Ontario's government recently proposed a controversial change regarding tenant rights, which was quickly retracted amid public outcry. The proposal suggested that landlords should have more flexibility in managing tenants, even after leases expire. Currently, landlords face challenges in evicting tenants who may be problematic, such as those who harass neighbors or damage property. Attorney General Doug Downey introduced Bill 60, stating that the current system of indefinite leases, often referred to as "evergreen leases," may not be suitable. He argued that adjusting the landlord-tenant relationship could attract new landlords and increase rental housing availability.

The proposal sparked immediate backlash from opposition parties and tenant advocacy groups. The housing activist organization ACORN sent 23,000 emails to Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) and cabinet ministers, expressing their concerns. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who has a history of collaboration with Premier Doug Ford, described the potential eviction rule changes as "catastrophic" for the city. Ontario NDP member Catherine McKenney warned that the bill could lead to mass evictions, stating, "Thousands of workers and families across the province are already on the brink, and Bill 60 will be devastating."

Liberal MPP Adil Shamji criticized the government for what he perceived as an attempt to dismantle rent control during a time of affordability crisis. The swift and intense reactions from various political figures were anticipated, as many politicians tend to align with specific voter groups. By the weekend, the Ford government appeared to retreat from its initial stance. Housing Minister Rob Flack stated, "Residents expect stability and predictability in Ontario’s rental market, and now is not the time to consider changes to this system."

This raises questions about the future of landlord-tenant relations in Ontario. Critics argue that the current rent control system is flawed, favoring some tenants over others. For instance, tenants in buildings occupied after November 15, 2018, do not benefit from rent control, while those in older units face annual rent increases set by the provincial government, typically around 2.5 percent.

The Ford government previously acknowledged that rent control can deter new apartment construction, as it complicates cost recovery for investors. Consequently, they exempted newer buildings from these regulations. This creates a disparity where tenants in older buildings enjoy protections that newer tenants do not, leading to a divided rental market.

Landlords of older properties face rising costs for taxes, utilities, and repairs, while those with newer buildings can adjust rents based on market demand. The difficulty in evicting problematic tenants further complicates the situation for landlords of older units. As the debate continues, the future of Ontario's rental market remains uncertain, with many stakeholders advocating for a reevaluation of existing policies.