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Eviction Via Form N12 Process:
Good Faith Intention of at Least One Year of Occupancy
Last Updated: August 21 2026
Question: What good-faith and one-year occupancy requirements apply when issuing an N12 for own use in Ontario?
Answer: Wennekers.Legal™ can help you understand the good-faith and one-year own use requirements for an N12 eviction in Ontario, including that the landlord (or eligible close family member) must genuinely intend to occupy the rental unit for residential purposes for at least one year, as reflected in Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17, s. 48. This means the notice must be properly completed and served, the termination date must meet the statutory timing rules, and the required one-month compensation must be handled correctly at the move-out stage to reduce the risk of delays or challenges. If you need to review your situation and next steps for a compliant N12 process, call (647) 701-1162 for professional legal services.
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Understanding the Requirements During an N12 Eviction for Own Use By the Landlord or Family Member
It is common for a landlord to want to repossess a rental unit for the purpose of replacing the tenant occupancy with occupancy by the landlord, a close family member of the landlord, or for the occupancy by a forthcoming purchaser of the premises and when such circumstances arise, the landlord must truly hold an intention that the substitute occupancy will last for at least one year. The law imposes the mandate of a good faith intention that the replacing occupant will stay within the rental premises of at least one-year so to ensure that a landlord refrains from stating a desire to take back the rental unit without a genuine intention to occupy the rental unit; and perhaps does so merely as a guise to evicting the tenant so to replace the tenant with a fresh tenant that is willing to pay a higher rent.
Note: Please contact Wennekers.Legal™ by phone at: (647) 701-1162 to discuss any specific questions that you may have.
The Law
The right to terminate the tenancy, when in good faith, for own use purposes is provided within section 48 of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, Chapter 17 wherein it is said:
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
A failure to abide by the requirements of a proper N12 eviction can give rise to legal challenges accompanied with delays that are troubling for landlords and strife that is disruptive to tenants. To help minimize potential difficulties, focus and effort should be placed upon the adhering to the requirements of proper notice, compensation, good faith, etc.
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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 significant quantity of online searches featuring “lawyers near me” or “best lawyer in” typically indicates an urgent need for skilled legal assistance rather than a precise job title. In Ontario, the same Law Society that governs lawyers also regulates licensed paralegals, granting them the authority to represent clients in specific litigation issues. Central to their responsibilities are advocacy, legal analysis, and procedural expertise. Wennekers.Legal™ provides legal representation within its licensed authority, focusing on strategic positioning, the preparation of evidence, and persuasive advocacy designed to secure efficient and positive outcomes for clients.
