Ontario’s rental world just got a shake-up. The province passed Bill 60 — the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act— and it brings real, practical changes for anyone renting or owning rental property. If you live or invest in Niagara, you’re going to want to know what’s shifting and why it matters.

Let’s walk through it in plain English.

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Why Bill 60 Matters

For years, the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) has struggled under long delays. Hearings about repairs, non-payment of rent, or evictions sometimes dragged on for months — even over a year. 

Tenants waited too long for fixes. Landlords waited too long for resolutions. Nobody was winning.

Bill 60 aims to clear that bottleneck. Think of it like adding more lanes to a traffic-jammed highway. Same cars, same drivers — just a better flow. The goal is to speed things up and give everyone more predictable timelines.

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Faster Hearings and Decisions

One of the biggest changes is simply… speed. The Ontario LTB is expected to shorten the time it takes to schedule hearings and issue decisions. That helps:  

• Tenants stuck waiting for repair orders  
• Landlords dealing with arrears or non-payment  
• Anyone trapped in disputes that used to take months to move forward 

Faster decisions don’t just save time — they reduce stress. It means both sides get clarity sooner, which helps them plan their next move.

Shorter Timelines for Non-Payment of Rent

This is a major shift: the notice period for unpaid rent drops from 14 days to 7 days. Here’s what that means in practice:  Landlords can act more quickly when rent goes unpaid.  

Tenants have less time before the formal process begins, so early communication becomes absolutely critical.  Anyone behind on rent should reach out fast, explore repayment plans, and keep everything documented. 

For landlords, accuracy matters more than ever. A faster timeline means any mistake — wrong date, wrong form, poorly served notice — can set you back.

Stricter Requirements at LTB Hearings

Bill 60 tightens the rules about what can be brought up at a hearing and when. Tenants who want to raise repair issues or challenge arrears now have to submit information ahead of time. 

In some cases, they may also need to pay part of the arrears before raising certain counterclaims. Why does this matter?  Hearings become more structured and predictable.  Surprise issues are less likely to derail a case.  

Preparation is everything — for both landlords and tenants. This creates a process that feels more like a scheduled meeting than a last-minute scramble. It rewards the people who stay organized.

Changes to Personal-Use Evictions

Big update here: landlords no longer have to pay one month’s compensation when they end a tenancy for their own personal use — as long as they provide 120 days’ notice. The practical impact?  

• Tenants still get plenty of notice.  
• Landlords have clearer expectations and fewer upfront costs.  
• Proper documentation is still essential to avoid disputes or misunderstandings. This doesn’t change the seriousness of ending someone’s tenancy. It just sets cleaner rules around how it’s done.

A Long-Term Push to Increase Rental Supply

Bill 60 isn’t just about fixing delays. It also connects to Ontario’s broader housing goals — encouraging new rental construction and reducing development hold-ups. A healthier supply of rentals can help create a more balanced market over time. 

For areas like Niagara, where vacancy rates have been tight for years, more purpose-built rentals could ease some of the pressure. This part won’t take effect overnight, but it sets the stage for a more stable market long-term.

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What This Means for Niagara Residents

Whether you’re renting a basement apartment in St. Catharines or owning a four-plex in Welland, one word sums up the impact of Bill 60: predictability. Here’s what that looks like:  Tenants get faster repair decisions and clearer timelines.  

Landlords see fewer long delays and a more consistent process.  Everyone benefits from better preparation, documentation, and communication. The rules are changing, but the goal is simple — a smoother, faster, more transparent rental system.

The full impact of Bill 60 will reveal itself as cases start moving through the new process and the province releases more details. For now, knowing the basics puts you ahead of the game and helps you navigate the transition with confidence.

Are you buying, selling, or investing in real estate? Whatever your goals, our Niagara real estate agents are here to support you. For expert guidance, reach out at 905-357-8067 or email admin@thebarryteam.ca.