Ontario Bill 60 Explained

Ontario Government Bill 60 is newly proposed housing legislation that would change how rent control is applied across the province. The bill has sparked significant attention because it opens the possibility for landlords to raise rents above the usual guideline if a unit becomes vacant. This would mark one of the most important shifts to Ontario’s rental landscape in years, especially for tenants already struggling with affordability.

Under Bill 60, rent control rules would continue to apply while a tenant lives in a unit. However, once that tenant moves out, the landlord would be permitted to increase the rent to a new market rate. The government states that the purpose of this approach is to stimulate new housing construction and help bring more rental supply onto the market.

Tenant advocates argue that the bill could create more financial pressure on renters and increase the risk of displacement. They also warn that it might give some landlords an incentive to encourage turnover so they can reset rents at higher levels.

Why Bill 60 Matters for Renters and Landlords

Bill 60 arrives at a time when rental prices across Ontario have climbed for several consecutive years. Vacancy rates remain low in many cities, and some households are spending high percentages of their income on rent.

Supporters of the bill believe that allowing landlords to reset rent after a tenant leaves could motivate developers to build more units, since they would have more flexibility in pricing vacant apartments. They argue that increased supply will help stabilize prices over time.

Opponents say that affordability could worsen in the short term. They are concerned that once units are vacated, rent increases could be substantial, making it harder for low and middle income tenants to secure new housing in tight markets like Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton.

Canadian Citizenship Law Changes

Although unrelated to Bill 60, many Canadians have also been searching for updates about recent federal changes to citizenship laws. This has caused confusion, since the two issues are trending at the same time.

Current federal updates include:

• New pathways for children born abroad to gain citizenship through their Canadian parents

• Restored rights for individuals previously affected by outdated citizenship rules, commonly referred to as Lost Canadians

• Adjustments that allow greater flexibility for passing citizenship to the next generation

These updates are part of a broader effort to modernize federal citizenship laws and are separate from Ontario’s provincial housing legislation.

How Bill 60 Impacts Landlords and Renters Across Ontario

Supporters emphasize:

• Greater flexibility could encourage new rental housing development

• Resetting rent on vacant units may increase investor confidence

• More rental supply could help stabilize prices in the long term

Critics emphasize:

• Tenants may face higher rent once they move out of their current home

• Risk of displacement for vulnerable renters may increase

• Oversight is needed to prevent misuse or pressure tactics to prompt turnover

What This Means for Ontario Residents

If passed, Bill 60 would have real consequences for both current and future renters. Tenants living in rent controlled units would still benefit from protected annual increases. However, those looking for a new place to live might face higher rents if more landlords begin adjusting prices after units become vacant.

For landlords and developers, the bill could create new incentives to build rental housing, especially in cities where construction costs and regulated rents have previously made projects less appealing.

The coming months will likely include public debate, amendments, and close attention from housing advocates, municipalities, and industry groups as the province moves the bill through the legislative process.