Episode 411 min readPublished Updated

Episode 4: Tenant Rights in Ontario Power of Sale Files

This episode corrects one of the most harmful myths in distressed-property content: tenants are not rightless. Ontario law preserves significant protections in mortgage enforcement scenarios.

tenant rights power of sale Ontariomortgagee in possession landlordN12 purchaser notice 60 daysOntario RTA bad faith eviction
1

Mortgagee can become landlord in law

Under section 47 of the Mortgages Act, a mortgagee in possession or a person obtaining title by foreclosure or power of sale is deemed to be the landlord under the tenancy agreement.

Section 48 further states that possession from the mortgagor's tenant must be obtained in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.

2

Purchaser-use terminations have formal requirements

Under the RTA, notice under sections 48/49 generally requires at least 60 days and proper timing to the end of a rental period or fixed term (sections 48(2) and 49(3)).

Section 49.1 requires one month compensation (or acceptable alternative rental unit) in purchaser-use scenarios covered by that section.

3

Bad-faith notices create tenant remedies

Section 57 of the RTA gives former tenants a path for relief where section 48/49/50 notices were given in bad faith. The Board can order compensation and other remedies.

Professional guidance to tenants should focus on records: lease, rent receipts, notices received, and immediate filing timelines where needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a bank evict a tenant just because the mortgage defaulted?

Not automatically. Ontario law requires tenancy termination and eviction to proceed through applicable Residential Tenancies Act mechanisms.

How much notice does a purchaser-use termination usually require?

For section 48 or 49 notices, the statute generally requires at least 60 days, with the date aligned to tenancy-period rules.

Is compensation required on purchaser notices?

Section 49.1 includes a one-month compensation framework in covered purchaser-notice cases.

Sources

Legal Notice

This publication is general information only and is not legal advice. Obtain Ontario legal advice for your specific mortgage, tenancy, and litigation facts.

Previous Episode3Next Episode5