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Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, brings major updates to Ontario’s landlord-tenant laws.
The goal: reduce delays at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), increase fairness, and make rental housing more predictable for both landlords and tenants.
Below is a simple breakdown of the most important changes and what they mean for the Ontario rental market.¹
 
Key Changes Under Bill 60
1. Faster Eviction Process for Non-Payment

• Rent arrears eviction notice period reduced by 7 days (from 14 - 7).
• Landlords can file with the LTB sooner if rent isn’t paid.

2. Tenants Must Pay 50% of Owed Rent to Raise New Complaints

• If tenants want to bring up new issues (ex: maintenance) during a rent arrears hearing, they must first pay 50% of what they owe.
• This reduces last-minute delays.

3. Review Window Reduced from 30 Days to 15 Days

• Tenants and landlords now have 15 days to request a review of an LTB decision.
• Re-hearings will only happen under limited, defined reasons. 

4. Persistent Late Payment Will Have a Clear Definition

• The government will set a formal definition of “persistent late rent” to help handle chronic late-payment cases fairly and consistently.²

5. No Compensation Needed for Landlord’s Personal Use Evictions

• If a landlord gives 120 days’ notice at the end of a lease term, they don’t have to pay the one-month compensation fee.

6. New Rules for Postponing Eviction Orders

• LTB adjudicators will follow standardized guidelines on when an eviction can be delayed.
• This makes decisions more predictable.

7. Administrative Improvements

• Additional staff hired to speed up eviction enforcement.
• More LTB decisions will be published online for transparency.³

 
What This Means for Landlords

• Faster eviction timelines
• More predictable outcomes for late-paying tenants
• No one-month compensation for personal-use evictions (with 120 days’ notice)
• Improved confidence in the rental system
• Potential increase in available rental units due to reduced risk

 
What This Means for Tenants

• Faster hearing times and resolutions
• 120-day notice for landlord’s personal use (more time to move)
• More transparency with published LTB decisions
• Less time to catch up on unpaid rent
• Need to act quickly due to shorter review windows⁴

 
What This Means for Real Estate Investors

• A more predictable and stable rental market
• Reduced risk from “professional tenants” exploiting loopholes
• Faster dispute resolution and improved cash flow certainty
• Better climate for investing in rental housing⁵

 
Conclusion
Bill 60 brings some of the most significant changes Ontario’s rental system has seen in years. The Act aims to create a faster, fairer, and more efficient process for tenants, landlords, and investors by closing loopholes, reducing delays, and modernizing how the LTB functions.
If you’re in the Ontario rental market, now is the time to understand how these changes may affect your next move.
 
 
If you are a tenant, landlord, or real estate investor, our team is here to help you understand how Bill 60 affects your rights, responsibilities, and rental strategy. Reach out anytime, we are here to guide you through all the new rules.
 

As the Founder of TREALT, Thenuk De Silva leads one of the top real estate teams in Toronto under Realty One Group Flagship. Known for a results-driven approach and a genuine focus on client success, Thenuk has earned recognition among the best real estate agents in Toronto. His team specializes in helping clients buy, sell, and invest in properties across the Greater Toronto Area, offering expertise that spans from luxury homes to multi-family real estate in Toronto.

With a background in engineering, design, and property management, Thenuk brings analytical precision and creative insight to every transaction. His leadership has helped TREALT become one of the most trusted real estate brokerages in Toronto, providing seamless experiences for both new and seasoned investors.

Meet Thenuk De Silva - A Toronto Real Estate Investment Expert

Clients describe Thenuk as professional, knowledgeable, and refreshingly approachable. Under his leadership, TREALT has guided hundreds of buyers through the complexities of Toronto real estate investment, using innovative strategies to help clients reach long-term financial goals.

The team specializes in:

• Toronto investment properties that build sustainable wealth through rental income and appreciation.

• Luxury real estate Toronto buyers seek for lifestyle and value.

• Multi-family real estate Toronto investors rely on for steady, scalable returns.

• Toronto pre-construction specialists who identify promising new developments in Toronto early in the market.

Every service is designed to help clients make confident, data-driven decisions, whether they’re first-time home buyers or experienced investors.

Transparency, Service, and Strategy

At its core, TREALT values transparency, reliability, and client-first service. The firm’s reputation as a leading real estate brokerage in Toronto is built on honesty, expertise, and measurable results. Thenuk emphasizes clear communication, ensuring clients feel informed at every stage of their journey.

