What Happens If The Owner Sells My Toronto Rental?

If your landlord sells, your rights continue. Fixed-term leases must be honoured, and month-to-month tenants can stay unless the buyer or their family genuinely needs the unit and provides proper notice under the N12, along with compensation.

Your Rights at a Glance

• Fixed-term lease: The buyer must honour your lease until its end date. You can stay under the same terms and conditions.
• Month-to-month lease: The tenancy continues. If the buyer is an investor, they must assume your tenancy. If the buyer is an end-user (planning to move in themselves or for an immediate family member), they can only terminate the tenancy with proper notice and payment of compensation.

When Can a Buyer Ask You to Move?

• End-user occupancy: A landlord can serve an N12 notice on behalf of the buyer. This requires at least 60 days’ written notice, with the termination date at the end of a rental period (and not before a fixed term ends).
• Compensation: You must receive one month’s rent or be offered another acceptable rental unit. This payment must be made by the termination date.
• Good faith: The buyer must genuinely intend to occupy the property. Tenants can dispute an N12 at the Landlord and Tenant Board if they believe it was issued in bad faith.
• Early exit: After receiving a valid N12, tenants may choose to leave earlier by giving at least 10 days’ notice.

Showings While the Property Is for Sale

• Landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before showings.
• Showings must occur between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
• Tenants retain the right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment while the property is being marketed.

Practical Tips for Tenants

• Confirm the buyer type: Investor = tenancy continues. End user = N12, 60 days’ notice, one month’s rent compensation.
• Check dates and payments: Ensure the termination date is correct and compensation is paid on time.
• Know your options: If you believe a notice isn’t valid or in good faith, you can dispute it through the Landlord and Tenant Board.

The Fox Marin Team helps tenants and landlords understand their rights and obligations when a property changes hands, ensuring that transitions are handled fairly, clearly, and in

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