October 19, 2026 | By Jarrett Hunter, Toronto Realtor®

If you own a rental property in Toronto, there are some important changes to Ontario’s landlord and tenant rules that you should be aware of.

Several amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act took effect on September 21, 2026, following an earlier set of changes implemented in July. These amendments affect landlords, tenants and the process of ending a tenancy.

Some changes shorten procedural timelines, while others introduce additional obligations. Understanding the differences is particularly important for condominium owners who may only rent out one or two properties.

Shorter Notice Period for Unpaid Rent

One of the most significant changes concerns the N4 notice used when a tenant fails to pay rent.

Previously, the minimum notice period was generally 14 days. For N4 notices served on or after September 21, 2026, the period has been reduced to seven days.

However, this doesn’t mean a landlord can simply remove a tenant after seven days.

Landlords must still follow the Landlord and Tenant Board’s application and eviction procedures. Tenants also retain the applicable rights to address rental arrears and respond to an eviction application.

The shorter notice period allows the landlord to begin the next stage of the process sooner, but it doesn’t guarantee that possession of the property will be obtained quickly.

Changes to Landlord’s Own Use Notices

Another important amendment involves the N12 notice, which may be used when a landlord or certain family members genuinely intend to occupy a rental property.

For qualifying notices served on or after September 21, a landlord providing at least 120 days’ notice for their own use may no longer be required to pay the usual compensation or offer another acceptable rental unit.

Where less than 120 days’ notice is provided, the existing compensation requirements continue to apply.

There is an important exception: this change does not apply to N12 notices issued because a purchaser intends to occupy the property.

That’s a particularly important distinction when selling a condominium with a tenant already living in the unit. Selling the property does not, by itself, end the tenancy.

The amended rules also generally require the landlord or specified intended occupant to move in within 60 days of the termination date identified in a landlord’s own use N12 notice. Failure to do so can affect how the Board evaluates a subsequent bad-faith application.

Renovations and a Tenant’s Right to Return

Landlords undertaking major renovations should also pay close attention to amendments involving N13 notices.

Where a tenant has exercised their legal right to return after qualifying renovations, landlords have additional written notification obligations concerning the expected completion date, changes to that date and when the property is ready for occupancy.

The rules also include a 60-day reoccupancy notice requirement in applicable circumstances.

This is an area where landlords should obtain appropriate legal advice before proceeding, particularly when renovations require a property to be vacant.

What Does This Mean for Toronto Landlords?

Owning a rental condominium can be a worthwhile investment, but it’s important to remember that Ontario’s tenancy laws establish specific responsibilities.

Using an outdated form, misunderstanding a notice period or assuming that a tenant must leave simply because a property is being sold can create significant problems.

My recommendation is to keep current with the Landlord and Tenant Board’s official forms and procedures and obtain legal advice whenever a tenancy termination or dispute is involved.

For more information about selling an occupied condominium, read my article on selling a Toronto condo with a tenant living there.

Source: Tribunals Ontario — Legislative Changes Effective September 21, 2026

This article provides general information, not legal advice. Individual circumstances, notice dates and statutory requirements may affect how the rules apply.

Jarrett Hunter | Realtor® | RE/MAX Your Community Realty