Eviction
Understand eviction in Canadian real estate—when it’s allowed, how the legal process works, and what landlords and tenants must do to comply.
May 29, 2025
What is an Eviction?
Eviction is the legal process by which a landlord removes a tenant from a rental property for violating lease terms or provincial tenancy laws.
Why Evictions Matter in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate, eviction rules are governed by provincial laws such as the Residential Tenancies Act (Ontario) or equivalent legislation.
Common legal reasons for eviction include:
- Non-payment of rent
- Property damage or illegal activity
- Owner move-in or sale of the property
Landlords must follow formal procedures, including issuing notice, filing with a landlord-tenant board, and potentially attending a hearing. Illegal evictions—such as changing locks without notice—are prohibited.
Understanding eviction helps landlords act legally and helps tenants know their rights and recourse.
Example of an Eviction
After months of missed rent, a landlord files for eviction through the Landlord and Tenant Board and receives an order to vacate the unit.
Key Takeaways
- Legal process for removing tenants.
- Must follow provincial tenancy laws.
- Requires notice and possible hearings.
- Grounds include non-payment or misuse.
- Tenants have rights and protections.
Related Terms
- Lease Agreement
- Tenant Rights
- Landlord Responsibilities
- Residential Tenancies Act
- Default Judgment
Average and median describe different aspects of the same month’s transactions. Both are affected by the mix of homes sold.
Category averages compare different homes and locations; the gaps are not estimates of the cost to upgrade an otherwise identical property.
The five categories shown account for 5,000 of the board’s 5,057 sales. The remaining 57 transactions were in other housing categories.
Monthly observations are not seasonally adjusted. Active listings count properties available at month-end; they are not construction inventory.
Average and median prices share one dollar axis. These unadjusted transaction measures do not control for changes in the homes sold.
TRREB’s 416/905 categories compare the apartments sold in each area. The difference does not isolate a location premium for equivalent units.
5680 Oak Street in Vancouver and its surrounding context. (MCMP Architects)
Ground-level renderings of the tower proposed for 5680 Oak Street in Vancouver. (MCMP Architects)
