Yes No Share to Facebook
Eviction Via Form N12 Process:
Good Faith Intention of at Least One Year of Occupancy
Last Updated: June 11 2026
Question: What are the legal requirements for serving an N12 eviction notice for landlord’s own use in Ontario?
Answer: In Ontario, an N12 for landlord’s own use must meet the requirements in Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, Chapter 17, s. 48, including a genuine good-faith intention that the landlord or eligible family member will occupy the unit for at least one year, proper timing and service with at least 60 days’ notice ending on a tenancy period end date, and paying the tenant the required compensation (typically one month’s rent). For clear, cost-effective help preparing or challenging an N12 and navigating the Landlord and Tenant Board process across Ontario, contact Hall Paralegal Services (Paralegal) at (519) 258-2400 for fast next steps.
Understanding the Requirements During an N12 Eviction for Own Use By the Landlord or Family Member
It sometimes occurs, and quite common recently that a landlord desires the take back a rental unit to allow either the landlord, a close family member of the landlord, or an buyer who will soon acquire the property, to move into the rental unit. When such a situation arises, the landlord must truly believe and expect that the occupant that is replacing the tenant will reside within the rental unit for one year or more. Under the law, there is a mandate that landlords must show genuine intent for the new occupant to live in the rental property for at least one year. This legal mandate is aimed at preventing landlords from expressing a wish to repossess the rental unit without an authentic plan to actually occupy the rental unit, which could be used as a strategy to evict the existing tenant in order to secure a new tenant ready to pay higher rent.
The Law
A landlord holds a right, in certain circumstances, to terminate so to take over occupancy for the own use of the landlord per section 48 of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, Chapter 17 whereas it is stated:
48 (1) A landlord may, by notice, terminate a tenancy if the landlord in good faith requires possession of the rental unit for the purpose of residential occupation for a period of at least one year by,
(a) the landlord;
(b) the landlord’s spouse;
(c) a child or parent of the landlord or the landlord’s spouse; or
(d) a person who provides or will provide care services to the landlord, the landlord’s spouse, or a child or parent of the landlord or the landlord’s spouse, if the person receiving the care services resides or will reside in the building, related group of buildings, mobile home park or land lease community in which the rental unit is located.
(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.
(3) A tenant who receives notice of termination under subsection (1) may, at any time before the date specified in the notice, terminate the tenancy, effective on a specified date earlier than the date set out in the landlord’s notice.
(4) The date for termination specified in the tenant’s notice shall be at least 10 days after the date the tenant’s notice is given.
(5) This section does not authorize a landlord to give a notice of termination of a tenancy with respect to a rental unit unless,
(a) the rental unit is owned in whole or in part by an individual; and
(b) the landlord is an individual.
Challenges
Failure to follow the proper N12 eviction process can lead to legal issues, delays, and strife. The N12 process should be shown great care with adherence to the applicable requirements such as proper notice, mandatory compensation, good faith intentions, among other issues.
Explore Further Related Information...
Here are links to four (4) other webpages:
Conclusion
When a landlord wishes to occupy a rental unit for residential purposes of the landlord, or certain family members of the landlord, the landlord may issue, and serve, a Form N12 upon the tenant as the formal notice to evict for the own use by the landlord. The Form N12 must provide at least sixty (60) days notice to vacate the rental unit. Additionally, the landlord must provide the tenant with compensation equal to one (1) month of rent. It is prudent that the landlord will provide the compensation when the tenant vacates and provides keys to the landlord.
NOTE: A large volume of online searches for terms such as “lawyers in my area” or “top lawyer in” often indicates a pressing requirement for competent legal assistance rather than a particular designation. In Canada, licensed paralegals are governed by the same Law Society that regulates lawyers and are permitted to represent clients in specific litigation matters. Advocacy, legal assessment, and procedural expertise are pivotal to this function. Hall Paralegal Services provides legal representation within its licensed scope, focusing on strategic positioning, evidentiary preparation, and compelling advocacy aimed at securing efficient and favourable resolutions for clients.