Ontario Landlord Laws 2026: What Bill 97 and Bill 60 Mean for Ottawa Landlords
The Ontario rental landscape is shifting significantly in 2026. Two major pieces of legislation—Bill 97 (Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act) and Bill 60—are rolling out changes that every Ottawa landlord needs to understand. These amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) affect everything from eviction timelines to tenant rights.
What’s Changing in July 2026
Starting July 1, 2026, landlords face new rules around the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) payment agreement process. When a tenant falls behind on rent and both parties agree on a payment plan, the LTB can now issue an order with payment terms without holding a hearing. This accelerates the resolution process but requires landlords to use the official LTB form.
Additionally, tenants gain the right to install air conditioning units without landlord permission—provided they restore the unit to its original condition upon moving out. This change impacts how landlords should approach lease agreements for properties without existing AC.
September 2026: Faster Evictions
The most significant change for Ottawa landlords comes September 21, 2026: non-payment eviction notices shorten from 14 days to 7 days. This gives landlords a faster path to recover units when tenants fail to pay rent. However, the 60-day notice period for personal use evictions remains, and landlords no longer need to pay one month’s rent in compensation when using the 120-day personal use notice.
What Ottawa Landlords Should Do Now
With the median two-bedroom rent in Ottawa at $2,395 as of May 2026, the rental market remains competitive. These regulatory changes underscore the importance of thorough tenant screening and compliant lease agreements. Review your current lease templates, ensure you’re using the correct LTB forms, and prepare for the faster eviction timeline.
The Ottawa rental market continues to show steady growth, with strong demand driven by population increases. Landlords who stay ahead of regulatory changes will be better positioned to protect their investments while providing quality housing to tenants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key Ontario landlord law changes in 2026?
Bill 97 and Bill 60 introduce significant changes including faster non-payment evictions (7 days vs 14 days), new LTB payment agreement rules, and tenant rights to install AC without landlord permission.
When do the new Ontario eviction rules take effect?
Non-payment eviction notices shorten from 14 to 7 days on September 21, 2026. LTB payment agreement rules take effect July 1, 2026.
Can tenants now install AC without landlord permission?
Yes, starting July 1, 2026, tenants can install air conditioning without landlord permission, provided they restore the unit to its original condition when they leave.