Ontario Tenant Rights, Bill 60, Rent Increase & More: Complete Guide 

Navigating Ontario’s evolving rental landscape can feel overwhelming, especially with new rules, proposed changes, and shifting rent guidelines. As we move through 2025 and into 2026, tenants face important updates to the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act—from Bill 60’s potential impact on eviction processes to annual rent-increase limits and impacted protections. This guide breaks down everything you need to know in clear, practical terms, helping you understand your rights, stay informed, and confidently manage your rental situation. 

Summary of legislative updates

• Bill 60 changes how eviction cases for unpaid rent work, including faster timelines. 

• Tenants must now pay 50% of claimed rent arrears before raising maintenance issues in a non-payment hearing. 

• Appeal periods and hearing processes are becoming shorter and more streamlined. 

• Core protections — maintenance, repairs, privacy, safety, and essential services — remain in place. 
  

What’s new for Ontario tenants?

• Harder to use maintenance issues as a defence unless part of the owed rent is paid upfront. 

• Expect quicker LTB scheduling, faster decisions, and tighter deadlines. 

• No changes to your basic rights: safe housing, repairs, heat, privacy, and protection from illegal fees.

Understanding Ontario Bill 60: What it means for tenants and landlords

What is Bill 60?

Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, was passed on November 24, 2025, and introduces major changes to Ontario’s rental system. The bill affects how leases renew and accelerates eviction timelines, shifting the balance between stability for tenants and flexibility for landlords.

Changes to tenancy and rental housing

Schedule 12 of the bill brings major updates to the Residential Tenancies Act. Landlords may now evict tenants for unpaid rent after providing seven days’ notice, instead of the previous 15 days. 

For personal-use evictions, landlords who give 120 days’ notice are no longer required to compensate tenants or provide alternative accommodation. In addition, the window to appeal an eviction order has been shortened from 30 days to 15.

Changes to fixed-term leases

Under the new rules, fixed-term leases no longer automatically convert to month-to-month agreements. This gives landlords more freedom to renegotiate terms or end leases altogether. Eviction timelines have also shortened, meaning tenants have fewer days to respond before landlords can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board. Although rent control remains in place—capping increases at 2.5% in 2025 and 2.1% in 2026—the stability it once provided may weaken due to these renewal changes.

Bill 60 tenant protections

Bill 60 introduces major changes that tenants and renters should understand, as they significantly affect protections. Core protections include:
 

• You still have the right to a safe, well-maintained home. 

• Essential services like heat, water, and electricity cannot be cut off. 

• Landlords must still give proper notice before entering your unit. 

• Tenants without a lease continue to have full protections under the RTA. 

• Landlords cannot charge illegal fees or extra costs not allowed by law.
  
  

How Bill 60 changes landlord responsibilities

For landlords, Bill 60 offers increased operational flexibility and faster resolution of disputes or non-payment situations. This can improve cash-flow predictability. However, it also brings new risks. Higher turnover can lead to more vacancies, exposing properties to theft, vandalism, or damage—issues often not fully covered under standard landlord insurance. 
 

Maintenance may be deferred if landlords prioritize quick turnover, increasing liability concerns. Public scrutiny and regulatory attention could also intensify if eviction rates rise. At the same time, insurers may begin viewing high-turnover buildings as higher risk, leading to stricter requirements such as tenant insurance mandates or more frequent inspections. To stay protected, landlords may need stronger liability coverage, legal expense insurance, and vacancy endorsements. 

Ontario rent increase rules 2026

What is the 2026  rent cap?

The increase guideline for 2026 is set at 2.1%, meaning landlords cannot raise rent more than 2.1% in a given year without special approval.

Right to Safe and Habitable Housing

Landlords must give tenants proper notice — typically 90 days before applying a rent increase under rent-control guidelines. Rent increases under the guideline may only occur once every 12 months. 
 
The increase guideline for 2026 is set at 2.1%, meaning landlords cannot raise rent more than 2.1% in a given year without special approval.

Above-Guideline Rent Increases (AGIs)

 
Above-Guideline Rent Increases (AGIs) refer to rent hikes beyond the standard guideline — permitted only under specific circumstances, such as major capital repairs or extraordinary operating cost increases. For an AGI to be approved, landlords typically must apply for permission and demonstrate justified reasons under the law.

Capital expenditure vs. current expenses — Condensed guide

Expenses that extend a property’s life or improve it beyond its original condition are generally capital expenses, while costs that simply maintain or restore the property are usually current expenses. Market value increases don’t determine the classification. 

