Landlord Eviction and Lease Notices
Alternate Names:
An Eviction Notice or Lease Notice is also called a:
- Landlord Notice
- Notice of Termination
- Notice to Vacate
- Notice to Pay Rent or Quit
- Notice to Quit
- Notice to Quit
What is a Lease Notice?
A Lease Notice is a formal, written announcement or warning to a tenant regarding breaches of or changes in the terms of a Residential Lease Agreement.
A Lease Notice can specify whether or not the tenant's lease is terminated if the tenant does not correct the violation within a reasonable time frame. It can also be used to notify the tenant that the tenancy is ending and the lease will not be renewed.
What are the different types of Lease Notices?
Lease Notices can be used as reminders for tenants to comply with lease terms, or as eviction warnings for tenants who fail to remedy certain situations.
- Rent is overdue: A Notice to Pay Rent is used when a tenant fails to pay rent on time. It gives the tenant a time frame in which to pay rent, or else the landlord may require the tenant to quit (leave) the premises.
- Lease is violated: A Notice of Lease Violation is used when a tenant fails to comply with lease terms (e.g. smoking, having unauthorized pets, housing a long-term guest who appears to be taking up residence, etc.). If the tenant doesn't remedy the violation, the landlord may terminate the Lease Agreement.
- Lease will not be renewed: A Notice of Termination is used when a landlord wants to end a tenancy by providing notice. Notice periods may vary depending on the type of lease and governing law in your jurisdiction.
What is an Eviction Notice?
An Eviction Notice is a formal, written statement that a landlord or property manager uses to terminate a Lease Agreement and inform a tenant to vacate the premises. It is often the first step in the eviction process.
What are the different types of Eviction Notices?
Landlords may evict tenants for various reasons, although the validity of these reasons can vary between jurisdictions. You can consult with your local landlord and tenant board to see if your reason for evicting a tenant is legally valid.
LawDepot provides notice forms for common eviction causes such as:
- Unpaid rent
- Substantial damage to the property
- Violence or threats
- Illegal activities on the premises
What are the rules for eviction?
During the eviction process, a landlord must abide by the laws of the province or territory in which the property is located. These laws exist to protect both landlord and tenant rights and can vary by jurisdiction. Generally, the eviction process takes place in the following order and abides by these rules:
- A landlord gives a tenant an Eviction Notice within the appropriate time frame (this can change depending on the type of lease, the reason for eviction, and the jurisdiction in which the rental property is located).
- The tenant may have the opportunity to address the problem or vacate the property.
- If the tenant does not leave, the landlord can apply for an eviction order from their local landlord and tenant board. The board will set a date for a hearing or, in some provinces, will send a neutral third party to act as a mediator and help the landlord and tenant reconcile. If reconciliation is impossible, a hearing is scheduled.
- The landlord is required to inform the tenant about the eviction order application and if or when there will be a court hearing. Some landlord and tenant agencies require the landlord to prove the tenant was served this information with an AffidavitAffidavit or another similar form.
- The landlord and tenant attend the hearing and present their case to the landlord and tenant tribunal or arbitrator, who then makes a decision to proceed with the eviction or not.
- If the eviction is approved, an eviction order is issued and the tenant is required to vacate the premises by a certain date. If the tenant has not left by that time, the landlord can take steps (which can differ depending on jurisdiction) to have a sheriff or court bailiff escort the tenant out.
- If the eviction is not approved, an order may be issued requiring the landlord to provide maintenance to the rental property, lower the rent, or accommodate the tenant in some other way.
It is illegal for a landlord to evict a tenant without following the aforementioned rules and processes.
For example, a landlord cannot change the locks, cut off utility services, or physically remove a tenant from the property. These methods are sometimes referred to as "self-help evictions," "constructive evictions," or "economic evictions," and can be considered harassment or assault. A landlord who illegally evicts a tenant may be held liable for damages done to the tenant during that time.