N12 L2 Landlord · Ontario LTB

How do I get my rental unit back for my own or a purchaser's use?

You, a close family member, or a purchaser will move in. Serve an N12 with compensation, then file an L2.

The step-by-step process

Reviewed by a licensed paralegal. General information — not legal advice.

  1. 1

    Confirm the person moving in qualifies (you, your spouse, child or parent, your spouse's child or parent, or a purchaser under an agreement of purchase and sale) and intends to occupy for at least one year.

  2. 2

    Pay the tenant compensation of one month's rent (or offer another acceptable unit) on or before the termination date.

  3. 3

    Serve an N12 with a termination date at the end of a rental period. An L2 based on an N12 must include the required affidavit/declaration of good faith.

  4. 4

    If the tenant does not move out, file an L2 with the LTB and pay the filing fee.

  5. 5

    At the hearing, be ready to prove genuine good-faith intention to occupy.

⏱ Timeline

An N12 must give at least 60 days' notice and end on the last day of a rental period. The one-month compensation is due by the termination date. Verify on the N12 form.

💵 Compensation

One month's rent (or an offer of another acceptable rental unit), due on or before the termination date.

⚠️ Common mistakes to avoid

  • Good faith is essential. If the unit is not actually used as stated, the tenant can file a T5 (bad-faith notice) and the LTB can order significant remedies.

Frequently asked questions

Which form do I use to end a tenancy for your own or a purchaser's use in Ontario?

Serve the N12 (Notice to End your Tenancy Because the Landlord, a Purchaser or a Family Member Requires the Rental Unit) first. If the tenant doesn't comply by the termination date, file the L2 (Application to End a Tenancy and Evict a Tenant) with the Landlord and Tenant Board.

How long does it take to end a tenancy for your own or a purchaser's use in Ontario?

An N12 must give at least 60 days' notice and end on the last day of a rental period. The one-month compensation is due by the termination date. Verify on the N12 form.

What are the steps to end a tenancy for your own or a purchaser's use in Ontario?

1. Confirm the person moving in qualifies (you, your spouse, child or parent, your spouse's child or parent, or a purchaser under an agreement of purchase and sale) and intends to occupy for at least one year. 2. Pay the tenant compensation of one month's rent (or offer another acceptable unit) on or before the termination date. 3. Serve an N12 with a termination date at the end of a rental period. An L2 based on an N12 must include the required affidavit/declaration of good faith. 4. If the tenant does not move out, file an L2 with the LTB and pay the filing fee. 5. At the hearing, be ready to prove genuine good-faith intention to occupy.

Do I have to pay the tenant compensation to end a tenancy for your own or a purchaser's use?

One month's rent (or an offer of another acceptable rental unit), due on or before the termination date.

What are the most common mistakes when trying to end a tenancy for your own or a purchaser's use?

Good faith is essential. If the unit is not actually used as stated, the tenant can file a T5 (bad-faith notice) and the LTB can order significant remedies.

If the LTB orders eviction, can I remove the tenant myself?

No. Only the Court Enforcement Office (the Sheriff) can enforce an eviction order. Changing the locks or removing a tenant yourself is an illegal lockout and can expose you to a tenant T2 application.

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General information, not legal advice — it doesn't create a paralegal–client relationship. Confirm exact deadlines on the official LTB form and rely on a licensed paralegal or lawyer for representation. Enforcement of an eviction is only by the Court Enforcement Office (Sheriff).