An N12 says the landlord (or a close family member, or a purchaser) intends to move into your unit. An N13 says the landlord intends to demolish, convert, or renovate so extensively that you must leave. Neither notice ends your tenancy by itself — only an LTB order does, and you are entitled to a hearing.
Key protections
For an N12, the landlord owes at least one month's compensation and the person named must genuinely move in for at least a year; bad-faith N12s lead to T5 applications and significant penalties. For an N13 renovation, you have the right of first refusal to return at the same rent, and since July 2025 Toronto landlords need a renovation licence from the City before proceeding with renovations that require vacant possession.
Practical advice
Never move out on a notice alone. Check the building and landlord on this site (bad-faith patterns show up), keep everything in writing, and get advice from a community legal clinic before the hearing date.