Key distinctions: 

• Lasting benefit: Long-term improvements (e.g., installing vinyl siding) are capital. Recurring upkeep (e.g., repainting) is current. 

• Maintenance vs. improvement: Upgrades that enhance the property (e.g., replacing wooden steps with concrete) are capital; repairs that return it to original condition are current. 

• Separate asset vs. part of the property: Replacing a standalone item (e.g., a fridge) is capital; fixing or replacing parts of the structure (e.g., rewiring) is current, unless it upgrades the property. 

• Cost relative to the property: A high-value expense may indicate a capital item, but large overdue maintenance costs can still be current. 

• Repairs to newly acquired used property: Fixing it to make it usable is treated as capital. 

• Repairs made to sell a property: Repairs done specifically to meet sale conditions are capital; repairs that would have happened anyway remain current. 

How vacancy decontrol works (rent reset)

Vacancy decontrol in Ontario means landlords can raise the rent to whatever they want only when a tenant moves out, usually adjusted to reflect current rates. While someone is living in the unit, their rent increases are limited by the province’s yearly cap. 

So, in simple terms: 

• Your rent is protected while you stay. 

• If you move out, the landlord can reset the rent to market rates. 

• The next tenant is again protected by the annual rent-increase limits. 

Bill 60 and tenant/landlord negotiations

Bill 60 makes it harder for tenants to challenge evictions. To speak up about problems at an eviction hearing, tenants now have to pay at least 50% of the rent the landlord says they owe. This can make it tougher to bring forward new evidence. The time to appeal an eviction has also been cut from 30 days to 15, giving tenants less time to fight a decision. 
 

Because of these changes, tenants should take steps to protect themselves: keep good records, understand their lease, and know where to get legal or community help. Having a good relationship with your landlord or property manager can also make it easier to negotiate payment plans or handle maintenance issues. 

Updated eviction grounds

Non-payment (N4)

Under Bill 60, a landlord can issue an N4 and begin eviction proceedings after just 7 days of unpaid rent — speeding up the eviction process. 

Interference, unsafe behaviour (N5)

This form still applies when a tenant disturbs other residents, damages the property, or causes overcrowding. 

Landlord’s own use (N12)

Landlords may use N13 to evict tenants if they need to renovate, repair, or demolish the unit. Under the new law, such evictions may go ahead — but tenants sometimes have a right to re-rent once work is done.

LTB hearing process – step-by-step

1. What the LTB Does 

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is like a small court that settles problems between landlords and tenants. It works under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). Hearings are meant to be fair, faster, and more structured under Bill 60. 
 

2. Before the Hearing: Get Prepared 
 

A. Know your hearing date 

• The LTB gives you a specific date and time. 

• Do not miss it. Under Bill 60’s stricter timelines, missing a hearing often means the decision will be made without you. 

B. Gather your evidence 

You can use: 

• Documents (emails, notices, receipts, leases) 

• Photos or videos 

• Witnesses 

• Anything that clearly proves your point 
  
  Tip: Organize everything ahead of time so it’s easy to explain during the hearing and you don’t get nervous or lose your place. 

C. Decide who will represent you 

• You can speak for yourself 

• Or hire a lawyer, paralegal, or legal clinic 
   

3. What Happens During the Hearing 
 

A. Similar to court, but simpler 
 

• A neutral LTB member (the “decision-maker”) runs the hearing. 

• Each side gets a turn to tell their story and show evidence. 
   

B. You MUST follow the order of the hearing 

Typically: 

1. Introductions and reviewing the issues 

2. Landlord presents their case 

3. Tenant presents their case 

4. Questions from the LTB member 

5. Final comments 
    

C. Stay respectful and stick to the facts 
 

Bill 60 encourages tighter control of hearings, so the member may: 

• Cut off irrelevant arguments 

• Set strict time limits 

• Enforce evidence rules more firmly 
   

4. After the Hearing: How Decisions Work 
 

• The LTB member reviews the evidence and testimony. 

• A written decision is sent later (Bill 60 aims to speed this up). 

• The decision is legally binding. 
  If you believe there was a serious error, you may request: 

• A review (asking the LTB to reconsider), or 

• An appeal (on a legal question, to Divisional Court) 
   

5. Tips for Success 

• Be on time. Bill 60 allows fewer delays and adjournments. 

• Be organized. Clear evidence = stronger case. 

• Be concise. Hearings move faster now. 

• Follow instructions. The LTB member’s directions are final during the hearing. 

