New Rental Renovations License Bylaw

Coming into effect on Thursday, July 31, landlords in Toronto must obtain a Rental Renovation Licence before asking tenants to move out of a rental unit for renovations that require vacant occupancy. The new bylaw, which aims to curb bad faith evictions and protect tenants from the practice of “renovictions,” outlines clear requirements for licensing, tenant notification and temporary accommodation or compensation. Landlords are encouraged to review the full requirements and prepare in advance. Find more information on the City’s Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw webpage.

When is a Rental Renovation Licence required?

A Rental Renovation Licence is only required when a landlord issues an N13 notice – even if the tenant intends to return after the renovations – for the purpose of renovations that require the rental unit to be vacant. If a landlord can complete renovations without requiring a tenant to vacate or without issuing an N13 notice, a licence is not needed.

My landlord has issued an N13 notice of eviction. Do I need to move out?

An N13 notice is a formal step in the provincial eviction process under the Residential Tenancies Act. It may be issued for legitimate renovation work – but landlords must follow all steps in the City’s Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw before asking tenants to leave.

Tenants are not legally required to move out just because their landlord tells them to move out verbally, in writing, through an N13 notice or even if the landlord receives a Rental Renovation Licence from the City. Only the Landlord and Tenant Board can issue an eviction order, which requires the landlord to file an L2 application and the tenant to be given the opportunity for a hearing.

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