Ontario’s rental market is in crisis.
Rising rents, limited availability, and outdated systems have left both tenants and landlords frustrated and stuck. According to recent data, two-thirds of Ontarians believe the rental market is unaffordable, and many don’t feel confident they could find a suitable rental home even after searching for a year.
The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) has stepped forward with a bold plan: 20 actionable recommendations to create a fairer, more balanced rental system. These ideas focus on three pillars:
- Modernizing rental legislation
- Fixing the broken Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)
- Building a stronger, more diverse housing supply
Here’s a breakdown of each recommendation and why it matters.
1. Modernizing Rental Legislation
Ontario’s rental laws were last significantly updated nearly two decades ago. Today’s market has changed dramatically, and it’s time for the rules to catch up.
Action-Ready Steps
- Dedicated N12 Process for Buyers’ Personal Use
Create a streamlined process so buyers moving into a property can resolve disputes quickly and prevent costly delays. - Stronger Enforcement Against Bad-Faith Evictions
Crack down on landlords who misuse N12 eviction notices to unfairly raise rents. - Clear, Accessible Education Resources
Provide plain-language guides for both tenants and landlords about their rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). - Inclusive Updates to the Condominium Act
Close loopholes that allow discrimination, ensuring all families—regardless of makeup—are treated equally.
Long-Term Goals
- Full Review and Modernization of the RTA
Update the Act to reflect the realities of today’s rental market and create fair, predictable rules. - Phased-In Rent Control
Introduce a rent control system that protects tenants while still encouraging new rental construction.
2. Fixing the Broken Landlord and Tenant Board
The LTB is supposed to resolve disputes quickly and fairly, but massive backlogs and digital-only hearings have left both tenants and landlords without timely justice.
Action-Ready Steps
- Return to In-Person Hearings
Make in-person hearings the default, with virtual hearings as an option when both parties agree. - Expand Legal Aid Support for Tenants
Increase funding for Tenant Duty Counsel Programs so vulnerable tenants can access representation. - Remove Financial Barriers for Maintenance Complaints
Reimburse filing fees for tenants who bring valid maintenance complaints. - Early Application Screening Process
Catch and fix minor application errors early to prevent long delays and rescheduled hearings.
Long-Term Goals
- Expand Mediation Services
Offer more opportunities for landlords and tenants to resolve issues before they escalate to full hearings. - Improve LTB Staffing and Training
Recruit and train more adjudicators to reduce wait times and ensure consistent, fair decisions.
3. Building a Healthy and Diverse Housing Supply
Ontario’s population is growing, but the supply of affordable, diverse rental housing hasn’t kept up. These recommendations focus on unlocking more options for everyone.
Action-Ready Steps
- Reduce Government Costs on New Projects
Cut red tape and fees that discourage rental development. - Streamline Permits for Construction
Simplify the approval process to speed up new builds. - Promote Innovative Affordable Housing Solutions
Support creative housing models that expand options for low- and middle-income families. - Enable Rent-to-Own Programs
Explore legislative changes that make rent-to-own housing programs more accessible. - Tax Incentives for Small Landlords
Reward small landlords who add new rental units in high-growth communities. - Rental Renovation Tax Credit
Help independent landlords improve their properties without increasing rent costs for tenants.
Long-Term Goals
- End Exclusionary Zoning
Remove zoning barriers that limit where multi-unit and affordable housing can be built. - Build 99,000 Community Housing Units
Commit to a long-term investment in supportive housing to meet Ontario’s future needs.
Why These Recommendations Matter
Ontario’s housing market can’t function without a strong rental sector. When renters are trapped by high costs or lack of options, it creates a ripple effect that impacts homeownership rates, community stability, and economic growth.
These 20 recommendations are practical and achievable. By modernizing laws, fixing the LTB, and expanding supply, the Government of Ontario can help create a rental market where everyone—from first-time renters to seasoned landlords—can thrive.
The next few years will be critical for Ontario’s housing future. These recommendations offer a roadmap to restore balance, protect tenants, support landlords, and strengthen communities.
If implemented, they’ll move us closer to a province where everyone has access to safe, affordable housing—and a fair shot at building the life they want.