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Eviction Centre — Ontario
This situation often starts with an N12 notice given because the landlord has agreed to sell the property and the purchaser — or the purchaser's close family member — is said to require the unit to live in. The landlord may later file an LTB application (often an L2).
Step one
A notice or order describes the landlord's position or the tribunal's decision. Understanding what it appears to say is the starting point — not a verdict on your situation.
The document appears to state that the property has been sold or is under an agreement of purchase and sale, and that the purchaser or a close family member genuinely intends to move into your unit.
A sale by itself does not end a tenancy. In general, a new owner takes over the existing tenancy on the same terms. This notice type exists for specific situations, and the law attaches conditions to it — including a genuine agreement of purchase and sale, genuine intention to occupy, rules about which properties qualify, and compensation in certain cases. Confirm the current requirements with the LTB or a legal professional.
As with landlord's own use, if the purchaser does not actually move in and the unit is re-rented or re-listed, the law provides ways to bring the matter back to the LTB — which is why dated evidence is worth keeping even if you move.
The process
Ontario evictions follow stages. Knowing where you are in the process — and what has not happened yet — helps you act calmly and on time.
The notice names a termination date and states that a purchaser or their family member requires the unit. Being told the property is sold — or shown for sale — does not by itself require you to move.
If you do not move out, the landlord may file an application (often an L2), and would normally need to satisfy the LTB that the requirements for this notice type are met.
If an application is filed, the LTB normally schedules a hearing and sends a Notice of Hearing. You have the right to participate, respond to what is claimed, and present your own evidence. Free tenant duty counsel is often available on hearing days.
The LTB may dismiss the application or order the tenancy to end, and may look at whether a genuine sale exists, whether the purchaser genuinely intends to live in the unit, and whether the other requirements were met.
Even after an eviction order, only the Court Enforcement Office (the sheriff) can physically enforce it. A landlord cannot change your locks or remove you themselves. If anyone other than the sheriff tries to remove you, see Lockout Help and Emergency Help.
Deadlines
RTO Pro does not calculate legal deadlines. What it can do is help you notice every date that matters and keep it visible.
Dates on your document matter
Time limits in tenancy law are strict, they vary by situation, and exceptions may apply. Add every date from your document to the Deadline Tracker now, and confirm the current requirements with the LTB or a legal professional — do not estimate a deadline from general information.
Protect your position
Cases turn on documents, dates, and records. Preserve these now, in their original form, even if you hope the situation resolves quietly.
The Evidence Vault helps you preserve originals in organized categories, and the Timeline turns them into a clear chronology a professional can use.
Worth reviewing
These are not tests your document passes or fails. They are the questions a legal professional is likely to explore with you, so thinking them through early makes advice faster and better.
Is there a genuine, firm agreement of purchase and sale — not just a listing or an intention to sell?
Does the purchaser — or the named family member — genuinely intend to live in the unit?
Does the property fall within the categories the law allows for this notice type? Rules exist about which buildings qualify — confirm how they apply to yours.
Was compensation addressed as the law requires?
Was the listing marketed with language like “vacant possession” or “ideal for investors,” and what might that suggest?
If the sale does not close, or the buyer never moves in, what are your options and their deadlines?
If it goes to the LTB
Most tenants who do well at hearings are not the loudest — they are the most organized. Preparation starts long before the hearing date.
You do not have to do this alone
Ontario has free and low-cost legal help for tenants — community legal clinics, tenant duty counsel at the LTB, Legal Aid Ontario, and licensed paralegals and lawyers.
This is legal information, not legal advice. RTO Pro is not a law firm. Deadlines and exceptions may apply to your situation — a qualified legal professional should confirm anything important before you rely on it.
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