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Ontario is introducing significant housing laws in 2025 to address affordability and supply issues. Key measures include the Rental Renovation Licence By-Law in Toronto to curb "renovictions," requiring landlords to meet specific criteria before displacing tenants. The province also permits mass timber buildings up to 18 storeys under an amended Ontario Building Code, promoting sustainable construction and increasing housing density. These changes reflect efforts to protect vulnerable tenants and expedite housing development.

The updated Ontario Building Code, effective January 1, 2025, enhances alignment with National Construction Codes by eliminating over 1,700 technical discrepancies. This streamlining is expected to reduce regulatory burdens for developers and support the province’s housing goals. Toronto also rolled out its final phase of short-term rental by-laws, ensuring STR operators rent only primary residences and comply with stricter registration requirements to preserve long-term rental stock.

Additionally, updates to the Household Income Limits (HILs) and High Need Income Limits (HNILs) adjust thresholds for housing assistance to reflect current data. This ensures better support for low-income households, with increases in HNILs across various regions. These regulatory changes aim to create more affordable housing options while safeguarding tenants’ rights and promoting sustainable urban growth.

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