By focusing on education and insight, the Toronto real estate investment team helps clients see beyond the listing, uncovering hidden value in a market known for its competitiveness and opportunity.

Why TREALT Stands Out

With a growing portfolio of successful transactions and a dedicated team of professionals, TREALT continues to shape the conversation around Toronto real estate for investors. The firm’s innovative marketing, forward-thinking leadership, and unwavering commitment to client success make it one of the top Toronto realtor teams to watch.

Whether buying a condo, a family home, or a multi-family property, working with Thenuk De Silva and TREALT means partnering with a brokerage that understands the heart and the future of Toronto real estate.

As Toronto continues to evolve, Thenuk De Silva and TREALT remain at the forefront, bridging data, design, and dedication to build not just investments, but futures.

Congratulations, you have made it!
Over the last 10 articles, you’ve explored everything from how the Canadian housing market works to financing, legalities, and avoiding common mistakes. Now it’s time to put it all together. Whether you’re just starting to dream about your first home or actively preparing to buy, this final guide will help you take confident, practical steps toward turning that dream into reality.

1. Knowledge Is Your Greatest Advantage

You’ve learned that buying a home in Canada isn’t just about finding a property, it’s about understanding the process, the paperwork, and the psychology. Knowledge helps you avoid costly surprises. From understanding land transfer taxes and mortgage rules to recognizing when a deal sounds too good to be true, informed buyers make smarter decisions.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers free online guides and checklists for newcomers, ^[1] while government sites like outline foreign buyer rules and exemptions. Bookmark these resources even after buying, they’ll help you stay up to date on market trends and policy changes. ^[2]

Remember: an informed buyer is a confident buyer.

2. Get Financially Ready Before You Start

Buying a home is as much a financial milestone as a personal one. Before beginning your search, ensure your finances are in order:

• Save aggressively for your down payment, the more you put down, the less interest you’ll pay over time.
  
  

• Budget realistically for closing costs, property tax, insurance, and ongoing maintenance.
  
  

• To protect your credit score, lenders look closely at your payment history and debt ratios.
  
  

• Use affordability calculators (like those on CMHC, RBC, or Scotiabank) ^[3] to estimate your true comfort zone. ^[4]
  
  

If you’re unsure, meet a financial advisor or mortgage broker, they can help tailor a realistic budget based on your income, savings, and future goals.

3. Plan Your House-Hunting Strategy

Start with a clear wish list: what you need (bedrooms, transit access, schools) vs. what you want (walk-in closets, big backyard). 

Prioritize location,  it impacts daily life, resale value, and long-term satisfaction.

Attend open houses or virtual tours to get a sense of the market. Be open-minded: many newcomers begin focused on condos in downtown Toronto but later find better value in suburban or smaller-city townhouses.

Your REALTOR can set up MLS alerts so you never miss new listings. And remember, patience pays, the right home will find you when timing aligns with preparation.

4. Lean on Your Support Network

You don’t have to do this alone. Connect with other newcomers who’ve already bought homes, they can share real experiences and recommend trusted professionals. Many local settlement organizations (like COSTI or YMCA Newcomer Centres) even run homeownership workshops that explain Canadian systems in plain language.

If you have family in Canada, seek their input not to make decisions for you, but to help you think through priorities and avoid emotional choices.

5. Think Long-Term and Invest Wisely

Real estate isn’t just shelter, it’s a powerful tool for wealth building.
Think beyond the first few years: Will this home meet your needs if your family grows or your job changes? Properties in good school districts or near transit tend to appreciate faster. ^[5]

Each mortgage payment builds equity, turning rent money into long-term financial stability. Over time, that equity can help you move up the property ladder, fund renovations, or even start investing in rental properties.

6. After You Buy, Settle in Smartly

Once you’ve closed, a few practical steps make life easier:

• Update your address everywhere banks, employers, Service Canada, etc.
  
  

• Set up auto-payments for property tax and utilities to avoid late fees.
  
  

• Create a home binder with warranties, receipts, and inspection reports.
  
  

• Schedule regular maintenance, small care now prevents costly repairs later.
  
  

Don’t forget the fun part: making it yours. Get to know your neighbors, explore local shops, and build roots. A sense of community will make your new house feel like home faster than anything else.

7. Keep Learning and Growing

Homeownership is the beginning, not the end, of your real estate journey. Keep an eye on market trends, explore government rebates (for energy upgrades or first-time buyers), and learn about refinancing and investment opportunities.
Many newcomers eventually use the same knowledge to purchase investment properties, contributing to their financial freedom.

