N4 Notice in Ontario: Non-Payment of Rent Explained

Ontario N4 Notice Guide · Updated for 2026

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Form N4 is the Landlord and Tenant Board notice commonly used when a tenant has not paid the full rent owed. It is a formal legal notice, not simply a reminder letter, and errors can affect a later LTB application.

What an N4 Does

The notice tells the tenant how much rent the landlord says is owed and gives a termination date. For an N4 given on or after September 21, 2026, the termination date must generally be at least 7 days after the notice is given. See OHI’s Ontario Rental Rule Changes for 2026 for the broader September 21 changes. An N4 is still only a notice, not an eviction order. Landlords should use the current LTB form and instructions rather than calculating dates from memory.

The Tenant Can Void the Notice

An N4 is generally void if the tenant pays all rent arrears listed on the notice before the termination date. The exact amount claimed should therefore be accurate.

Common Landlord Errors

• Using the wrong termination date.
• Including amounts that are not legally rent.
• Misstating payments already received.
• Using an outdated form.
• Serving the notice incorrectly.
• Applying to the LTB before the law permits.

What Happens After the Notice?

If the arrears are not resolved and the legal requirements are met, the landlord may be able to file the appropriate LTB application for an eviction order and rent arrears. A landlord cannot personally evict the tenant by changing locks or removing belongings.

What Tenants Should Do

• Check the rent ledger and amount claimed.
• Keep proof of all rent payments.
• Read the termination date carefully.
• Pay the arrears within the applicable period if possible.
• Seek legal help if the amount or notice appears incorrect.
• Do not ignore an LTB application or hearing notice.

Payment Plans and Communication

Landlords and tenants can sometimes resolve arrears through a payment arrangement, but any agreement should be documented clearly. A payment plan does not automatically erase every legal step unless the parties understand its effect.

Use only the current forms from Tribunals Ontario. See our Landlords & Tenants hub for related guides.

N4 Notice FAQ

Does an N4 mean the tenant is already evicted?

No. An N4 is a notice. If the matter is not resolved, the landlord may need to file with the LTB and obtain an eviction order.

Can an N4 be cancelled by paying the arrears?

In many cases, paying all rent arrears listed on the notice before the termination date voids the N4.

General information only: Notice periods and applications are procedural legal matters. Verify the current N4 instructions and obtain legal advice where needed.