A fresh legislative proposal introduced by the provincial administration is set to modify tenants’ privileges within the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), a move that has raised concerns about potential repercussions in Ottawa. Dubbed Bill 60, also known as the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, the bill was officially presented last week, encompassing various alterations, particularly affecting renters’ cases at the LTB with the aim of addressing its persistent backlog.
One contentious suggestion within the bill involves the exploration of granting landlords the authority to regulate occupancy durations and tenants within their properties, as outlined in the technical brief. This proposal has sparked apprehension among advocates like Daniel Tucker-Simmons, an Ottawa-based attorney specializing in tenants’ rights, who cautioned against the possibility of abolishing rent control and indefinite leases.
Following public outcry, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack swiftly reassured the public, via an online post, that the consultations regarding this matter will not proceed. Despite this development, Tucker-Simmons expressed initial satisfaction while highlighting remaining concerns over the proposed legislative adjustments in Bill 60, especially amid the current tight residential tenancies market.
The bill outlines multiple “initiatives” aimed at expediting processes at the LTB, including allowing landlords to evict tenants without compensation if a 120-day notice is provided, as well as shortening the timeframe for requesting a review of LTB decisions from 30 to 15 days. John Dickie, chair of the Eastern Ontario Landlord Organization, lauded these changes, stating they would benefit both landlords and tenants by streamlining dispute resolution processes.
Contrarily, Tucker-Simmons criticized the bill, viewing it as a facilitator of evictions in Ontario, particularly attributing the surge in eviction applications to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. He emphasized the necessity for addressing the underlying issues causing rent non-payment rather than making evictions easier.
In Ottawa, where approximately 36% of households are renters, concerns have been raised by Stittsville Coun. Glen Gower about the potential impact of increased evictions on the city’s rental landscape. Gower highlighted the existing challenges faced by tenants due to minimal protections and high rental demands, expressing worry about exacerbating homelessness trends in the region.
While Dickie acknowledged other factors contributing to homelessness in Ottawa, such as an influx of low-income seekers, he believed that the approved housing acceleration plan and rising vacancy rates could alleviate some pressures. Despite Dickie’s optimism about potential market improvements resulting from Bill 60, Tucker-Simmons echoed Gower’s apprehensions, foreseeing a scenario where the bill’s changes could push more individuals towards homelessness, given the precarious financial situations of many renters.