Final Thoughts

You’ve done something remarkable, learning an entirely new housing system in a new country takes courage and patience. Remember, real estate in Canada isn’t just about ownership, it’s about building a future, stability, and wealth.

As you take this next step, lean on professionals, trust your instincts, and celebrate the journey. Your first set of keys will symbolize more than a property, it’s your home, your success, and your place in Canada.

And remember, you don’t have to do it alone, we are always here to help you navigate every step of the way.

Buying your first home in Canada is an incredible milestone but even the most prepared newcomers can stumble into common traps. The process involves many moving parts: financing, legal steps, taxes, and emotions. Understanding where others go wrong can help you save money, stress, and heartache.

Here’s a guide to the most frequent mistakes newcomers make when buying property and how to avoid them.

1. Not Budgeting Beyond the Home’s Price

The biggest rookie mistake? Thinking the home’s sticker price is the full cost. In reality, you’ll need to budget for:

• Closing costs: Land transfer tax, legal fees, inspections, and appraisals often 2- 4% of the purchase price. ^[1]
  
  

• Ongoing costs: Property taxes, home insurance, utilities, and maintenance.
  
  

A common issue called “house poor” syndrome happens when too much of your income goes toward your mortgage, leaving little room for emergencies. Test your budget before buying live for a few months as if you already own the home. If you’re stretched thin, reconsider your price range.

2. Skipping Mortgage Pre-Approval

Many newcomers get excited and start house-hunting without a mortgage pre-approval, only to realize later that the home they love is out of reach. Pre-approval helps you:

• Know exactly how much you can borrow and afford.
  
  

• Lock in an interest rate for 90 - 120 days.
  
  

• Look credible to sellers in competitive markets. ^[2]
  
  

Avoid making big financial changes (like buying a car on credit or changing jobs) before closing lenders may recheck your finances, and last-minute changes could derail your approval.

3. Skipping Home Inspection or Research

Waiving a home inspection might make your offer more attractive, but it can lead to costly surprises like foundation issues, poor insulation, or old wiring. Always hire a certified home inspector ^[3] and ensure they examine the structure, plumbing, heating, and roof.

Also, research the neighborhood: visit at different times of day, check crime rates, schools, and future development plans. An informed purchase prevents regrets.

4. Overbidding or Letting Emotions Take Over

Falling in love with a property is natural but emotional decisions can be expensive. Bidding wars are common in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where buyers sometimes overpay far beyond market value. ^[4]
Set a walk-away price before making an offer, and stick to it. A great agent can provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) so you understand true market value.

5. Ignoring Resale Value and Future Needs

Your first home doesn’t have to be forever, but it should make sense for your next few years. A one-bedroom condo might feel perfect now until your family or career grows.
Think long-term: proximity to schools, transit, and job centers adds resale value. Choose flexibility over flash homes in strong locations appreciate faster than luxury units in weaker markets.

6. Not Building the Right Team

Real estate success is a team sport. A strong team includes:

• A licensed REALTOR ^[5] for negotiation and market insight.
  
  

• A mortgage broker to compare lenders and rates.
  
  

• A real estate lawyer for title checks and contracts.
  
  

Trying to go it alone or hiring inexperienced friends can lead to legal or financial mistakes. Professionals protect your interests and often save more than they cost.

7. Underestimating Ownership Responsibilities

Owning means maintaining. New homeowners often underestimate the cost of repairs, a roof replacement can run $10,000, and HVAC systems can cost thousands. Set aside 1% of your home’s value per year for maintenance. Learn simple upkeep tasks (cleaning gutters, servicing furnaces) to prevent major damage.

Also, make sure you have adequate home insurance, and consider mortgage protection insurance if your family relies on your income.

8. Falling for Scams or Unrealistic Offers

Unfortunately, newcomers can be targets for scams. Beware of:

• Fake landlords renting properties they don’t own.
  
  

• “Private mortgage” deals with unusually high fees.
  
  

• Unverified money transfers or sellers requesting cash deposits.
  
  

Stick with licensed professionals and registered institutions, and always have your lawyer review documents before signing or sending money. ^[6]

Final Thoughts

Every homeowner learns something the hard way but you don’t have to. By budgeting realistically, relying on trusted experts, and resisting emotional decisions, you’ll protect your investment and peace of mind.

Remember, patience and preparation go a long way. With knowledge and guidance, you’ll transition from newcomer to confident Canadian homeowner without the regrets.

And remember, you don’t have to do it alone, we are here to help you navigate every step of the way.

