Ontario’s rental landscape has changed – and quietly. With Bill 60 and related reforms affecting the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), both tenants and landlords in Ontario are facing new obligations, stricter enforcement, and faster-moving procedures. Many of these rules are often overlooked, yet non-compliance can lead to dismissed applications, fines, delayed hearings, or unenforceable notices.
Below is a breakdown of 12 essential Bill 60–related LTB rules and updates every Ontario tenant and landlord must know and obey.
#1
Mandatory Digital-first LTB Processes
What changed: The LTB has formally moved toward digital-by-default operations.
What it means:
- Most applications, evidence submissions, and notices are expected to be filed online
- Email is now a primary method of service
- Missing digital deadlines can result in dismissed cases
Who it affects: Both tenants and landlords
Risk: “I didn’t see the email” is no longer a valid excuse.
#2
Stricter Filing Requirements (Incomplete = Rejected)
What changed: Applications must be fully complete and accurate at filing.
What it means:
- Incorrect forms or missing information can lead to automatic rejection
- Refiling means delays of weeks or months
- Filing fees may be lost
Who it affects: Mostly landlords—but tenants filing T-applications are equally affected.
#3
Evidence Disclosure Deadlines Are Enforced
What changed: Late evidence is increasingly excluded.
What it means:
- Evidence must be served within LTB timelines
- “I’ll bring it to the hearing” no longer works
- Undisclosed documents may be ignored entirely
Who it affects: Both sides
Tip: Evidence management is now just as important as the hearing itself.
#4
Adjournments Are No Longer Automatic
What changed: The LTB is limiting adjournments to reduce backlogs.
What it means:
- Requests must show real necessity
- Poor preparation is not a valid reason
- Many cases now proceed as scheduled
Who it affects: Both tenants and landlords
Consequence: Be ready—or risk losing by default.
#5
Bad-Faith Evictions Face Harsher Consequences
What changed: Penalties for bad-faith N12 and N13 evictions have increased and are more aggressively enforced.
What it means:
- Higher administrative fines
- Compensation orders to tenants
- Greater scrutiny of landlord intent
Who it affects: Landlords
Reminder: Eviction notices must reflect genuine, provable intent.
#6
Increased Administrative Monetary Penalties
What changed: The LTB now has expanded authority to impose administrative fines.
What it means:
- Fines can be issued in addition to compensation
- Repeat offenders face escalating penalties
- Non-compliance patterns are tracked
Who it affects: Mostly landlords, but tenants acting in bad faith may also be penalized.
#7
Stronger Enforcement of Illegal Rent Increases
What changed: The LTB is prioritizing illegal rent increase complaints.
What it means:
- Rent must follow guideline limits unless legally exempt
- Improper increases can be reversed retroactively
- Tenants may be entitled to refunds
Who it affects: Landlords primarily
Tip: Always confirm exemption status before increasing rent.
#8
Clearer Rules around Service of Documents
What changed: Improper service is a growing reason for dismissed cases.
What it means:
- Correct service method must be used
- Proof of service matters
- Timing errors can void applications
Who it affects: Both parties
Bottom line: Process errors can cost you the case—even if your claim is valid.
#9
Faster Enforcement of LTB Orders
What changed: LTB orders are now easier to enforce through courts and sheriffs.
What it means:
- Eviction orders move faster once issued
- Payment orders carry real consequences
- Delaying compliance increases penalties
Who it affects: Both tenants and landlords
Reality: LTB orders now have more teeth.
#10
Limits on Repeated or Abusive Applications
What changed: The LTB can restrict vexatious or repetitive filings.
What it means:
- Frivolous applications may be dismissed
- Parties may be barred from refiling without permission
- Abuse of process is taken seriously
Who it affects: Both tenants and landlords
Purpose: Reduce misuse of the system.
#11
Greater Emphasis on Mediation & Early Resolution
What changed: The LTB is encouraging settlement before hearings.
What it means:
- Mediation is strongly promoted
- Reasonable settlement refusal may reflect poorly
- Early resolution can affect outcomes
Who it affects: Both parties
Advice: Come prepared to negotiate in good faith.
#12
Record-Keeping Is Now Critical
What changed: The LTB expects clear, organized records.
What it means:
- Payment histories must be accurate
- Communications may be scrutinized
- Poor records weaken credibility
Who it affects: Both tenants and landlords
Rule of thumb: If it’s not documented, it may not exist.
What These Bill 60–Era Rules Are Generally About?
- Changes were procedural, not headline-grabbing
- Many rules affect how, not what, you file
- Self-represented parties are most vulnerable
- Old habits no longer work
Unfortunately, lack of awareness does not prevent penalties.
Final Takeaway: Compliance Is No Longer Optional
Bill 60 and LTB modernization mean one thing clearly: Ontario’s landlord-tenant system is faster, stricter, and less forgiving.
Whether you’re a tenant protecting your rights or a landlord managing risk, knowing these 12 essential rules can mean the difference between winning your case – or losing it before it starts.
Carlos Perdomo, Paralegal
