Ontario backs off idea to consult on changing security of tenure renting rules

TORONTO — Critics are calling for more protection for renters after Ontario backed off a proposal to consider changes to rules that prevent landlords from evicting tenants without a legal reason and allow renters to stay in their units on a month-to-month basis after their lease expires.

Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack introduced legislation last week to streamline housing approvals and reduce delays at the Landlord and Tenant Board, and alongside the government said it would launch consultations on tenancy rules.

Under a “security of tenure” rule, tenants are allowed to stay in their units after their lease expires on a monthly basis as long as there is no legal reason to evict them, and Ontario had planned to consult on “alternative options” on lease expiry.

The government said those options could allow landlords to “adjust tenancy arrangements based on market conditions, personal needs, or business strategies,” which could give landlords flexibility and potentially unlock additional rental unit stock. Advocates have said the changes would have effectively meant the end of rent control.

But Flack announced Sunday that the province won’t go ahead with those consultations, saying residents expect stability and predictability in Ontario’s rental market and now is not the time to consider changes to the system.

Housing advocacy group ACORN said backing away from that proposal is a good move, but warned about other measures in the bill that could let landlords evict tenants faster.

When he first learned of the proposed changes, ACORN’s Ontario representative Bader Abu-Zahra said it was “really devastating.” Changes to the security of tenure rule could allow landlords to force tenants out or hike rent, he said, describing it as a “back door to end rent control.”

“We saw the danger that was going to happen to our low income members,” he said.

Abu-Zahra said the government still has a “host of proposals” that would make it more challenging for tenants to defend themselves.

“We are really happy that Ford has backtracked on his move to end rent control, but there’s still so much at stake.”

Abu-Zahra said the government should withdraw proposed changes to eviction and Landlord and Tenant Board rules, and ban above-guideline rent increases to close loopholes in existing rent control laws.

Before the government backtracked on its tenancy rules consultations, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said such changes would take away security from tenants.

“It gives too much power to the landlord,” Chow told reporters on Sunday at Homeless Connect Toronto, an event aimed at supporting the city’s homeless population.

Speaking at the same event, NDP member of provincial parliament for Toronto-Centre Kristyn Wong-Tam said every renter in Ontario “should be alarmed” by the proposal.

“We know that we have a housing crisis in Ontario. We know that families, young people are struggling to make things work for their household budgets,” said Wong-Tam. “It’s not a solution to end the homelessness crisis.”

Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said it was “a huge relief” to see the Ford government backing off the proposed consultations, but the bill still contains “concerning provisions” that would undermine tenant rights. The province should regulate rental increases year-to-year for all units, he said, among other measures that would keep housing affordable.

“When will the Ford government stop with the distractions and finally deliver the housing solutions we need to solve the worsening housing affordability crisis?” Schreiner said in a statement Monday.

Abu-Zahra said he wants to see action on renters’ rights now, especially after Flack’s comment that it’s not the time to consider changes to the province’s system.

“That’s not exactly comforting. Nothing is stopping them from trying again.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 27, 2025.

–With files from Cassidy McMackon

Rianna Lim, The Canadian Press