Got an Eviction Notice in Ontario?
This page is the free Ontario guide. No sign-in. Read on, or take the checklist as a PDF.
Facts checked September 2026 · See what changed · How we check
A notice is not an eviction order. You have rights and you have options. Here’s what to do next.
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Ontario tenant rights checklist
Eviction guide: everything below, plus the checklist as a PDF.
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- Valid grounds for eviction in Ontario
- Notice periods your landlord must provide
- Your right to dispute at the Ontario tribunal
- What to document if you contest the notice
Free. General information only, not legal or regulatory advice.
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What does the notice say?
Select the reason stated on the notice you received.
Not a law firm. This is general information, not legal advice.
The most important thing to know:
In Ontario, a landlord cannot legally remove you from your home based on a notice alone. They must apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), attend a hearing, and receive a formal eviction order. Only then can enforcement action begin. Receiving a notice starts a process, it does not end one.
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Typical Notice Periods by Reason in Ontario (2026)
Open this section ↓These are the standard minimum notice periods. Your specific notice must match the required period for the reason stated. Verify your notice at https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/.
Non-payment of rent7 days (notices given on or after September 21, 2026)Landlord's own use / sale60 daysEnd of fixed termsee the LTB notice for your situationDamage / conduct / causeN5: 20 days + 7-day fix; other cause notices varySource: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. Verified June 2026.
↑ Close this sectionImportant: dispute deadlines are shorter than notice periods
In Ontario, tenants generally do not pre-file to dispute. The dispute happens at the LTB hearing after the landlord files an application (e.g. L2). However:
- Non-payment (N4): the fastest way to void the notice is to pay all overdue rent before the termination date. This typically voids the N4 without a hearing.
- At the LTB hearing: raise your defence in person, bring your payment records, lease, and any evidence.
- Tenant-initiated applications: if you have your own claim (harassment, illegal entry, maintenance failure), file Form T2 (rights violations), T5 (bad-faith N12/N13), or T6 (maintenance) at the LTB.
More at tribunalsontario.ca/ltb. Verified 2026-06.
In force since September 21, 2026. Ontario’s minimum N4 notice period was shortened from 14 to 7 days for notices given on or after September 21, 2026 (Bill 60). The current Form N4 applies the same 7-day minimum to every tenancy, whether you rent by the month, the year, the week or the day.
In force since September 21, 2026. When a landlord gives an N12 for their own use with at least 120 days’ notice, they no longer have to pay the tenant one month’s compensation or offer another acceptable unit (Bill 60). This does not apply to an N12 given because a purchaser needs the unit.
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What to Do After Receiving a Notice
Open this section ↓1. Read the notice carefully
Check the reason stated, the effective date, and the form used. In Ontario, specific forms are required for specific reasons, a wrong form may make the notice invalid. Note whether it was served correctly (delivery method and timing).
2. Do not move out or sign anything yet
Moving out or signing a mutual-termination agreement may be treated as voluntary departure, forfeiting your right to dispute. Do not agree to vacate until you fully understand your options.
3. Understand your options
Depending on the reason: (a) Non-payment: you can usually void the notice by paying all overdue rent before the deadline. (b) Landlord's own use: you may be able to dispute if you believe the stated reason is in bad faith. (c) Conduct or damage: you may have an opportunity to remedy the issue within the notice period. (d) Any reason: you can file a dispute at the LTB within the response period.
4. Gather your documentation
Collect your signed lease, rent payment receipts (especially bank records), all written communications with your landlord, and photos of the unit condition. This evidence is critical if you dispute.
5. Contact the tribunal or a tenant advocate
The Landlord and Tenant Board at https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/ can explain your rights and the process. Many provinces have free tenant legal aid clinics and advocacy services. You do not need a lawyer to file a dispute.
↑ Close this sectionIllegal eviction actions in Ontario
It is illegal for a landlord to change your locks, remove your belongings, shut off utilities, or interfere with your right to enter the property, even if a valid notice has been served. These are called “self-help evictions” and are prohibited under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. If this happens to you, contact the LTB immediately, emergency applications may be available.
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Where to Get Help in Ontario
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionLandlord and Tenant Board (LTB)
https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/Filing fee: L1/L2 landlord applications: $186 online or $201 by mail/in person; tenant application fees vary by application type
Legislation: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
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Common Questions
Does an eviction notice mean I have to leave?Open this section ↓Does an eviction notice mean I have to leave?
No. A notice starts a process. Your landlord must apply to the LTB, attend a hearing, and receive a formal order. You can dispute the notice and continue living in your home while the process plays out.
Can my landlord change the locks or remove my belongings?
No. This is illegal in Ontario regardless of whether a notice has been served. Changing the locks, removing belongings, or cutting utilities is a self-help eviction and is prohibited under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. Contact the LTB immediately if this happens.
What if I can't afford to pay the overdue rent?
Contact your landlord to discuss a payment plan. Many landlords will negotiate rather than go through a tribunal process. If your landlord files at the LTB, you can still propose a payment agreement at the hearing. Community organizations and provincial social services may also offer emergency rental assistance.
How do I file a dispute at the LTB?
Visit https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/ for the current forms and process. There is a filing fee of L1/L2 landlord applications: $186 online or $201 by mail/in person; tenant application fees vary by application type. Gather your evidence (lease, payment records, correspondence, photos) before filing.
Guidepost is not a law firm. This page provides general information about eviction procedures in Ontario, it is not legal advice about your specific situation. Notice periods and procedures can change; always verify current rules at https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/ or with a qualified legal professional. Full disclaimer.
Facts checked September 2026
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Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.