Step 1 — the notice (an N-form)
Ontario evictions start with a prescribed notice. The common ones are **N4** (non-payment of rent), **N5** (damage or disturbing others), **N12** (landlord, purchaser or family member wants to move in) and **N13** (demolition, conversion or major renovation).
Notices must use the correct form, state the ground properly, and give the required notice period. Defective notices are common and are frequently thrown out — which is why you should keep the notice and have it reviewed rather than assuming it is valid.
Several notices are curable: an N4 ends if you pay the arrears in full before the termination date, and an N5 can be voided by correcting the problem within the specified period.
Step 2 — the landlord's application
If you don't leave or cure, the landlord applies to the LTB — commonly an **L1** for arrears or an **L2** for other grounds. You receive a notice of hearing with a date.
Attend. If you do not, an order can be issued in your absence, and setting it aside afterward is much harder than defending in the first place. If the date is impossible, request a rescheduling in writing rather than simply not appearing.
Step 3 — the hearing, and what actually wins
Strong points to raise: the notice is defective; the stated ground isn't made out; you paid or cured; the landlord's N12/N13 purpose isn't genuine (bad faith); serious outstanding maintenance issues; or the eviction would be unfair in the circumstances so relief from eviction should be granted.
Bring your lease, payment records, photographs, repair requests and all correspondence. For N12 applications, note that compensation obligations apply to the landlord — ask whether they have been met, because non-compliance can defeat the application.
You can also raise your own issues at the same hearing rather than filing separately — maintenance, illegal charges or harassment can be raised as a defence and set-off.
After an order, and getting free help
If an eviction order issues, only the Sheriff can enforce it, and there is a date after which they may act. You can request a review by the LTB or appeal to the Divisional Court on a question of law — both on short deadlines. A landlord changing locks or removing your belongings is acting illegally and you can apply against them.
Free help exists and materially improves outcomes: **Tenant Duty Counsel** at the LTB on hearing days, community legal clinics across Ontario, and licensed paralegals at far lower cost than lawyers. Use them before the hearing, not after.
Frequently asked questions
- Can my landlord evict me without the LTB?
- No. They need an LTB order, and only the Sheriff can enforce it. Changing locks or removing belongings is illegal and you can apply to the LTB for remedies.
- I got an N4 — what if I pay?
- Paying the full arrears before the termination date generally voids the N4 and the landlord cannot proceed on it. Keep proof of payment.
- Is an N12 hard to fight?
- Not necessarily. The purpose must be genuine, and the landlord has compensation obligations. Bad-faith N12 applications are refused, and there are remedies if you were evicted in bad faith.
- Can I raise repair problems at an eviction hearing?
- Yes. Maintenance issues, illegal charges and harassment can be raised as a defence and set-off in the same hearing rather than filed separately.
- Where do I get free help?
- Tenant Duty Counsel at the LTB on hearing days, and community legal clinics across Ontario. Licensed paralegals are also a low-cost option.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws, costs, and procedures vary by state, province, and your specific situation — speak with a qualified landlord tenant lawyer about your circumstances before acting.