Big news just dropped — and it’s a big deal for anyone renting in Ontario.
Premier Doug Ford and his government are reportedly moving to loosen or remove rent control protections across the province. The changes were revealed only yesterday, and tenant groups are already calling it one of the biggest threats to affordable housing Ontario has ever faced.
What’s Changing with Rent Control in Ontario?
According to early reports and statements from tenant advocacy groups like ACORN Canada, the Ford government plans to:
End the default month-to-month renewal after a lease ends, pushing renters toward fixed-term contracts that could be renegotiated at any price.
Make it easier for landlords to evict tenants at the end of a lease term or through “voluntary” agreements (often used in renovictions).
Expand the number of units exempt from rent control, especially newer buildings completed after 2018.
Streamline the eviction process and limit tenant appeal rights.
In short, landlords would have more power to raise rent or move tenants out once a lease expires — and renters could lose the stability that rent control was meant to provide.
Why This Matters for Renters
Ontario’s rental crisis is already brutal. In Toronto and the GTA, average rents for one-bedroom apartments are sitting around all-time highs.
If rent control is weakened, more tenants will face unpredictable rent hikes and forced moves. That means fewer long-term affordable units — and even more competition for the few below-market rentals left.
Currently, only units first occupied before November 15, 2018 are protected under Ontario’s rent control law. Everything built after that date can already have unlimited rent increases between tenants. If Ford’s plan expands that exemption or weakens the rules further, thousands of renters could be left without any real protection.
How the Ford Government Justifies It
The Ontario government says the goal is to “unlock new housing supply” and encourage more developers to build rental units by easing restrictions.
But critics argue that removing tenant protections doesn’t automatically create new homes — it just makes life less secure for those already renting. Without strong rent control, landlords can raise prices faster than wages, pushing more people out of their communities.
What Renters Can Do Right Now
Check if your unit is rent-controlled — if it was built before 2018, you’re likely protected.
Stay informed — watch for when the legislation is tabled in Queen’s Park.
Join local renter groups like ACORN or the Federation of Metro Tenants’ Associations (FMTA).
Document everything — keep copies of your lease, rent receipts, and correspondence with your landlord.
Final Thoughts
If these changes pass, Ontario could see the biggest shift in its rental landscape in decades.
Whether you’re in Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, or Ottawa, it’s worth paying attention. Renters have fought hard for rent control — and if the Doug Ford rent control plan goes through, many could lose the protections that keep housing even remotely affordable.