New Ontario Laws in July 2025: Addressing the Needs of Tenants, Gig Workers, and Individuals with Disabilities

As July 2025 approaches, three new laws in Ontario promise to transform the lives of tenants, gig workers, and individuals with disabilities. These legislative changes include a crucial bylaw to prevent "renovictions" in Toronto, enhanced protections for workers in the gig economy, and the introduction of the Canada Disability Benefit.

Toronto’s Renoviction Bylaw: Protecting Tenants from Unfair Evictions

Starting July 31, 2025, the Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw will come into effect in Toronto. This significant legislation aims to address the growing issue of "renovictions"—a term coined for bad-faith evictions where landlords claim they need to renovate units as a pretext for displacing tenants to raise rents or deny them the right to return.

This bylaw emerged as a response to the rising rental crisis in Toronto, where affordable housing is increasingly hard to find. Inspired by a successful regulation in Hamilton, the bylaw requires landlords to obtain a Rental Renovation Licence before issuing an N13 notice—this is the official notice required in Ontario for eviction due to renovations.

Key Requirements for Landlords

1. Pre-Renovation Requirements: Landlords must secure all necessary building permits and furnish confirmation from a qualified professional indicating that the renovations necessitate a vacant unit.

2. Tenant Notification and Support: Landlords are mandated to inform tenants about renovation plans, offer compensation or alternative housing options, and ensure that tenants can return to their original rental unit at the same rent rate post-renovation.

3. Compensation Options: If tenants wish to return, landlords must provide temporary, comparable housing. If tenants choose not to return, landlords owe severance equating to three months’ rent-gap payments before a license can be issued.

Compliance and Enforcement

Building inspectors will actively monitor compliance, imposing penalties for violations. Fines may reach up to $1,000 for failing to submit a licence application within seven days of giving an N13 notice, escalating to $10,000 per day for ongoing infractions.

This bylaw is a monumental step toward protecting tenants, particularly those from low-income and marginalized groups, from losing their homes in a bustling rental market.

Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act: Empowering Gig Workers

Beginning July 1, 2025, Ontario’s Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act (DPWRA) will offer unprecedented protections for gig workers who are often classified as independent contractors. The law applies to platforms such as Uber, DoorDash, and Lyft, introducing measures aimed at alleviating the vulnerabilities experienced by workers in the gig economy.

Protections Under the DPWRA

• Minimum Wage Guarantee: Workers must receive at least the prescribed minimum wage for their work assignments, excluding waiting time, ensuring fair compensation for active labor.

• Pay Transparency: Operators are required to disclose how pay is calculated, providing workers with necessary information about their earnings within 24 hours of accessing the platform.

• Tip Protection: This stops platforms from withholding tips or making unauthorized deductions from earnings.

• Regular Pay Periods: Workers are to receive pay regularly, ensuring consistency in income.

• Protection from Unfair Removal: Workers cannot be banned from a platform for longer than 24 hours without a written notice explaining the reasoning unless it concerns public safety or misconduct.

• Dispute Resolution: Any work-related disputes must be resolved in Ontario, with protections against retaliation for exercising rights outlined in the Act.

Compliance officers will enforce these laws, investigating complaints and inspecting records to ensure adherence. Violations can result in fines that may reach $500,000 for corporations.

Canada Disability Benefit: Financial Support for Canadians with Disabilities

The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) will start disbursing payments in July 2025. Aimed at providing financial relief to low-income Canadians aged 18 to 64 with disabilities, the program plays a critical role in supporting over 600,000 eligible individuals, including permanent residents.

Key Details About the CDB

• Application Process: Applications opened on June 20, 2025, and those approved by June 30, 2025, will receive their initial payment in July.

• Benefit Amount: Eligible individuals can receive up to $200 per month, totaling $2,400 annually.

• Eligibility Criteria: Requirements include being aged 18 to 64, being approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), and having up-to-date federal income tax returns.

The benefit is designed to be income-tested, with singles earning less than $23,000 or couples having different thresholds based on their combined earnings in line with the program’s intent.

Application Process and Payment

Potential applicants can utilize the Canada Disability Benefit Estimator Tool to project benefits and submit applications via various channels, including online, by phone, or in-person at Service Canada locations. Community organizations can also assist with the process.

Why These Changes Matter

These new laws are vital in shaping a more equitable social and economic landscape in Ontario.

• The Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw empowers tenants, actively safeguarding them from exploitative actions by landlords, and ensuring that affordable housing remains accessible.

• The Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act signifies a substantial shift for gig workers, providing them with essential rights and protections in an industry that has often sidelined their needs.

• The Canada Disability Benefit enhances financial support for individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusion and livelihood stability.

With these recent legislative adjustments, it is essential for tenants, gig workers, and individuals seeking disability benefits to familiarize themselves with their rights and the tools available to aid in navigating these changes effectively.

How to Prepare for The New Ontario Laws

For Tenants

If you receive an N13 notice after July 31, 2025, take steps to confirm your landlord’s compliance with the new bylaw. Understanding your right to return or receive compensation is crucial.

For Gig Workers

Acquaint yourself with the protections provided under the DPWRA. If issues such as withheld tips or unfair removals arise, be proactive in filing complaints with the appropriate authorities.

For CDB Applicants

Check if you’re eligible for DTC and ensure your application is submitted by June 30, 2025, to qualify for benefit payments starting in July. Utilize available community resources for support.

For additional information, refer to the City of Toronto’s guidelines, Canada.ca for the CDB, and Ontario’s official resources for the DPWRA. Staying updated through reliable sources ensures you can benefit significantly from these new legislative measures.