Finding an eviction notice in your mailbox can make your stomach drop. In Ontario, an eviction notice is only the first step, and you have real rights before anyone can make you leave.
At Friendship House in Brantford, we know how many of our neighbours are one rent increase or one missed paycheque away from a crisis. This guide explains what an eviction notice in Ontario means, using information from the Government of Ontario and Steps to Justice. It is general information, not legal advice.
Quick answer
Do I have to move if I get an eviction notice in Ontario?
No. A notice alone does not mean you have to move out. Your landlord must apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board and get an eviction order, and you have the right to a hearing to explain why you should not be evicted. Only the Sheriff can enforce an eviction order, so get free legal help as soon as you receive a notice.
A notice is not an eviction
The Government of Ontario’s renting in Ontario page (opens in a new tab) says your landlord can only evict you in specific situations, and must give you written notice on the proper form from the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). The form must give the reason.
Even after you get the notice, you do not have to move out. Your landlord must first apply to the LTB and receive an eviction order, and you have the right to go to a hearing.
What an eviction notice looks like
Steps to Justice explains that the notice should be on an LTB form with a name that starts with Notice to End Your Tenancy. It might have one of these numbers at the top: N4, N5, N6, N7, N8, N12 or N13.
| Notice | Usual reason | Can it be cancelled? |
|---|---|---|
| N4 | Rent has not been paid | Often, by paying what the notice says you owe |
| N5 | Interfering with others, damage or overcrowding | Sometimes, by stopping the problem |
| N12 | The landlord, a buyer or a family member needs the unit | No, but compensation is usually owed |
| N13 | Demolition, repairs or conversion to another use | No, but compensation is usually owed |
Every notice must include the address of your unit, the date your landlord wants you to move and the reason, with details. It must be signed by the landlord or their representative.
How a notice must be delivered
Your landlord can mail the notice, put it in your mailbox or hand it to you. They can only send it by email if you agreed to that in writing, for example in your lease or on the LTB’s Consent to Service by Email form.
Steps to Justice says your landlord is not allowed to attach the notice to your door.
If you owe rent
If your notice is about unpaid rent, you can stop the eviction by paying what you owe. Steps to Justice says you can do this any time before the Sheriff comes to change your locks, but the later you pay, the more extra costs you may have to cover.
Your landlord may ask you to sign a payment agreement. The Government of Ontario says landlords cannot impose one, and you cannot be evicted for refusing a payment plan. Only sign one if you are sure you can make every payment.
If money is the problem, look at every source of help. Our guides on how to apply for Ontario Works (opens in a new tab) and how to deal with financial stress (opens in a new tab) are good places to start.
The Landlord and Tenant Board hearing
If your landlord applies to the LTB, you will get notice of a hearing. Go to it. This is your chance to explain your side, and the LTB can consider your circumstances before deciding whether to order an eviction.
The LTB can also offer mediation before the hearing, where a neutral mediator helps you and your landlord talk through the problem. Neither side has to agree, and if there is no agreement, the hearing goes ahead.
No-fault evictions and compensation
Some evictions are not about anything you did. The Government of Ontario says your landlord must give you the equivalent of 1 month’s rent, or offer another unit, if they evict you so they, their family or a buyer can move in. That does not apply if they gave you 120 days notice or more.
If you are evicted for renovations or repairs, you have the right to move back in. Tell your landlord in writing, before you leave, that you want to return, and give your new address.
Bad faith evictions
Landlords must have honest intentions when they evict you for a reason that is not your fault. If the LTB finds a notice was given in bad faith, it can order the landlord to pay the former tenant, for example, up to 12 months of the last rent and reasonable moving costs.
The Government of Ontario says fines for offences under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 can reach $100,000 for an individual and $500,000 for a corporation.
Is your home covered?
Most tenants in Ontario are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act. Steps to Justice notes some exceptions, such as when you share a kitchen or bathroom with the owner or their close family. If you are not sure, get legal advice before you move out.
Free legal help in Brantford
The community legal clinic for Brantford and Brant gives free legal advice at 519-752-8669. SOAR’s Housing Resource Centre at 73 Murray Street also helps tenants understand their rights and keep their housing.
For more options, see our guide to free legal help in Ontario (opens in a new tab). If your rent is going up rather than ending, our guide to the Ontario rent increase guideline (opens in a new tab) explains the limits.
What to do today
- Read the notice carefully and write down the termination date and the reason.
- Do not move out just because you got a notice.
- Keep copies of the notice, your lease, rent receipts and any messages with your landlord.
- Call the legal clinic at 519-752-8669 for free advice.
- If you are close to losing your home, call SOAR at 1-888-621-0034.
A meal and a friendly face
Friendship House at 452 Grey Street serves coffee, tea and a light breakfast from 8 a.m. and a hot meal Monday to Thursday, 10 to 11 a.m. Everything is free and open to everyone; see our free services (opens in a new tab).
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to move out if I get an eviction notice in Ontario?
No. Your landlord must apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board and get an eviction order, and you have the right to a hearing.
Can my landlord put an eviction notice on my door?
No. Steps to Justice says the landlord can mail it, put it in your mailbox or hand it to you, but cannot attach it to your door.
Can I stop an N4 eviction by paying?
Yes. You can pay what you owe at any time before the Sheriff changes the locks, though extra costs may be added the later you pay.
Can my landlord change the locks without an order?
Most tenants can only be evicted by the Sheriff after the landlord gets an eviction order from the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Where can I get free legal help in Brantford?
Call the community legal clinic for Brantford and Brant at 519-752-8669.
An eviction notice is serious, but it is not the end of the road. Get advice quickly, go to your hearing, and visit Friendship House for a free meal in Brantford (opens in a new tab).
