How to respond to an eviction notice in Ontario

This page is a public educational walkthrough. It is not a retainer, a court form, or a promise about your result. For legal advice, you should contact an appropriate Lawyer or Paralegal specializing in the area of law you need assistance with.

1. Read the form number on the first page

   N4 is the usual notice for non-payment of rent. Other notices cover alleged conduct, overcrowding, or the landlord’s own use. The form number tells you which Residential Tenancies Act path you are on. A text message is not an N4.

2. Read the termination date and any void-by date

   Some notices, including many N4s, can be voided if you pay the rent arrears plus any allowed costs by the date on the form. Put that date in your phone. Paying after an L1 is filed is a different problem.

3. A notice is not an eviction

   The landlord generally still has to file an LTB application (often Form L1 after an N4, or L2 after other notices) and get an order. Changing the locks without an order is a different legal issue.

4. If an L1 or L2 arrives, do not ignore it

   The application package tells you how to dispute and the hearing date. File your evidence with the Board the way the notice says. Bring the N4, receipts, and photos.

5. Where to get the official forms

   LTB forms are on the Tribunals Ontario site, linked from Court Forms and from this page’s form box. Use the current N4/L1/L2, not a PDF from a Facebook group.

6. Get same-week help if the hearing is close

   Duty counsel or a clinic may be at some LTB locations. This site does not file your dispute.

Official law on this site: landlord-tenant-act.

Disclaimer: Know The Law publishes legal information for the public, not legal advice. Court forms, fees and filing channels change. Read the official statute text and the official form page linked from this guide before you act. We do not represent you and we do not file documents for you. For legal advice, you should contact an appropriate Lawyer or Paralegal specializing in the area of law you need assistance with.