Something gone wrong?
I got an eviction notice — do I have to leave?
Start with the fact that changes everything: a notice is not an eviction. Second, find the notice type and its deadline — most notices open a window to either fix the problem (usually by paying) or dispute it. Third, act within that window, because the deadlines are short and the right to respond is tied to them.
A notice is not an eviction order
Receiving a notice does not, by itself, require you to leave. Your landlord cannot change the locks or remove your belongings — only a tribunal can order an eviction, and only the Sheriff or court enforcement office can carry one out. Until then, you keep your tenancy and your right to respond.
What to check, by province
Ontario
If the notice is an N4 for unpaid rent, paying the amount owed by the termination date voids it and the tenancy continues. See our N4 explainer for exactly how voiding works and the timeline.
British Columbia
A 10 Day Notice for unpaid rent or utilities (RTB-30) gives you 5 days to pay the rent and/or utilities to cancel it, and 5 days to dispute. Doing neither is treated as accepting the notice, and you must move by the effective date. Dispute windows for other notices: One Month (cause) → 10 days; Three Month (landlord/purchaser use) → 21 days; Four Month (demolition/renovation) → 30 days.
Quebec
For non-payment, a termination is avoided if the tenant pays the rent owing (plus costs and interest) before the TAL makes its decision. Even after a judgment, paying before the eviction is carried out blocks the eviction proceedings.
Prince Edward Island
A notice is disputed on PEI by filing Form 4A with IRAC within a 10-day dispute window. Periodic tenancies can be ended only for cause.
Other provinces
For other provinces, the notice type sets the deadline to pay or dispute, and each province’s tribunal publishes those windows. Start with yours — the deadlines are short.
Common Questions
Does an eviction notice mean I have to move out?
No. In Ontario a notice is not an eviction — it starts a process. Only the Landlord and Tenant Board can order an eviction after an application and hearing, and only the Court Enforcement Office (the Sheriff) can enforce it. The notice itself does not remove you.
How long do I have to dispute an eviction notice in BC?
It depends on the notice type. A 10 Day Notice for unpaid rent (RTB-30) gives 5 days to pay and 5 days to dispute; a One Month Notice (for cause) gives 10 days; a Three Month Notice (landlord/purchaser use) gives 21 days; a Four Month Notice (demolition/renovation/conversion) gives 30 days.
Can I stop an eviction by paying what I owe?
Often, for non-payment. In Ontario, paying the amount owed by the N4 termination date voids the notice. In BC, a 10 Day Notice can be cancelled by paying within the 5-day window. In Quebec, a termination for non-payment is avoided if the tenant pays the rent owing (plus costs and interest) before the TAL makes its decision.
Where to go from here
Guidepost is not a law firm, and this is general information, not legal advice. Eviction rules and deadlines depend on your province, your notice type, and your facts — for advice, contact your provincial tribunal or a legal clinic promptly, because the windows are short. Full disclaimer. Last updated: July 2026.