Short answer: No. In Ontario, landlords cannot evict a tenant without a valid legal reason. The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) protects tenants from arbitrary eviction.
The Legal Framework
Ontario has some of the strongest tenant protections in North America. A landlord can only end a tenancy for specific reasons listed in the RTA:
Fault-Based Reasons (Tenant Did Something Wrong)
- Non-payment of rent — N4 Notice (14 days to pay or vacate)
- Persistent late payment — N8 Notice
- Damage to the unit — N5 Notice (20 days to fix)
- Disturbing other tenants — N5 Notice
- Illegal activity — N6 Notice (10-20 days)
- Safety hazard — N7 Notice
No-Fault Reasons (Not the Tenant's Fault)
- Landlord or family wants to move in — N12 Notice (60 days + 1 month compensation)
- Major renovation or demolition — N13 Notice (120 days + 3 months compensation)
- Agreement to terminate — N11 (mutual agreement)
What If My Landlord Tries to Evict Me Illegally?
If your landlord tries to force you out without proper notice or a valid reason, you have options:
- Don't leave. They cannot physically remove you — only the Sheriff can enforce an LTB eviction order.
- File a T2 Application with the LTB for harassment or interference with reasonable enjoyment.
- Document everything. Keep records of threats, lock changes, utility shutoffs, or any intimidation.
- Call the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit at 1-888-772-9277 if your landlord is engaging in illegal eviction tactics.
Common Illegal Eviction Tactics
- Changing the locks while the tenant is out
- Shutting off heat, water, or electricity
- Removing the tenant's belongings
- Harassment or intimidation to force the tenant to leave
- Claiming "personal use" with no genuine intent to move in
All of these are illegal under the RTA and can result in fines up to $50,000 for individuals and $250,000 for corporations.
Know Your Rights
If you believe your landlord is trying to illegally evict you, file a T2 Application with the LTB. LTB Ready generates the form in minutes with all the correct legal references.