Can my landlord evict me without notice in Ontario?

No, Ontario landlords must always provide an official written notice that states the eviction reason and minimum time period before eviction. An LTB hearing and formal order are also required.

Do I have to move out by the date on the eviction notice?

No. The notice is just the first step. You have the right to remain until there is an LTB hearing and eviction order enforced by the Sheriff.

How much time do I have to pay back rent after an N4 notice?

You usually have 14 days (or 7 days if paying weekly) to pay the full overdue rent. If paid, the eviction may be stopped.

What if I lose my Landlord and Tenant Board hearing?

You will be given a date to move out. Only the Sheriff can enforce eviction; landlords cannot remove you themselves.

What if my landlord is evicting me in bad faith?

You can file a T5 application with the LTB, present evidence, and if proven, the LTB can deny the eviction or order compensation.

Ontario Tenant Eviction Rules: Key Steps & Rights Explained

Evictions Ontario published July 01, 2025

Eviction can be a stressful experience for any tenant. In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 sets out strict rules for evictions and outlines both tenant and landlord rights. Whether you've received an eviction notice or just want to prepare for the future, knowing your rights and the proper legal process can help you make informed decisions and protect your home.

When Can a Landlord Evict a Tenant in Ontario?

Under Ontario law, landlords can only evict tenants for specific reasons and must follow formal procedures. Common grounds for eviction include:

Non-payment of rent
Frequent late payments
Causing damage to the rental unit
Illegal activity in the rental unit
The landlord requires the unit for personal use
Major renovations, repairs, or demolition

For a full list of grounds, see Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act.^[1]

Eviction Process: Notices, Forms & Timelines

Landlords must give tenants the correct written notice before starting an eviction. Each reason for eviction uses a different form:

Form N4 – Notice to End your Tenancy Early for Non-payment of Rent: Used if you haven't paid rent. If you pay what you owe before the deadline, the eviction process stops. Download Form N4 from the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Form N5 – Notice to End your Tenancy for Interfering with Others, Damage, or Overcrowding: Used for these specific reasons. Tenants typically have a chance to fix the issue before eviction proceeds.
Form N12 – Notice to End your Tenancy Because the Landlord/Buyer Requires the Unit: Used if the landlord, their family, or a buyer needs the unit for personal use.
Form N13 – Notice to End your Tenancy Because the Landlord Wants to Demolish, Repair, or Convert: Used for major renovations or demolition. In some cases, tenants may have a right to return after work is completed.

Every notice must include the proper form, reason, termination date, and details about the process ahead. You are not required to move out immediately if you receive a notice—this is only the first step.

What Happens After a Notice?

After receiving a notice, you have the right to address the issue (such as paying back rent or fixing damage) within the correction period on the form. If it isn't resolved, the landlord can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)—the official tribunal handling residential tenancy disputes in Ontario.

The LTB will schedule a hearing. Tenants have the right to attend, present evidence, and explain their situation. If the Board grants an eviction order, the landlord can then ask the Sheriff (not the landlord personally) to enforce it. Only the Sheriff can lawfully evict a tenant in Ontario.

Common Questions About Eviction Notices

You can stay in your home until the LTB holds a hearing and issues an official eviction order.
If you fix the issue named in the notice (e.g., pay overdue rent), the process may stop at this stage.

If you are confused about your rental responsibilities or want to understand your duties after signing a rental agreement, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Tenant Rights and Protections

Ontario law protects tenants facing eviction from unfair treatment and unlawful eviction. Key tenant protections include:

The right to written notice using the correct government form
The right to a fair LTB hearing
Access to tenant duty counsel or free legal advice for LTB hearings
The right to challenge improper or bad-faith evictions

To understand all your rights as a renter, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

What Should You Do if You Receive an Eviction Notice?

If you receive a notice, don’t panic. Here are some action steps:

Read the notice carefully: Check the forms, dates, and reasons.
Contact your landlord to discuss resolving the problem (e.g., pay overdue rent or negotiate).
Gather evidence: Keep records, receipts, communications, and photos.
If you believe the eviction is unfair, start preparing for the LTB hearing (bring documentation and witnesses).
Explore your rental options and consider browsing affordable homes for rent in Canada.

Remember: Only the Sheriff can legally remove you from your home after an LTB-issued eviction order.

Key Forms and Where to Find Them

Form N4: Used if the landlord claims you owe rent. It gives at least 14 days' notice. If rent is paid in full within this period, the process stops. Official Form N4 download.
Form L1 – Application to Evict a Tenant for Non-payment: The landlord files this with the LTB if the tenant doesn't pay or move after N4. Tenants receive a hearing notice and can respond.
Form T5 – Tenant Application - Bad Faith Notice: Used by tenants to challenge evictions they believe are for improper reasons, such as landlords pretending to need the unit for personal use. More details and download at the LTB Forms page.

The Landlord and Tenant Board offers a full list of forms for tenants and landlords: View all LTB forms.

Paying Rent and Protecting Yourself

Evictions for non-payment are the most common in Ontario. For tips on managing rent and your responsibilities, check out Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

FAQ: Evictions in Ontario for Tenants

Can my landlord evict me without notice in Ontario? No, a landlord must always provide an approved written notice that states the reason and minimum time period before eviction. Only after this notice, and a possible hearing at the LTB, can an eviction be enforced legally.
Do I have to move out by the date on the eviction notice? Not necessarily. The notice gives you time to respond or fix the issue. You do not need to move unless the LTB grants an eviction order and the Sheriff comes to enforce it.
How much time do I have to pay owed rent after an N4 notice? Typically, you have 14 days to pay the full amount (7 days if you pay weekly). If you pay within this time, the eviction process can stop.
What happens if I lose at the Landlord and Tenant Board hearing? If the LTB orders your eviction, you’ll receive a date to move out. If you stay past that date, the landlord must ask the Sheriff to remove you—landlords cannot evict you themselves.
What if I think my eviction is unfair or in bad faith? You can file a T5 application with the LTB and present evidence at your hearing. If the Board finds the eviction was in bad faith, it may deny the eviction or order your landlord to pay compensation.

How To: Respond to an Eviction Notice in Ontario

How do I dispute an eviction notice for non-payment of rent?
You can pay your overdue rent within the time period (usually 14 days) or prepare to explain your situation at the LTB hearing. Bring payment proof and receipts.
How do I prepare for my LTB hearing?
Gather records (like notices, communication, and photos), consult tenant support services, attend the hearing, and present your side. Free legal help is available at some LTB locations.
How do I file a T5 Application for bad faith notice?
Download Form T5 from the LTB website, fill out your information, provide evidence of bad faith (such as text messages or emails), and submit it before your hearing. Get more details from the LTB Forms page.
How do I get help if I receive an eviction order?
Contact community legal clinics, tenant support organizations, or Duty Counsel at the LTB. They can offer free advice or representation at your hearing.

Key Takeaways for Tenants Facing Eviction

Landlords must follow strict rules for eviction in Ontario — you’re protected by the Residential Tenancies Act.
Never move out just because you receive a notice; you have the right to a fair hearing and to correct issues.
Review notices and forms carefully, seek legal advice, and attend your LTB hearing if you disagree with the eviction.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Ontario LTB official site — forms, process details, contact info
Community Legal Clinics: Find your local clinic (Legal Aid Ontario)
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing: Province of Ontario housing info
Full tenants' rights overview: Tenant Rights in Ontario

[1] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Government of Ontario)