Facing an eviction order in Ontario can be stressful, especially if you’re unsure what comes next. Whether a Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) order says you must leave or you’ve received a notice from the sheriff, understanding your rights and obligations under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 is essential. This article explains what happens if you ignore an eviction order, how the process unfolds, and how to protect yourself as a tenant.

Who Issues Eviction Orders in Ontario?

In Ontario, eviction orders are issued by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). The LTB handles disputes between landlords and tenants, including applications for eviction. If your landlord wants you to leave, they must apply to the LTB and receive a legal order before you can be forced to move out.

What Is an Eviction Order?

An eviction order is a formal decision by the LTB requiring a tenant to move out of a rental unit by a specific date. This is different from a termination notice (such as N4 or N12 forms), which do not themselves force a tenant to leave—only an LTB order can do that.

What Happens When the Deadline Passes?

If you do not move out by the date specified in the LTB eviction order, your landlord cannot remove you personally or change the locks right away. Instead, the landlord must take the official eviction order to the local sheriff’s office, requesting enforcement.

• The sheriff is the only official authorized to physically evict tenants in Ontario.
• Landlords cannot remove your belongings or intimidate you into leaving.
• If your landlord tries to evict you personally, this is illegal landlord conduct under Ontario law.

If you stay past the deadline, you will receive a notice from the sheriff, which typically gives you 72 hours to vacate before they return to change the locks and remove you and your possessions.

Relevant Forms: Name, Purpose, and How to Use Them

• Eviction Order by the LTB: If the landlord’s application is successful, the LTB will issue an eviction order. This is delivered to you in writing with the move-out date indicated.
• Request to Review an Order (Form S2): Use this form if you believe the LTB eviction order was made in error. You must submit it within 30 days of receiving the order. More info and the form: Official S2 Form
• Motion to Set Aside an Ex Parte Order (Form S3): If an order to end your tenancy was made without you attending the hearing, you must use this form within 10 days of becoming aware of the order. See the official form: Official S3 Form

Fill out the relevant form and file it at the LTB as soon as possible. If you miss these deadlines, your options are very limited and the eviction will generally proceed.

What the Sheriff Can and Can’t Do

The sheriff will attend your rental unit, typically with a warning visit or notice, and then enforce the order if you haven’t left. Here’s what you should know:

• You’ll have 72 hours after the lock change to remove any remaining belongings.
• The sheriff cannot use force if you leave voluntarily.
• If you refuse to leave, the sheriff may involve police support, but violence is rare and unnecessary.

After eviction, landlords may dispose of items left behind if you do not collect them within 72 hours. Understanding your Tenant Rights in Ontario helps you recognize your protections and next steps.

Financial and Legal Consequences

If you ignore an eviction order, the eviction will be enforced, and you might be responsible for:

• Moving and storage costs for your belongings
• The landlord’s application and sheriff’s fees
• Potential negative information on your credit

This process often impacts your ability to rent in the future. Before things reach this stage, review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained and always try to resolve rental disputes early.

Your Options If You Receive an Eviction Order

You have a few last opportunities to stop or delay an eviction:

• File a Request to Review an Order or Motion to Set Aside if applicable and on time
• Negotiate a repayment plan or settle the dispute directly with your landlord
• Seek help from local tenant advocacy services or community legal clinics

Visit Canada’s best rental listings platform if you need to secure a new place to rent quickly.

Protecting Yourself: Avoiding Last-Minute Surprises

The best way to handle an eviction notice is to address problems early. If you’re struggling to pay rent or dealing with unresolved issues, read Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips for solutions.

If you disagree with an eviction order, act fast—deadlines for appeals or motions are very short, and waiting may close off important options to protect your tenancy.

FAQs: Ignoring an Eviction Order in Ontario

1. What happens if I ignore an LTB eviction order?
   If you ignore the order, your landlord can ask the sheriff to enforce it. The sheriff will physically evict you and change the locks if you do not leave by the specified date.
2. Can my landlord change the locks if I haven’t left?
   No. Only the sheriff is allowed to change the locks after an official order from the LTB. It is illegal for landlords to change locks without sheriff involvement.
3. How much notice will I get from the sheriff?
   Typically, you’ll be given a 72-hour notice period to remove your belongings after the lock is changed.
4. Can I challenge the eviction order after the deadline?
   Once the time to appeal or set aside has expired, your rights to challenge are very limited. However, you may ask the LTB for a late review, but this is rarely granted unless you have a strong reason for delay.
5. If I leave before the sheriff arrives, will I face penalties?
   Leaving before the sheriff arrives can reduce costs and stress. You may still be responsible for unpaid rent or damages, but you avoid forced eviction on your record.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• If you ignore an eviction order in Ontario, only the sheriff can forcibly remove you.
• Act before deadlines if you wish to challenge an eviction—use official forms quickly.
• Know your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and contact help if you’re at risk of eviction.

Addressing issues early and being proactive can help you stay housed or find new accommodations through options like Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) Ontario – information, applications, and support
• Steps to Justice: Housing Law – practical guides for tenants
• Local community legal clinics and tenant advocacy groups (find one near you via Legal Aid Ontario)
• Know your rights: see Tenant Rights in Ontario

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Read the full Act
2. Landlord and Tenant Board: Official website
3. Eviction order enforcement (sheriff): Eviction enforcement process
4. LTB Forms and Guides: LTB forms and filing page

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