Can The Landlord Refuse To Renew My Lease?

In Ontario, a landlord can refuse to renew your lease under specific circumstances outlined by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). Legitimate reasons for refusal include the landlord or their immediate family member needing to move into the unit, selling the property to a buyer who requires it for their own use, or conducting extensive renovations that necessitate the property being vacant. In such cases, the landlord must provide proper notice and use the appropriate forms—such as the N12 form for personal or family use and the N13 form for major renovations.

The proper notice involves giving you at least 60 days written notice before the end of your lease term. The notice must specify the reason for not renewing the lease and adhere to the requirements set by the RTA. If the landlord fails to follow these procedures or if you believe the refusal to renew your lease is unjust, you have the right to dispute it. You can file a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), which will review your case and make a determination based on the evidence presented.

It’s important to understand that the landlord’s refusal must be for legitimate reasons, as the law specifies. If the LTB finds the refusal to renew the lease unjustified, they can order the landlord to allow you to continue your tenancy. Understanding your rights and the proper procedures can help you navigate this situation effectively and ensure that any refusal to renew your lease is handled fairly and legally.

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