Eviction Protections in Ontario
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
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 to Do If Your Canadian Landlord Is Trying to Evict You Illegally
- 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.
How Ontario differs from federal law
Ontario tenants have strong eviction protections under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA). A landlord cannot evict you without an order from the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
- A landlord must first give you a proper written notice of termination using the correct LTB form (N4 for non-payment, N5 for interfering with others, N12 for personal use, N13 for demolition/major repairs, etc.).
- If you do not move out after receiving the notice, the landlord must apply to the LTB for an eviction order. The LTB will hold a hearing where you can present your side.
- For non-payment of rent, you can stop the eviction at any time before the Sheriff enforces the order by paying all rent owed plus the LTB filing fee.
- "No-fault" evictions (landlord's own use, purchaser's own use, demolition, major renovation) require the landlord to pay you one month's rent compensation or offer you another acceptable unit.
- Only the Sheriff (Court Enforcement Office) can physically evict a tenant. A landlord who locks you out, removes your belongings, or shuts off utilities is committing an illegal eviction, and the LTB can order them to let you back in and pay compensation.
- "Renovictions" (evictions for renovations that don't actually require vacancy) are a growing concern — the LTB scrutinizes renovation eviction claims, and tenants can challenge bad-faith notices.
Additional Steps in Ontario
If you receive an eviction notice, do not leave immediately — check the notice period and form number. Attend the LTB hearing and bring evidence. If your landlord locks you out or removes your belongings illegally, call the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit at 1-888-772-9277 and file an emergency application with the LTB. Free legal help is available from Community Legal Clinics across Ontario — find yours at legalaid.on.ca/clinics.
Relevant Law: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17, ss. 43–94 (Termination of Tenancy); ss. 25–26 (Illegal Lockouts)
Common Questions
When does eviction protections 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 I do if my landlord in Canada is trying to evict me?
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 mistakes should I avoid with eviction protections?
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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