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Tenant Abandoned the Unit—We Got the Termination Fast

At JC Paralegal Services, we don’t wait around hoping the tenant “might come back.” When there’s clear evidence of abandonment, we act swiftly to help landlords take back control of their property—legally and efficiently.

What the Law Says: Section 79(1) of the Residential Tenancies Act

If a tenant has abandoned the rental unit, the landlord may apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order terminating the tenancy.

Simple? Not always. Proving abandonment isn’t just about “they’re not home.” You need real proof, the right forms, and a strong submission. That’s where we come in.

Case Closed: We Proved Abandonment and Won

In a recent case, the landlord was stuck. Two tenants had disappeared, and the rent had gone unpaid for months. The unit looked like a ghost town—no furniture, no personal belongings, no power or water usage.

To make things worse? One of the tenants had been arrested and wasn’t legally allowed to return. The other tenant had signed an N11 termination agreement but never followed up.

Our Move:

We filed an L3 Application to Terminate Tenancy Due to Abandonment, supported with strong evidence:

  • Communication records showing lack of response
  • Confirmation from police and a closed Rental Housing Enforcement Unit file
  • No utilities, no rent, no signs of return

The Result:

The Board granted termination—no delays, no drama. The landlord got their unit back, legally and cleanly.

You just need to do it the right way—and we know exactly how to make that happen.

Why It Matters:

If you believe the tenant has abandoned the unit, you can’t just take it back without legal approval.

Here’s the risk:

If you re-rent, change the locks, or dispose of belongings without an official termination order from the Landlord and Tenant Board, you could be accused of illegal eviction or even interference with the tenant’s rights—even if they were clearly gone.

That’s why getting a formal eviction for abandonment approved by the Board is essential. It protects you from future legal claims and lets you move forward safely and confidently.

At JC Paralegal Services, we don’t just help you prove abandonment—we make sure the entire process is done by the book so your property rights are protected, and your unit is legally yours again.

How We Help with Abandonment Cases:

  • Review your situation and gather evidence
  • File the correct L3 application
  • Draft compelling written submissions
  • Represent you before the Board if needed

Get your unit legally terminated so you can re-rent it ASAP

Author

  • Headshot of Jolanta Chrzaszcz

    Jolanta is the founder of JC Paralegal and a licensed paralegal in Ontario. Before starting her practice, she spent more than seven years working alongside lawyers in top law firms, gaining extensive experience in litigation strategy, case management, and tribunal procedures.

    Her path into the legal field began with her own pursuit of justice, successfully self-litigating in Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice between 2011 and 2015. That journey inspired her mission: to help others navigate the legal system with the support and preparation she once needed.

    Jolanta holds a Bachelor’s degree, a Business Diploma, a Law Clerk Diploma, an Immigration Consultant Diploma, and a Paralegal Diploma. She is licensed by the Law Society of Ontario (P1) and is committed to providing accessible, effective legal advocacy for her clients.

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