A new provincial housing bill aimed at speeding up eviction hearings has sparked debate across Ontario, with tenant advocates warning of increased displacement while landlord groups argue the reforms will bring long-overdue fairness and efficiency.
Bill 60, formally titled the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, introduces changes to how cases are handled at Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), an agency that has faced persistent backlogs for years.
Government goal: clearing the backlog
Supporters of the bill say the reforms are necessary to reduce lengthy delays that have frustrated both landlords and tenants. Tony Irwin, president and CEO of the Federation of Rental Housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO), said Bill 60 would make LTB decisions more predictable and timely.
“There’s always a balance to be struck,” Irwin said, noting that delays existed even before the pandemic. “Bill 60 continues the path of making the board more efficient and effective, providing fair access to justice for both landlords and tenants.”
FRPO represents roughly 2,200 members managing about 350,000 rental units across Ontario.
What Bill 60 changes
Under the proposed LTB reforms, the bill would:
- Reduce the notice period for unpaid rent from 14 days to seven
- Cut the timeline to request a review of an LTB decision from 30 days to 15
- Require tenants to pay 50 per cent of alleged rent arrears upfront if they wish to raise maintenance or harassment issues during a non-payment hearing
Landlords argue these changes discourage abuse of the system and ensure rental income stability.
Tenant advocates raise concerns
Tenant organizations say the changes could disproportionately harm vulnerable renters. Douglas Kwan, executive director of the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario, warned that requiring upfront payments may prevent tenants from presenting legitimate defences — especially if they already paid out-of-pocket to address unresolved issues like mould or broken heating.
Sharon Crowe, director of legal services at Mississauga Community Legal Services, said shorter notice periods could make it difficult for tenants to secure emergency funds or Employment Insurance in time to avoid eviction. She also expressed concern that the reduced appeal window may limit access to legal advice.
Advocates further warn that faster evictions could place additional strain on already over-capacity municipal shelters.
Digital hearings remain contentious
While Bill 60 maintains the use of digital hearings, opinions remain divided. Landlord groups say virtual hearings improve access for residents in rural or remote communities. Tenant advocates counter that unreliable internet access and unfamiliarity with online platforms are contributing to adjournments — worsening, rather than fixing, delays.
What happens next
Bill 60 has received Royal Assent, meaning it is now law. However, key provisions affecting the Landlord and Tenant Board will not take effect until the provincial government finalizes accompanying regulations.
Both supporters and critics agree the bill’s real impact will depend on how those regulations are written — particularly how the province balances faster decision-making with tenant protections.
As Ontario’s housing affordability crisis continues, Bill 60 has become a flashpoint in the broader debate over who the rental system should prioritize: speed, or safeguards.