Ontario’s Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, has sparked significant discussion online, particularly in tenant advocacy groups concerned about weakened protections. Much of this concern is based on misunderstanding.

Bill 60 is a large omnibus bill containing 16 different Schedules affecting transit, planning, construction, municipal rules, development charges, and more. Only Schedule 12 amends the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) and directly affects landlords and tenants. This article focuses exclusively on Schedule 12.

Key Takeaways

Rent control does not change. Tenant rights remain fully protected. No new eviction grounds are created. LTB processes are modernized. Payment timelines and notice requirements are updated. The goal is to reduce delays and prevent procedural abuse.

What Schedule 12 of Bill 60 Actually Does

Schedule 12 is designed to make the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) more efficient and predictable by strengthening procedures without removing tenant protections.

1. Faster resolution of LTB cases

The bill supports reduced adjournments, more consistent hearing scheduling, and fewer administrative delays. While some hearings are now occurring within 8 to 9 weeks, these timeframes reflect LTB operational changes rather than specific timelines written into the bill.

2. Clearer and standardized notice forms

Notices must use Board-approved or prescribed forms. The language of forms such as the N4 for non-payment is simplified, reducing technical errors and misunderstandings that lead to dismissed applications.

3. Shorter grace period for rent arrears

The grace period before an N4 may lead to an eviction application is reduced from 14 days to 7 days. Tenants still maintain the right to pay arrears and remain in the unit, but the process becomes faster when payment is not made.

4. Tenants must raise issues before the hearing

Tenants must disclose issues before the hearing rather than on the day of the hearing. The Board may require tenants to pay 50 percent of arrears before raising certain issues under section 82 of the RTA. This prevents last-minute allegations that delay proceedings.

5. Limits on adjournments and review timelines

Schedule 12 places limits on when adjournments may be granted and requires review requests to be filed within 15 days. This reduces delays after decisions have already been made.

6. Possible changes to compensation for landlord’s own use (LOU)

For Landlord’s Own Use applications, a landlord may no longer be required to pay one month’s rent in compensation if the notice is given after the amendments take effect, the termination date is at least 120 days away, and the termination aligns with the end of a rental period. This creates more predictable timelines for LOU applications.

What Schedule 12 Does Not Change

Rent control rules remain fully intact. Tenant protections continue to apply. The Residential Tenancies Act remains the governing law. No new eviction grounds are added. Standard notices such as N-forms remain required. Tenants retain full rights to dispute or appeal applications and decisions.

In short, Bill 60 does not eliminate tenant rights or rent control. It focuses on how existing rules are applied and enforced.

Why There Is Concern Online

Some tenant-focused groups fear that faster processes may harm renters. However, Schedule 12 does not affect good-faith tenants who pay rent, communicate, and follow lease terms. It primarily affects cases where the LTB has already issued an eviction order or where procedural delays have been used to avoid compliance.

Who Will Notice the Biggest Impact

Most impacted: landlords dealing with chronic non-payment, cases involving repeated delay tactics, small landlords discouraged by backlogs, and tenants who raise issues last-minute without proper disclosure.

Least impacted: tenants who pay rent on time, renters who communicate and follow lease terms, and landlords who properly follow notice and procedural rules.

By reducing delays and loopholes, Schedule 12 may encourage some small landlords to bring rental units back into the market, potentially improving availability.

How This Relates to Notarization

Changes to tenancy procedures often increase the need for accurate documentation. Landlords and tenants may require sworn affidavits, statutory declarations, certified true copies of leases or identification, or witnessed signatures for LTB submissions.

At Notaryspace, our licensed Ontario notaries and paralegals can assist with notarizing affidavits, certifying true copies, and witnessing signatures for tenancy-related matters.

Final Thoughts

Schedule 12 of Bill 60 does not reduce tenant protections or expand eviction powers. Its purpose is to improve efficiency, reduce procedural abuse, and create fairer, more predictable outcomes. Most landlords and most tenants act responsibly. Schedule 12 targets the small number of cases where delays or loopholes are used unfairly, while maintaining the core protections of the Residential Tenancies Act.

If you need documents notarized or certified for a tenancy matter, you can book an appointment with Notaryspace for secure and professional notarization services.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a lawyer or licensed legal professional for advice about your rights or obligations under the law.