How much notice does a landlord have to give?

It depends on the province and the reason. For a no-fault reason such as the landlord moving in, the notice for a monthly tenancy is three tenancy months in Alberta, three months in British Columbia, three to five months in Manitoba, at least two months in Saskatchewan, at least 60 days in Ontario, at least one month in New Brunswick (three months for a tenant of five years or more), at least four months in Prince Edward Island and three months in Newfoundland and Labrador. In Nova Scotia, the landlord needs an order from the Director instead.

For a no-fault reason, usually not. New Brunswick is the main exception: a landlord with a listed reason can end a monthly tenancy with at least one month's notice before the end of a month, unless the tenant has lived there for five years or more. Notices for cause or unpaid rent can be a month or less in most provinces, but they need a reason the law allows.

At least 24 hours' written notice for most reasons, in every province covered here. Some provinces also set a maximum: 30 days in British Columbia and Nova Scotia, 2 weeks in Manitoba and 7 days in Saskatchewan. Entry hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in British Columbia. New Brunswick requires 7 days' notice for repairs.

Generally only in an emergency or with the tenant's consent. Most provinces also let a landlord enter a unit the tenant has clearly abandoned, although PEI and Newfoundland and Labrador require a notice posted on the property beforehand. For anything else, such as repairs, inspections or showings, the landlord has to give written notice first.

In most provinces, a sale only lets the landlord end a tenancy when the buyer or a close family member will move in. The notice is three tenancy months in Alberta, three months in British Columbia (RTB-32P), one month in Saskatchewan, at least 60 days in Ontario (N12), and in Manitoba three months when the vacancy rate is under 3% (one month for a monthly tenancy when it is 3% or higher). In Nova Scotia, the property must have four units or fewer, and form DR2 takes effect no earlier than two months after the tenant receives it. In Prince Edward Island, it applies to buildings with fewer than three units or a condo: two months if the buyer moves in, four months for the buyer's family. In New Brunswick, a sale is not a reason to end a tenancy.

Three tenancy months in Alberta, three full months in British Columbia, three months in Manitoba and Prince Edward Island, 90 days in Ontario, four months in Nova Scotia, six months in New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador, and 12 months in Saskatchewan (six months for a landlord in a prescribed landlord association). See how much a landlord can increase rent for the limits on the amount.

In most provinces, yes. The reason has to come from a list the law sets, such as the landlord or a buyer moving in, demolition, unpaid rent or serious problems caused by the tenant, and it has to be stated in the notice. Newfoundland and Labrador is the exception: a landlord can end a monthly tenancy without a reason by giving notice three months before the end of a rental period.

It depends on the province. In Alberta and New Brunswick, a fixed-term lease ends on its end date with no notice. In British Columbia and Ontario, it usually continues month to month, and the landlord needs a legal reason to end it. In Saskatchewan, the landlord must serve a Notice of Intention at least two months before the end; if it is not served, a hearing officer can order the tenancy to continue. In Manitoba, the landlord must offer a renewal three months before the end. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the landlord gives three months' notice before the end of the term.

A notice with the wrong form, a period that is too short, or no valid reason can be thrown out, and the landlord has to serve a new one. Tenants can dispute many notices within a set time, so it is worth acting quickly. If a landlord gives a reason in bad faith, such as claiming to move in and then re-renting, the tenant may be able to claim compensation: in New Brunswick, for example, a tenant can apply within two years if the landlord does not use the unit for the stated reason within two months.

Alberta requires 365 days for a major renovation or condo conversion, and Ontario 120 days for demolition, conversion or a major renovation (N13). In Saskatchewan, a renovation that needs the unit empty takes at least two months' notice. Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick require approval before the notice, and Prince Edward Island then requires six months. In Nova Scotia, the tenancy can only end by mutual agreement or a Director's order. In British Columbia, demolition or conversion takes four months' notice.

Much less than for a no-fault reason: 14 clear days in Alberta, 10 days in British Columbia, 7 days in Ontario, at least 15 days in New Brunswick, 20 days in Prince Edward Island and 10 days in Newfoundland and Labrador. In Saskatchewan, once rent is 15 days or more overdue, the landlord can end the tenancy right away. In several provinces, paying in full within a set time cancels the notice. See how to evict a tenant for the full process.

No. Even the shortest notices, such as 24 hours in Alberta for assault, threats or significant damage, have to be in writing. If the tenant does not leave, the landlord has to get an order and have a sheriff or bailiff enforce it. A landlord cannot change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without that order.