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Landlords can evict tenants to do work on a rental unit that can’t be done while people are living there. To do this, your landlord should give you a Form N13 from the Landlord and Tenant Board.
You have the right to move back into your unit when the work is done. This is called the “right of first refusal”. But before you move out, you must tell your landlord in writing that you want to move back in.
This tool asks you a series of questions and creates a letter you can send to your landlord to tell them this.
Make sure to follow the steps in this checklist about what you must do before and after you move out.
Read more in Can my landlord make me move out for repairs or renovations?
To use this tool, you need:
Note: CLEO does not store your personal information.
You can use this tool if:
You can’t use this tool if you live in:
Fields marked with an asterisk * must be filled in.
When counting the number of residential units, include units that are not being rented. For example, if your landlord lives in the building, their living space counts as one unit. Don’t count business or commercial spaces, like a store or office.
Usually, anyone named on your lease or rental agreement is a tenant. It’s likely that anyone else you live with is an occupant, not a tenant. For example, this might be a new partner or adult child who moved in after you signed the lease.
Children under 16 are never tenants. It’s more complicated for children who are 16 or 17 and not living with their parents or guardians.
CLEO’s roommate tool may help you figure out who to list. And the Landlord and Tenant Board has a guide that explains who might be a tenant.
If you’re still not sure, get legal advice before you start.
You must enter the names of all of the tenants who want to move back into the unit. Enter your name first, and then if there are more names, you'll enter them as tenant 2, 3, 4, and 5.
If there are more than 5 names, you'll have to add the extra ones to the letter before sending it.
You don’t have to include this information in your letter. But you need to give it your landlord before you move out.
You can include the address you're moving to, if you know it.
Or, you can give an address where you can get your mail, for example, the address of:
It’s best to give the name of the person or business listed as your landlord on the Form N13. If you’re not sure about including that name, use the name of the person you pay your rent to. Or, use the person or business listed as the landlord on your lease or rental agreement.
If you’re still not sure, get legal advice about what name to include.
There are steps you need to take once you get the email that has the contents of your letter.
To create the letter:
You must sign the letter, either on paper or by using an e-signature.
You can send the letter to your landlord in the mail or by email, or give it to them in person.
Send the letter by email only if your landlord has told you in writing that it’s okay to send things this way.
Keep a copy for yourself.
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