It's Official...

It’s official, we’re seeing a noticeable shift. Purpose‑built rental RFPs are becoming more common than condominium RFPs. Condo activity remains strong, but the direction of new development is clear.

Now more than ever, if you’re developing or own residential properties, it’s critical to understand the evolving landscape of the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). The rules, expectations, and risks are changing, and this is not the place for shortcuts or automation (AI!)

Align yourself with a seasoned property management firm. At Onyx, we bring over 20 years of hands‑on experience managing residential properties. We manage with intention, protecting your assets, respecting your tenants, and fostering safe, kind communities people are proud to call home.

Look at some of the recent LTB changes/trends below.

1. Bill 60 – Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025

Status: Passed November 2025 Implementation: Phased; some items not yet in force as of March 2026

Key LTB-Related Changes (Some active, some pending regulation)

Faster, More Rigid Procedures

• Digital‑first LTB is now the standard: online filing, email service, portal use expected

• Incomplete applications are being rejected, not corrected later

• Adjournments are no longer routine — poor preparation is not accepted as a reason

• Late evidence is frequently excluded if not served within deadlines

  
  

Stricter Evidence & Disclosure Rules

• Evidence must be served and filed on time

• “I’ll bring it to the hearing” is increasingly rejected

• The LTB is enforcing disclosure deadlines much more aggressively

  
  

Shorter Review / Appeal Timelines

• Request for Review reduced from 30 days to 15 days

• Leads to faster finality of orders and enforcement

  
  

2. Non‑Payment of Rent (Major Practical Changes)

Rent Arrears Hearings Tightened

• Tenants cannot raise new maintenance or other issues at an arrears hearing unless they comply with advance notice rules

• Bill 60 authorizes rules requiring partial payment of arrears before unrelated defences can be raised (regulations pending for full rollout)

  
  

Shorter Timelines Coming (Not all in force yet)

• N4 timelines expected to shorten (7 days instead of 14) once regulations are proclaimed

• Objective: faster L1 filings and hearings

  
  

⚠️ Important: Until regulations are formally proclaimed, current forms and timelines still apply

3. Bad‑Faith Evictions: Stronger Enforcement

• Higher administrative monetary penalties

• Increased scrutiny on N12 and N13 notices

• Repeat bad‑faith conduct is tracked more closely

  
  

4. LTB Operational Changes (Already in Effect)

Welcome Package Changes (March 9, 2026)

• Applications filed by representatives now follow updated delivery rules

• Impacts paralegals, property managers, and agents filing on behalf of landlords

  
  

Backlog Reduction – Still Slow, but Improving

• Backlog reduced from ~53,000 to ~41,000 cases

• Average hearing wait times still 3–7 months, compared to weeks pre‑2019

• Increased number of adjudicators, but retention issues remain

  
  

5. What Has Not Changed (Important)

• Core tenant protections remain:

  • Repair obligations

  • Privacy and entry rules

  • Protection from illegal fees

    
    

• The Residential Tenancies Act is still the governing law until regulations are proclaimed

  
  

6. What This Means for You (Property Management Reality Check)

You now need to:

• Treat filing and evidence prep like court-level work

• Track service dates, evidence deadlines, and portal confirmations

• Assume no adjournments

• Prepare clients for faster, less flexible hearings

• Be very careful with N12/N13 intent documentation

  
  

This is a new era for the LTB; this is process and compliance heavy.  Errors in reporting and evidence can add additional time to your process and hearings, dragging things out even longer. 

Blog Contributor --- Angel-Marie Reiner