Notice of Termination of Tenancy

If a tenant receives a Notice to terminate the tenancy, called a Notice of Termination, from the landlord, it means that the landlord wishes the tenant to move out. The Notice must state why they are being told to leave and give the date of termination. Depending on the reason for termination, the landlord must wait a specified number of days after giving notice, in order to give the tenant time to either correct the problem, or move out.

The first thing a tenant should do when they receive a Notice of Termination is read it carefully to see why and when the landlord is asking them to leave. They then have a number of options. The tenant can:

• talk to the landlord about the notice and correct the problem if the Notice was given because the landlord believes the tenant did something wrong;
• leave the unit as requested by the landlord; or
• stay in the unit and see if the landlord files an application with the Board.

If the tenant does not correct the problem or move out, the landlord can then apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an Eviction Order. To do this, the landlord must file an Application with the Board. A hearing date will then be set. The landlord must then deliver the Application and the Notice of Hearing to the tenant.

How to fight an eviction application

If a tenant receives an Application to Terminate a Tenancy and Evict a Tenant, and a Notice of Hearing, they must attend the hearing to avoid being evicted from their home. At the hearing, the Board will hear evidence from both the landlord and the tenant. Documents that are relevant to the case should also be brought to the hearing.

What if the Board issues an Eviction Order?

If the Board orders the eviction, it will specify the exact date by which the tenant must vacate the premises, and may include an order that the tenant pay arrears of rent owing (if applicable). In rare cases, where a litigant (or their legal counsel) is disruptive, abusive or disrespectful, and causes delays or disruptions to the process, the Board has the authority to order them to pay the other party’s legal costs.

If the tenant disagrees with the Board’s decision, they may be able to dispute it. Depending on the tenant’s situation, they may be able to:

• File a motion to set-aside the Eviction Order;
• Request a review because of a serious error; or
• Appeal the Board’s decision to the courts because of a legal error.

The tenant may also be able to request an amendment because the Order contains a clerical error, although such errors will not be significant enough to set-aside the Eviction Order.

Tenant claims against landlords

Termination in Bad Faith: A tenant can file a T5 Application – Landlord Gave a Notice of Termination in Bad Faith asking the LTB to order a landlord to pay them up to 12 months’ rent in compensation, and they do not need to have incurred any actual expenses to make this claim.

Evicted for landlord’s personal use: A tenant can file a T5 application claiming that the landlord served a N12 notice (for own use/purchaser’s own use) in bad faith and failed to move into the unit after the tenant vacated, and can claim compensation equivalent to as much as 12 months’ rent.

Eviction for renovations/repairs: If a tenant is evicted because the landlord intends to do major repairs (N13 notice), the tenant has the right to move back when the repairs are completed if they have given the landlord written notice. The tenant can file a T5 application up-to 2 years after they moved out, if the landlord has not allowed the tenant to move back in.

These procedures can be quite complicated. For further information, visit the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Help for Tenants

A criminal record will affect your ability to be approved for a residential lease. To erase your criminal record, learn more at Pardon Partners. It’s easier than you think.

If you are having financial problems, it may be difficult to rent an apartment or condominium. You can get help to clear your debt and repair your credit. For easy-to-understand debt solutions on your terms, contact our preferred experts 4Pillars and rebuild your financial future. With 60 locations across Canada, they will help you design a debt repayment plan and guide you with compassionate advice. No judgment. For help, visit 4Pillars or call toll-free 1-844-888-0442 .

If you are a Tenant, you can add your monthly rent payment to your credit report using FrontLobby. This can:

• Contribute to improving your credit score (Renters have reported 33pts to 84pts jumps)
• Help establish a positive credit history with a new rent tradeline
• Improve your access to credit related rewards (better bank loans, credit cards, mortgage rates)

Help for Landlords & Property Managers

For legal advice and assistance with a residential tenancy and applications to the Landlord and Tenant Board, contact our preferred Landlord and Tenant experts Nicola (Nick) Giannantonio Legal Services .

If you are a Landlord or Property Manager, you can report rent payments to Credit Bureaus and screen Tenants using FrontLobby. This can:

• Attract financially responsible applicants interested in building credit with their rent
• Decrease rent delinquencies (Landlords have reported 92% reductions) and recover unpaid rent
• Reduce Tenant turnover and improve monthly cash flow

								
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