Renoviction
High RiskAn eviction in which a landlord ends a tenancy on the stated ground of major renovations or repairs, sometimes used in bad faith to remove a below-market tenant and re-rent at a higher price.
In Plain English
A 'renoviction' is when a landlord evicts you to do major renovations. It can be legitimate — some work genuinely requires an empty unit — but it's also a common tactic to push out long-term tenants paying below-market rent. The law usually requires real permits, proper notice, compensation, and often a right of first refusal to move back at a similar rent once the work is done.
Why It Matters for Tenants
Renovictions are one of the main ways affordable tenancies disappear. Knowing your rights — to compensation, to return, and to challenge a bad-faith renoviction — can save your home or win you significant compensation.
Risk Level
High risk because a wrongful renoviction ends a valuable tenancy. But tenants have strong tools: permit requirements, compensation, right of first refusal, and bad-faith penalties.
Example Clause
The Landlord requires vacant possession to carry out extensive renovations requiring a building permit. The Tenant is entitled to compensation and the right of first refusal to re-occupy the unit at the previously lawful rent upon completion.
This is a representative example for educational purposes. Actual lease language varies.
Common Mistakes Tenants Make
- Leaving without confirming the landlord has the required permits
- Not giving written notice that you want the right of first refusal to return
- Not claiming compensation or challenging a renoviction that looks like a pretext
Provincial and State Variations
Ontario uses Form N13 with compensation and a right to return at the same rent; bad-faith cases can bring a T5 claim. BC requires a four-month notice, permits, and compensation, with a right of first refusal for major renovations. Rules vary elsewhere — get advice before agreeing to leave.