Can a landlord evict me so a family member can move in?

Yes, in every province a landlord can end a tenancy for their own use or for a close family member (and often a purchaser's family) — but only in good faith, with the required written notice and, in several provinces, compensation. The family members who qualify and the notice period vary by province.

How much notice and compensation is required in Ontario?

In Ontario, an own-use eviction uses Form N12 with at least 60 days' notice ending on the last day of a rental period, plus one month's rent in compensation (or another acceptable unit). The landlord — or the person moving in — must genuinely intend to live there for at least 12 months, and an affidavit is required.

What if my landlord doesn't actually move in?

That's bad faith. If the landlord or family member never moves in — or re-rents the unit at a higher price shortly after — you can file with your tenancy board for substantial compensation. In Ontario this is a T5 application; in BC the tenant can be owed up to 12 months' rent. Keep evidence like new listings.

Can I dispute an own-use eviction?

Yes. You can dispute at your provincial tenancy board, usually within a set window (for example, 21 days in BC). Common grounds include improper notice, missing compensation, the wrong form, or genuine doubt about the landlord's good-faith intention to move in.

Home BlogOwn-Use Eviction by Province

CanadaOctober 3, 20266 min read

Can My Landlord Evict Me to Move In a Family Member?

"My landlord says their son is moving in." It's a legitimate reason to end a tenancy across Canada — but only in good faith, with proper notice and (in most provinces) compensation. Here's the rule by province, and your rights if it's a bluff.

By the LeasePlain Editorial Team · Checked against provincial residential-tenancy law per our editorial standards·Last reviewed October 2026

Own-Use Eviction: Notice & Compensation

Every province lets a landlord end a tenancy so they — or a close family member, and often a purchaser — can move in. The notice and compensation differ:

Province	Notice	Compensation
Ontario (N12)	60 days (to end of a rental period)	1 month's rent
British Columbia	3 months	1 month's rent
Alberta	90 days (periodic tenancy)	Not required by statute
Quebec (repossession)	6 months before a 12-month lease ends	Moving/relocation expenses
Manitoba	Proper written notice (varies)	May apply in some cases

Reviewed October 2026. Rules change — confirm with your provincial tenancy authority.

The "Good Faith" Requirement

This is the heart of an own-use eviction. The landlord (or the person moving in) must genuinely intend to live in the unit — in Ontario and BC, for at least 12 months. The notice must name the person and their relationship. A landlord can't use "my family is moving in" as a pretext to remove a tenant and re-rent at a higher price.

Bad-Faith Evictions: Your Remedy

If the landlord or family member never moves in, or the unit is re-listed shortly after at a higher rent, that's bad faith and it's expensive for the landlord. In Ontario you can file a T5 application for up to 12 months' rent plus costs; in BC the tenant can be owed up to 12 months' rent. Save evidence: new rental ads, listing screenshots, and the names on the notice.

How to Respond to the Notice

Check the form and notice period — the wrong form or short notice makes it invalid.
Confirm compensation was offered where required (e.g., one month in Ontario and BC).
Decide whether to dispute at your tenancy board within the deadline (21 days in BC).
Keep monitoring the unit after you leave, in case it's re-rented in bad faith.