:

If a landlord receives an eviction order from the LTB, they must file an appeal within 15 days to challenge it. Waiting longer means losing the right to appeal.

Tenant Arrears Requirement Before Hearing Other Complaints

Bill 60 introduces a new rule that tenants must pay at least 50% of any claimed rent arrears before unrelated complaints, such as maintenance issues, can be addressed at a hearing. This change aims to prevent tenants from delaying eviction proceedings by raising unrelated concerns.

This means tenants who owe rent cannot use maintenance complaints as a way to stall eviction hearings unless they have made a significant payment toward their arrears.

Example:

A tenant behind on rent who also complains about heating problems must pay half of the overdue rent before the LTB will consider the heating complaint during the eviction hearing.

Security of Tenure and Limits on Delaying Eviction

Tenants still have the right to remain in their rental unit after the initial lease term ends, which is a core protection under the RTA. However, Bill 60 limits the tools tenants can use to delay eviction once a valid order is in place.

This change balances tenant protections with landlords’ need to regain possession of their property in a timely manner. It reduces the chances of prolonged eviction delays caused by repeated procedural tactics.

Changes to N4 Notices for Non-Payment of Rent

The N4 notice is the formal document landlords use to notify tenants of unpaid rent. Bill 60 reduces the notice period from 14 days to 7 days, speeding up the eviction process for non-payment.

Additionally, persistent late payment—defined as roughly six or more late payments—now qualifies as legal grounds for eviction. This update helps landlords address chronic late payers more effectively.

Example:

A tenant who consistently pays rent late six times or more can be served an eviction notice based on this pattern, even if the rent is eventually paid.

Proper Service of Notices and Role of Realtors

Bill 60 emphasizes the importance of serving notices correctly according to LTB rules. Notices must be delivered in a way that ensures the tenant receives them, such as personal delivery or mail with proof of receipt.

Realtors are advised not to handle legal forms like eviction notices or LTB applications. This responsibility should remain with landlords or their legal representatives to avoid errors that could invalidate notices.

What These Changes Mean for Landlords and Tenants

Bill 60 strengthens landlords’ ability to enforce timely rent payments and reduces delays in eviction cases. At the same time, tenants retain their core rights under the RTA, including security of tenure and the right to raise legitimate maintenance concerns.

For landlords, this means:

• Acting quickly on appeals and eviction notices

• Ensuring proper service of all legal documents

• Addressing tenant arrears before other complaints slow down proceedings

  
  

For tenants, it means:

• Paying rent on time to avoid eviction risks

• Understanding that maintenance complaints must be balanced with rent obligations

• Knowing that their right to stay in a unit remains protected but with fewer ways to delay eviction

  
  

Final Thoughts

Bill 60 brings clear, practical changes that affect everyday rental relationships in Ontario. By shortening timelines and tightening rules around arrears and notices, it helps landlords manage their properties more efficiently. Tenants continue to have protections but must meet their rent responsibilities to maintain those rights.