Understanding Ontario’s Bill 60: What Property Owners and Investors Need to Know

Ontario’s housing market has been under pressure for years. Rising rents, limited inventory, and long delays at the Landlord and Tenant Board have made the rental landscape complex for both owners and tenants. To address these challenges, the province recently introduced Bill 60, a major piece of legislation aimed at speeding up housing development and streamlining rental processes.

The changes are significant. They affect how quickly disputes are resolved, how evictions are handled, and how new housing projects move forward. While Bill 60 has sparked strong debate, property owners and investors need to understand exactly how it may impact their operations and long-term strategy.

This article breaks down the key changes in Bill 60 and what they mean for owners, tenants, and Ontario’s rental market as a whole.

1. What Bill 60 Aims to Do

Bill 60 was introduced to solve two urgent issues:

1. Slow housing development

Developers often face lengthy approval stages that delay construction and increase costs. Bill 60 intends to simplify and accelerate that process.

2. Backlogged Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) cases

Eviction hearings and rental disputes have historically taken months to resolve. Bill 60 aims to reduce wait times, shorten timelines, and increase clarity in the process.

While these goals are straightforward, the way the bill reshapes landlord-tenant relations is far more complex.

2. Faster Resolution for Rent Arrears and Rental Disputes

One of the biggest changes affects unpaid rent cases. Under Bill 60, the timeline for tenants to respond to non-payment notices is shorter, and hearings are designed to move more quickly.

For property owners, this means:

• More predictable cash flow

• Reduced unpaid rent periods

• Faster outcomes for problematic tenancies

Investors who rely on stable rental income may find this change provides better financial protection.

However, tenant groups argue that faster timelines create pressure for tenants who may be dealing with job loss, illness, or financial difficulty. As a result, this part of the bill has sparked significant criticism.

3. Changes to “Personal Use” Evictions

Bill 60 also changes the requirements for owners who need to reclaim their unit for themselves or an immediate family member.

While previous rules required certain compensation or relocation assistance, Bill 60 simplifies this process by placing fewer obligations on landlords.

For owners, this can make personal-use evictions more straightforward. For tenants, it raises concerns about stability and potential misuse.

Investors who may need flexibility for future use of their property should take note of this change, as it may impact long-term planning.

4. Streamlined Processes at the Landlord and Tenant Board

A more efficient LTB benefits both landlords and tenants when used fairly. Bill 60 introduces:

• Faster scheduling of hearings

• More streamlined decision-making

• Improved digital processes

• Reduced ability for disputes to drag on for months

For property owners, this reduces administrative stress and the uncertainty associated with long delays. For tenants, critics argue that having less time to prepare or respond may create unequal outcomes.

Regardless of perspective, the practical impact is clear: disputes will be handled more quickly.

5. What This Means for Property Owners and Landlords

Bill 60 creates a more predictable environment for property owners. The changes offer:

More certainty in rental operations

Consistent timelines help owners plan more accurately and reduce the risk of long periods without rent.

Clearer procedures

With fewer procedural delays and more structured guidelines, owners avoid some of the confusion that previously made the LTB process challenging.

Improved confidence for investors

A predictable regulatory framework encourages new investment and supports the growth of rental portfolios.

Lower operational risk

Faster dispute resolution means fewer surprises, fewer long-running tenancy issues, and better financial stability.

6. What This Means for Tenants

Tenant organizations have expressed concern that Bill 60 weakens protections at a time when many households are already facing affordability challenges.

Key concerns include:

• Shorter timelines to respond to eviction notices

• Less time to prepare for hearings

• Limited ability to raise repair or maintenance issues in certain cases

• Risk of increased displacement for vulnerable tenants

This tension highlights the importance of ethical and consistent management practices from property owners.

7. What Property Managers Need to Do in This New Landscape

Professional management becomes more valuable under Bill 60, not less. Property managers must focus on:

Clear and consistent communication

Tenants must understand timelines, notices, and their responsibilities.

Accurate documentation

With faster processes, documentation must be complete, organized, and compliant.

Strong tenant screening

Prevention is more effective than relying on the LTB. Placing qualified tenants reduces risk and turnover.

Efficient maintenance response

Maintaining good tenant relationships helps avoid disputes, turnover, and claims related to property condition.

Fair and transparent procedures

Even with new powers, ethical landlords and managers should prioritize stability, fairness, and long-term tenant satisfaction.

8. How Bill 60 Could Shape Ontario’s Rental Market Over Time

The bill’s long-term effects will depend on how it is implemented and how both landlords and tenants respond. Potential outcomes include:

1. Increased investor activity

Lower risk and a faster LTB process may attract more investors into the rental market.

2. More rental supply

If the development streamlining works as intended, new rental units may arrive faster.

3. Higher turnover for vulnerable tenants

Shorter eviction timelines may increase pressure on renters with unstable income.

4. More demand for professional management

Owners will want help navigating new rules, documentation requirements, and compliance expectations.

5. More emphasis on preventative management

By placing proper tenants and maintaining strong relationships, landlords can avoid costly disputes altogether.

Key Takeaways

• Bill 60 aims to speed up development and streamline rental dispute processes across Ontario.

• The changes provide greater predictability and reduced risk for property owners and investors.

• Tenant advocates are concerned that shorter timelines may lead to increased evictions and housing instability.

• Professional management remains essential for ensuring compliance, protecting investments, and maintaining positive tenant relationships.

• The long-term impact of Bill 60 will depend on how landlords, property managers, and policymakers balance efficiency with fairness.

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