When most newcomers think of starting their life in Canada, Ontario is often the first destination that comes to mind and for good reason. It’s Canada’s most populous province, home to the nation’s economic hub, Toronto, and one of the most diverse, opportunity-rich regions in the world.

From high-rise condos overlooking Lake Ontario to family homes in growing cities like Ottawa, London, or Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario offers a vast range of housing options. But before you dive in, it’s crucial to understand how Ontario’s real estate market works from regional price differences to specific legal and tax rules for buyers.

Why Focus on Ontario?

Ontario attracts over 40% of all newcomers to Canada each year, thanks to its job opportunities, education, and infrastructure. It also has one of Canada’s most active real estate markets, ^[1] offering both opportunity and competition.

As of mid-2025, the average home price in Ontario was about $852,000, higher than the national average of $691,000. ^[2] But that number tells only part of the story, the province’s housing market varies dramatically by region:

• Toronto (GTA): The average price sits around $1.1 million, making it one of the priciest markets in North America. Condos range from $600K - $800K, while detached homes in central Toronto easily surpass $1M.
  
  

• Ottawa: Canada’s capital offers better affordability, with an average price near $695,000, and a stable market driven by the public sector.
  
  

• Mid-Sized Cities: Areas like Hamilton, London, and Kitchener-Waterloo are popular among newcomers seeking more space and value averaging $700K - $800K.
  
  

• Northern Ontario: Regions such as Sudbury or Thunder Bay offer homes between $300K - $500K, making them ideal for buyers prioritizing affordability and lifestyle over proximity to big cities.
  
  

Unique Ontario Considerations for Homebuyers

1. Land Transfer Tax (LTT)

Ontario charges Land Transfer Tax on every property purchase, and Toronto adds an additional municipal LTT.
Example: On a $600,000 home in Toronto, you’d pay about $8,475 (provincial) and $8,115 (municipal).

Good news:
First-time buyers who are permanent residents (PRs) or citizens can receive:

• Up to $4,000 rebate on the provincial tax
  
  

• Up to $4,475 rebate on the Toronto tax ^[3]
  
  

If you’re not yet a PR, you’ll need to wait or apply later once eligible, timing your purchase wisely can save thousands.

2. Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST)

Ontario applies a 25% NRST on properties purchased by non-PRs or non-citizens in the Greater Golden Horseshoe region (which includes the GTA, Niagara, and surrounding cities). ^[4] Newcomers who become PRs within four years of buying may qualify for a rebate. It’s a significant expense on a $500K home, this tax equals $125,000, so check your residency status before buying.

3. Working with REALTORS

In Ontario, all real estate agents (REALTORS) must be licensed by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). ^[5]
 A licensed REALTOR ensures:

• Full transparency during transactions
  
  

• Professional ethics compliance
  
  

• Access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for real-time property data
  
  

Newcomers should always verify that their agent is RECO-licensed. Experienced REALTORS can also guide you through “offer nights,” a common Ontario practice where homes receive multiple bids on the same evening.

4. Closings, Lawyers, and Legal Protections

In Ontario, real estate lawyers handle all closings, they verify ownership, register your title, and ensure taxes and fees are settled.
Lawyers also process Land Transfer Tax rebates automatically at closing. Choose a real estate lawyer (not a general lawyer) familiar with first-time buyer programs and newcomer exemptions.

For condo purchases, the Ontario Condo Act provides a 10-day “cooling-off period” when buying directly from a developer. ^[6] During this time, you can cancel your purchase without penalty, a valuable protection for first-time buyers.

Practical Tips for Buying in Ontario

• Get mortgage pre-approval before starting your home search.
  
  

• Always do a home inspection, especially for older homes in cold regions, check insulation, windows, and heating.
  
  

• Be prepared for bidding wars in the GTA; patience is key.
  
  

• Look beyond Toronto cities like London, Guelph, and Windsor are seeing growth and affordability.
  
  

• Explore energy-efficiency rebates through Ontario programs to cut long-term costs.
  
  

The Takeaway

Ontario is where many newcomers plant their first roots and for good reason. It combines economic opportunity, cultural diversity, and real estate potential like few places in the world. While competition can be fierce, informed buyers who understand the province’s rules, taxes, and rebates can make confident, financially smart decisions.
Whether it’s a condo in downtown Toronto or a family home in Waterloo, owning property in Ontario is a milestone worth aiming for and achievable with the right guidance.

And remember, you don’t have to do it alone, we are here to help you navigate every step of the way.