If you own a rental property, rent your home, or are considering buying a property with tenants, recent Ontario rule changes deserve your attention.
Several changes under Bills 60 and 97 took effect on September 21, 2026. Here are some key updates and the questions they raise for your next real estate decision.
Shorter Notice for Unpaid Rent
For N4 notices given on or after September 21, the unpaid-rent notice period shortened from 14 to 7 days. A notice is not an eviction order; the legal process still matters.
Landlord’s Own Use and Purchaser’s Own Use Are Different
For qualifying landlord-own-use N12 notices served from September 21, giving at least 120 days’ notice removes the requirement to compensate the tenant or offer another acceptable unit. With shorter notice, existing compensation rules apply.
This exception does not apply to purchaser-own-use notices.
Returning After Renovations
Eligible tenants exercising their right to return after repairs or renovations must receive written completion updates and the required 60-day opportunity to reoccupy, subject to the applicable transition dates.
Hearing Requirements Also Changed
For rent-arrears applications filed from September 21, tenants seeking to raise other issues at the hearing must pay half the claimed arrears to the landlord at least seven days beforehand. Written issue disclosure remains required.
These are selected changes, not a complete guide.
What Does This Mean for a Property Purchase?
An attractive listing can make it easy to focus on the house and leave the tenancy questions until later. We recommend bringing those questions into the conversation early.
If you intend to live in a tenanted property, discuss the existing tenancy, your possession expectations and the required legal steps before committing to a closing timeline. If you intend to keep it as a rental, review the tenancy documents and responsibilities as part of your purchase planning.
At Unna Real Estate Group, we can help you identify the real estate questions to address before making an offer. A licensed lawyer or paralegal should advise on the legal requirements of your specific tenancy.
Buying, selling or investing? Reach out anytime to discuss your plans and the next steps. Book a Free 15-Minute Call here
