Last Updated: August 22 2026
What notice and compensation requirements apply in Ontario when a landlord uses an N12 to evict a tenant for the landlord’s or a close family member’s personal use?
In Ontario, when a landlord seeks to end a tenancy for the landlord’s own use or for a close family member’s own use, the eviction must follow the proper N12 process, including serving the tenant with at least 60 days’ notice as required by Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17, s. 48(2) and providing compensation equal to one month’s rent or offering another acceptable unit under Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17, s. 48.1. For help reviewing the N12 timing, wording, and compensation steps so your notice package is accurate before it’s served, a paralegal at Cross Legal Services can assist and you can call (289) 443-0675.
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What Are the Legal Requirements When a Landlord Is Evicting a Tenant For the Purpose of Reclaiming a Rental Unit for Personal Use Reasons?
Understanding the Proper Eviction Via N12 Process Including Notice Requirements When Evicting a Tenant For Own Use By the Landlord
A landlord must use the N12 Form to issue proper eviction notice to a tenant when the intent is to take back the rental unit for the personal use of the landlord or for the personal use by a close family member of the landlord. As a critical aspect of the eviction via N12 process, providing proper notice of eviction helps to ensures that a landlord and a tenant are each aware of the respective legal expectations owed to each other which can foster transparency, trust, and respect during an awkward time. With an adequate appreciation for the N12 notice requirements, landlords are best able to ensure that the eviction for own use process is lawfully undertaken thereby safeguarding the rights of the landlord as well as respecting the concerns of the tenant.
Note: Please contact Cross Legal Services by phone at: (289) 443-0675 to discuss any specific questions that you may have.
Requirements
Proper Notice
As indicated per section 48(2) of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, Chapter 17, the landlord is required to provide at least sixty (60) days notice to the tenant whereas it is specifically stated:
48 (2) The date for termination specified in the notice shall be at least 60 days after the notice is given and shall be the day a period of the tenancy ends or, where the tenancy is for a fixed term, the end of the term.
Compensation
Additionally, per section 48.1 of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, Chapter 17, the landlord is also required to provide compensation to the tenant in an amount equivalent to one (1) month of the usual rent or offer the tenant another rental unit within the rental complex as suitable to the tenant. Specifically, section 48.1 says:
48.1 A landlord shall compensate a tenant in an amount equal to one month’s rent or offer the tenant another rental unit acceptable to the tenant if the landlord gives the tenant a notice of termination of the tenancy under section 48.
Conclusion
A landlord, to ensure against problematic legal issues, must ensure that the proper notice is provided to the tenant. The proper notice, which occurs via the use of an N12 Form, must also be accompanied with proper compensation.
NOTE: A substantial quantity of inquiries featuring “lawyers in my area” or “top lawyer in” frequently indicates a desire for prompt and proficient legal assistance rather than a particular job designation. In Ontario, certified paralegals are governed by the same Law Society that regulates lawyers and have the authority to represent clients in specified litigation issues. Skills in advocacy, legal analysis, and procedural expertise are fundamental to this position. Cross Legal Services provides legal representation within its licensed parameters, focusing on strategic positioning, evidence preparation, and compelling advocacy aimed at securing quick and advantageous outcomes for clients.
