Housing experts are raising alarms about a new bill introduced by the Doug Ford government that could significantly alter tenant protections in Ontario. On Thursday, the Ford administration unveiled Bill 60, known as the "Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act." This legislation proposes changes to security of tenure rules, which many believe could undermine the foundation of tenant rights and rent control in the province.

A technical briefing on the bill indicated that the province plans to consult on alternative options regarding lease agreement expirations. Experts interpret this as a potential move to eliminate renters' rights to automatic lease extensions at the end of their initial terms. The briefing also suggested that landlords might gain the ability to adjust tenancy arrangements based on market conditions, personal needs, or business strategies. Proponents argue that this flexibility could lead to an increase in available rental units.

However, tenant advocates warn that removing security of tenure would displace current tenants and allow landlords to bypass existing rent controls and eviction protections. Ricardo Tranjan, a political economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, described the bill as "a straightforward attack on tenant protections in Ontario."

The proposed changes could impact approximately 1.7 million renter households across Ontario, which constitutes about 30 percent of the province's total households. In Toronto alone, around 558,000 renter households could be affected, representing nearly half of the city's population.

The Ministry of the Attorney General stated that the government seeks a "more balanced approach" to lease expiry rules, aiming to protect tenants while also supporting landlords, including small property owners who depend on rental income. A provincial spokesperson emphasized that tenants will continue to enjoy strong protections, including limits on significant rent increases, with the 2025 rent increase guideline set at 2.5 percent, below the inflation rate.

Currently, under the Residential Tenancies Act, tenants in Ontario cannot be evicted without a legal reason, such as unpaid rent or if the landlord intends to occupy the unit, even after their lease expires. This means their tenancy becomes indefinite. However, if security of tenure is removed, tenants would lose protections against eviction once their lease ends, and landlords could raise rents without restrictions upon renewal.

Dania Majid, a staff lawyer at the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario, expressed that the bill could be "devastating" for renters, especially as large corporations increasingly acquire rental properties and landlords focus on maximizing rent prices.

Tony Irwin, president of the Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario, noted that many property owners are hesitant to rent out units due to negative perceptions of the eviction process and current economic conditions. While he acknowledged that this feedback has been shared with the province, he did not specify what policy changes might encourage landlords to enter the market.

Majid highlighted that some landlords are already circumventing rent control through bad-faith evictions, such as falsely claiming personal use or renovations to evict tenants and then renting to higher-paying occupants. She argued that fixed-term leases would allow landlords to avoid these tactics, making the process quicker.

Toronto City Councilor Josh Matlow plans to introduce a motion opposing the bill, stating it would harm residents and make housing less affordable. He emphasized the need for government protections for tenants, particularly those with problematic landlords.

Bruno Dobrusin, an executive member of the York South—Weston Tenants’ Union, criticized the bill as a "slap in the face" to renters who have been advocating for the reinstatement of rent controls removed for new apartments after November 2018. He characterized the government's actions as a declaration of war on tenants, warning that ending security of tenure would destabilize rent-controlled tenants and instill fear among those who speak out about their rights.

Tranjan added that the notion that removing tenant protections could increase market supply is a claim the government has made repeatedly, but he argued it lacks supporting data. He stated there is no evidence that a significant number of rental units are currently vacant and ready for the market.