Main Content

What Is Cash For Keys? – How to End Tenancies in Ontario

As a landlord in Ontario, ending a tenancy can be complicated. Understanding the legal requirements and procedures involved in terminating a tenancy is essential.  This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about ending tenancies in Ontario.

>>>> Watch Us On YouTube
 >>>> Follow Us On Instagram
 >>>> Find Us On Facebook
MORE BLOG POSTS HERE >>>>Elevate Blog

Common Forms Used to End Tenancies

If you want to end a tenancy, here are the keys forms you can use.

Form N4: Notice to End a Tenancy Early for Non-payment of Rent. This form is used when tenants have not paid their rent on time. The form gives the tenant 14 days’ notice to pay the outstanding rent or move out.

Form N5: Notice to End a Tenancy for Interfering with Others, Damage or Overcrowding. This form is used when a tenant has damaged the rental unit, caused disturbances or overcrowding, or interfered with other tenants’ enjoyment of the property. The form provides the tenant with 7 days’ notice to either resolve the issue or move out.

Form L1: Application to Evict a Tenant for Non-payment of Rent and to Collect Rent the Tenant Owes. This form is used when a tenant has not paid their rent and owes money to the landlord. The form allows the landlord to apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an eviction order and to collect the rent owed.

Form L2: Application to End a Tenancy and Evict a Tenant. This form is used when a landlord wants to end a tenancy and evict a tenant for specific reasons, such as causing damage to the rental unit or engaging in illegal activities. The form allows the landlord to apply for an eviction order to the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Form L3: Application to End a Tenancy and Evict a Tenant for Interference with Others, Damage or Overcrowding. This form is used when a tenant has caused damage to the rental unit, interfered with other tenants’ enjoyment of the property, or caused overcrowding. The form allows the landlord to apply for an eviction order to the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Providing a Notice of Termination

When ending a tenancy in Ontario, landlords must provide the tenant with a notice of termination.

The notice must be:

  • In writing
  • Include the specific reason for ending the tenancy
  • The date the tenancy will end
  • Instructions for vacating the rental unit

If a tenant has given notice that they are leaving, the landlord must respond within seven days by providing a notice of termination. The notice should confirm the date the tenant will be leaving and any instructions for leaving the unit.

If a landlord wants to end a tenancy for specific reasons, they must provide the tenant with a notice of termination. The notice must include the reason for ending the tenancy and the date the tenant must vacate the rental unit.

Valid Reasons for Eviction

In Ontario, landlords are only permitted to evict tenants for specific reasons. These reasons include non-payment of rent, damage to the rental unit, illegal activities, overcrowding, and interfering with others. If a tenant has not paid their rent on time, the landlord can evict them by providing notice and applying to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an eviction order. Similarly, suppose a tenant has caused damage to the rental unit. In that case, the landlord can evict them by providing notice and applying for an eviction order to the Landlord and Tenant Board. Additionally, suppose a tenant engages in illegal activities on the rental property. In that case, the landlord can evict them by providing notice and applying for an eviction order to the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Furthermore, suppose a tenant has allowed overcrowding in the rental unit. In that case, the landlord can evict them by providing notice and applying for an eviction order to the Landlord and Tenant Board. Lastly, suppose a tenant has caused disturbances or interfered with other tenants’ enjoyment of the rental property. In that case, the landlord can evict them by providing notice and applying for an eviction order to the Landlord and Tenant Board. Once the application is received, the Landlord and Tenant Board will review the application and determine if there are grounds for eviction. If the Board approves the eviction, the landlord can apply for an eviction order, and the tenant must then leave the rental unit by the date specified in the notice of termination.

Cash For Keys

Aside from the legal eviction process, there is also an informal option known as cash for keys. This option involves landlords offering tenants cash to vacate their rental units early. While this option can benefit both parties, following all legal procedures to ensure you’re protected is essential. Remember, cash for keys is not a legal requirement, and it’s crucial to provide the tenant with a written agreement outlining the terms of the agreement, including the amount of cash, the date of the move-out, and any other requirements. Additionally, it’s recommended to have the tenant sign a release form acknowledging that they are leaving voluntarily and waiving any future legal claims against the landlord.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ending a tenancy in Ontario involves following specific legal procedures to avoid legal liability or potential fines. From providing and receiving notice to evicting a tenant for specific reasons, there are specific procedures you must follow. Additionally, cash for keys can be a beneficial way to avoid eviction, but it’s important to follow all legal procedures to ensure you’re protected. Consult with a lawyer or professional to ensure you follow all legal requirements and protect yourself and your property.

Elevate Real Estate Group

Stewart Blair, Victoria Rowe, Brittany Wurfel, & Jeremy Odland

Happy Home Buying or Selling

Are you thinking of making a move soon?

How can we elevate your real estate experience?

Potential Next Steps >>>

Want more details on the current market? You can find more information about the current market here: London & St Thomas Association of Realtors. 

Elevated Excellence in Real Estate…

When you ask their clients, both old & new, they will tell you that the Elevate Real Estate Group with Royal LePage Triland in London, Ontario, sets themselves apart in a crowded real estate field with their dedication and focus on Ethical Behaviour, the Best Client Experience Possible, and a Commitment to Excellence.  

The Elevate Real Estate Group is not focused on real estate awards, how many homes can be sold in a year, how fast you can move on to the next client or being the most recognized “name” in the industry.

They care about Every Client, Every Deal, Every Time. They believe that everyone, from first-time home buyers to seasoned real estate investors, deserves the respect of receiving an Elevate Real Estate Experience.

Learn more about us here: Elevate Real Estate Group.

Elevate Team Members Stewart, Brittany, Jeremy, and Victoria’s profiles are here: About Us.

You can read some testimonials from past clients here: Client Review.

Want to learn more about the neighbourhoods in and around London? Look at the guide page: Neighbourhoods.

 Looking for a real estate-related service? Look at our Preferred Vendors.

Looking for your next home? Search MLS here or View Our Listings.

 Want more great content to read? Here are our top 5 blog posts:

Elevate Your Real Estate Journey: 10 Reasons to work with a real estate team!

Moving Made Easy: A Comprehensive Guide to a Stress-Free Moving Day 

10 Red Flags to Look for in a Potential Home

How to Prepare for Showing Appointments: A Comprehensive Guide by Elevate Real Estate Group with Royal LePage Triland in London, Ontario

What Is Cash For Keys? – How to End Tenancies in Ontario

 

 

Skip to content