Province pivots on tenancy rule changes, citing need for market stability
Ontario’s government has retreated from its plan to consult on ending rent control and indefinite leases, following a wave of criticism from renters, advocates, and municipal leaders.
Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack announced the reversal on Sunday, marking a clear change in the province’s direction on rental housing policy.
The proposed consultations, introduced as part of the “Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act,” would have explored alternatives to existing lease expiry rules—potentially allowing landlords to determine who occupies their units and for how long, based on market conditions and personal needs.
The suggestion sparked immediate backlash, with critics warning it could undermine protections for long-term tenants and vulnerable groups, including seniors and students.
“Residents expect stability and predictability in Ontario’s rental market, and now is not the time to consider changes to this system,” Flack said.
He emphasized that the province would instead focus on “common sense reforms” aimed at restoring balance at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), cracking down on abuse, and encouraging new rental construction.
“Ontario will continue … by restoring balance at the Landlord and Tenant Board, cracking down on abuse of the system, and encouraging new rental construction to make it easier for families to find a place to call home,” Flack said.
Our government is not proceeding with consultations on potential changes to Ontario’s tenancy lease framework regarding month-to-month leases. We will continue to implement other common-sense reforms to strengthen the province’s rental housing market.
— Rob Flack (@RobFlackEML) October 26, 2025
Full statement below: pic.twitter.com/Gs0OS86nNB
The province’s reversal was welcomed by tenant advocates and municipal leaders. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who had voiced strong opposition to the proposed changes, said on social media, “The credit goes to the tenant organizations who have made renters' voices heard. People deserve a safe, secure and affordable roof over their heads.”
Chow also warned that other provisions in Bill 60 could still erode renters’ rights at the LTB and reduce compensation for tenants evicted through no fault of their own.
Currently, Ontario renters benefit from “security of tenure,” which allows them to remain in their homes as long as they comply with their lease and the Residential Tenancies Act.
This protection includes the right to continue month-to-month after a fixed-term lease ends, with eviction permitted only for legally valid reasons. According to Statistics Canada’s 2021 census, nearly half of Toronto’s population rents their homes—a figure cited by Chow as evidence of the potential impact of the proposed changes.
Advocacy group ACORN called the government’s decision to back away from the consultations “a good move,” but cautioned that other measures in the bill could make it easier for landlords to evict tenants. The group urged the province to strengthen, rather than weaken, tenant protections.
The episode has reignited debate over the future of rent control and tenant rights in Ontario, with industry observers noting that any changes to the current framework would have wide-reaching implications for both landlords and renters.
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