Eviction Protections
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Canadian federal statutes and official sources.
What is this right?
Your landlord cannot simply tell you to leave. In every province and territory, evictions must follow a formal legal process. That means written notice, a valid legal reason, and — in most cases — a tribunal order before you actually have to move out.
Valid reasons for eviction include non-payment of rent, serious damage to the property, illegal activity, or the landlord needing the unit for personal use. Your landlord cannot change the locks, shut off utilities, or remove your belongings to force you out — that is an illegal eviction.
Notice periods vary by province:
- Ontario: 14 days for non-payment, 60 days for landlord personal use.
- British Columbia: 10 days for non-payment, 2 months for landlord personal use.
- Alberta and Quebec have their own timelines — always check your province's rules.
When does it apply?
- You rent a residential property anywhere in Canada.
- Applies to both month-to-month and fixed-term leases.
- Covers apartments, houses, rooms, and most other residential rentals.
What should you do?
- Document everything — keep copies of your lease, all notices, emails, and text messages with your landlord.
- Do not leave voluntarily unless a tribunal has ordered it. A notice from your landlord is not the same as an eviction order.
- Contact your provincial tribunal right away: Ontario — Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB); BC — Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB); Alberta — Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS); Quebec — Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).
- Look for free legal clinics in your area that handle tenant issues.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't ignore an eviction notice — even if you think it's wrong, you need to respond within the deadline or you may lose your right to dispute it.
- Don't stop paying rent because of a dispute. Unpaid rent gives your landlord a stronger case.
- Don't agree verbally to move out without getting legal advice first.
- Don't retaliate by damaging the property — it will hurt your case.
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