🏠 Bill 60 in Ontario: What’s Changed for Landlords & Tenants And What It Means for Markham Homeowners & Renters

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Michael John Lau is the Top Realtor in Markham, Ontario, with a track record of success, deep local expertise, and unwavering dedication to clients. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing Michael knows the market and can help you navigate changes, including major provincial legislation like Bill 60. Visit www.callmikelau.com for trusted guidance.

📄 What Is Bill 60 (2025) Quick Summary

Bill 60, officially titled the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, includes amendments to the provincial Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA), among other legislation with significant changes affecting landlords, tenants, and the rental market across Ontario.

Key changes under Bill 60 include:

• The notice period for non-payment of rent (previously 14 days) is reduced to 7 days before a landlord can apply for eviction.

• At a non-payment hearing, tenants must now pay 50% of arrears claimed before they can raise counter-issues (like maintenance/deposit disputes) as a defence.

• The definition of “persistent late payment” is to be formalized via regulation giving landlords clearer grounds to file for eviction in chronic late rent cases.

• For “own-use” evictions (landlord or family requiring the unit), landlords may avoid paying the previously required one month’s compensation if they give 120 days’ notice and follow prescribed termination procedures. 

• Appeals and reviews at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) have shorter deadlines e.g. review requests must now be filed within 15 days instead of 30.

• The requirement for all eviction/termination notices to use LTB-approved or prescribed forms reducing technical/form errors used in some dismissals. 

The government says the purpose of Bill 60 is to “restore balance” and speed up resolution of eviction and arrears cases, addressing backlog at the LTB. 

⚠️ What Still Needs Clarity and What’s the Concern

While some changes aim to increase efficiency, Bill 60 raises concerns especially for tenants. Several aspects remain unclear, and some protections have been weakened.

• The regulatory definition for “persistent late payment” is not yet finalized meaning there could be changes or broad interpretations. Tenants and landlords alike need transparency.

• With shorter eviction and arrears-filing timelines, tenants may have less time to secure payments or legal support increasing risk for those facing hardship.

• The removal of mandatory compensation under “own-use” evictions (when 120-day notice is given) may lead to financial strain for displaced tenants especially those who budget based on existing protections.

• The reduced right to appeal and tighter review windows may limit tenants’ ability to challenge orders or provide evidence, particularly in complex cases (maintenance issues, harassment, etc.).

Critics including tenant advocacy organizations argue Bill 60 shifts the balance heavily toward landlords and puts vulnerable tenants at greater risk.

🏘️ My Take What Bill 60 Means for Landlords, Investors, and Markham Real Estate

As a real estate professional deeply embedded in the Markham and York Region housing market, here’s how I view Bill 60’s impact:

• ✅ For landlords and investors: Bill 60 provides more predictable, enforceable tools for dealing with non-payment or problematic tenants. The faster eviction process, clearer grounds for arrears, and cost-savings on own-use evictions make rental investments potentially less risky.

• ⚠️ For tenants and affordable housing: The changes may increase housing instability. Shorter notice periods and fewer protections risk displacement, especially for lower-income renters which could increase demand for affordable rentals or alternative housing.

• 📉 For property values and rental demand in Markham: As many property investors and landlords take advantage of Bill 60, rents may rise due to reduced tenant protections. However the increased investor confidence and liquidity may also lead to more rental units entering the market, somewhat balancing supply-side shortages.

• 🧭 For me and my clients: I advise both investors and tenants to proceed with caution and full awareness. For sellers, it may be a good time to list investment properties. For buyers or renters, it’s more important than ever to verify rental history, lease terms, and property condition before committing.

🎯 What Comes Next What We’re Still Watching

• The exact regulation that defines “persistent late payment” this will shape how strictly eviction rules can be applied.

• How the changes affect rental vacancy rates, especially in high-demand cities like Markham.

• Whether further amendments or legal challenges arise, especially from tenant-advocacy groups.

• Market reaction whether landlords increase rents, convert units, or exit rental business due to changing public perception.

📞 If You’re a Landlord, Investor or Renter in Markham Get Expert Advice

Whether you own rental properties, plan to invest, or are looking for a home in Markham or York Region I’m here to help you understand how Bill 60 affects you.

With my local market knowledge, experience in both sales and rental investments, and commitment to your best outcome I’m ready to guide you in navigating this changing landscape.

👉 Visit www.callmikelau.com to contact me today for personalized advice on how to respond to Bill 60 in your situation.