Illegal evictions

Illegal evictions happen when a landlord forces a tenant out without following required LTB procedures, such as issuing proper notices, obtaining an LTB eviction order, and using the Sheriff for enforcement. Lockouts, intimidation, shutting off utilities, or removing belongings are all unlawful. Tenants can seek compensation, reinstatement, and significant monetary penalties through the LTB if an illegal eviction occurs.

Best practices for landlords to avoid penalties

Landlords can avoid penalties by strictly following the Residential Tenancies Act, using proper LTB forms, giving correct notice periods, and keeping clear documentation of all communication. They should avoid self-help evictions, maintain the unit properly, and act in good faith when serving notices. Seeking legal advice when unsure and treating tenants respectfully greatly reduces legal and financial risks.

Landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities

Tenant rights

• You have the right to a safe, clean, and well-maintained home. 

• You have the right to privacy — your landlord can’t enter without proper notice or a valid reason. 

• You keep your rights even if your lease ends or you never had a written lease.

Maintenance and essential services

• The landlord must repair and maintain the unit (plumbing, heat, electricity, etc.). 

• Heat, electricity, and water are essential services and cannot be cut off. 

• If repairs aren’t done, you can file a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

Heat requirements

• From Sept 1 to June 15, landlords must provide heat. 

• Indoor temperatures must meet local standards and be safe and livable.
  
  

Pest control & mould response times

• Landlords must deal with pests (mice, cockroaches, bedbugs, etc.). 

• Landlords must fix issues like leaks, dampness, and mould. 

• If they don’t respond after you report the issue, you can take it to the LTB.

Safety and security requirements

• Landlords must ensure working smoke/CO alarms, safe wiring, secure doors/locks, and safe common areas. 

• Hallways, stairs, lighting, garbage areas, and snow removal are the landlord’s responsibility.

Privacy and entry rights

• Landlords must give 24-hour written notice to enter, and only between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 

• Entry without notice is allowed only for emergencies or if you agree at the time. 

• Entering without proper notice violates your right to privacy.

Rights for tenants without a lease

• If your lease ends or you never had one, you still have full tenant rights as long as you pay rent. 

• All rules about maintenance, services, and privacy still apply.

Bill 60 — what changes for tenants (review)

• Tenants must pay 50% of the rent arrears before raising maintenance issues in a non-payment eviction hearing. 

• Landlords can file for eviction for unpaid rent sooner (7 days instead of 14). 

• Appeals and hearing timelines may be shorter, making cases move faster. 

• Core tenant protections (maintenance, privacy, essential services) still remain. 

Required documents and notices

Standard lease requirements

• Most new tenancies must use Ontario’s Standard Lease form. 

• If the landlord doesn’t provide it when required, the tenant can request it and specific remedies may apply.

Rent increase forms

• Rent increases must be given on the official form and with 90 days’ written notice. 

• Increases must follow the annual guideline unless the landlord has special approval. 
  

Eviction notices (N-series)

• Eviction steps start with an official “N” notice (like N4 for non-payment or N5 for disturbances). 

• An N-notice is not an eviction — the landlord still needs an LTB hearing and order.

Energy and safety disclosures

• Landlords must give tenants information on utilities that are individually metered, and must ensure smoke/CO alarms and safety systems are working. 

• Any required safety documents must be provided at the start of tenancy or on request. 
   

Maintenance logs (requirement for many buildings)

• Larger buildings often must keep written maintenance records (repairs, inspections, pest treatments). 

• Tenants can request information related to issues in their unit or building.
  
  

Illegal fees checklist

Landlords cannot charge for: 

• Application fees.

• Key deposits above the cost of replacement.

• Additional fees for basic repairs or maintenance.

• Mandatory fees for services not agreed to in the lease. 

• “Move-in” or “administration” fees not allowed under the RTA. 

FAQs: Ontario Residential Tenancies Act

What is Ontario Bill 60 and how does it impact landlords?

Ontario Bill 60 changes lease renewal rules and speeds up eviction timelines, giving landlords more flexibility but increasing turnover and insurance-related risks.

Can a landlord evict a tenant for renovations?

Yes, a landlord can evict a tenant for major renovations, but only if the work requires the unit to be vacant and proper legal notice is provided.

What documents do landlords need for an N12 eviction?

For an N12 eviction, landlords must provide the N12 notice form, proof of intent for personal use or purchaser’s use, and a signed affidavit confirming good-faith intentions.

What is the rent increase limit in Ontario for 2026?

The 2026 rent increase guideline in Ontario is 2.1% for rent-controlled units.

What is the new rental law in Ontario?

The new rental law, Bill 60, ends automatic month-to-month lease conversions and accelerates eviction processes, reshaping tenant stability and landlord procedures.

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