Plain-language answer
An N4 — Notice to End your Tenancy Early for Non-payment of Rent — is an official Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) form. A landlord generally uses it to tell a tenant that, in the landlord's view, rent is owing, and that the landlord intends to end the tenancy if the amount claimed is not paid by the termination date on the notice.
An N4 is not an eviction order, and receiving one does not mean you must move out on the date it shows. In Ontario, only the LTB can order an eviction, and only the Court Enforcement Office (often called the sheriff) can enforce one. In most cases, an N4 can be cancelled — "voided" — if the full amount claimed is paid within the time the notice allows, though a legal professional should confirm how this applies to your situation.
If the termination date passes and the notice has not been voided, the landlord may apply to the LTB for a hearing. That application, the hearing, and any order all come before any enforced eviction.
Why it matters
Many tenants believe an N4 means they must leave immediately, and some move out when they may not have needed to. Understanding what the notice actually does helps you make decisions based on the real process rather than fear.
The N4 also starts a timeline. If the amount claimed is not paid or disputed, the next steps can move to an LTB application and hearing, so acting early generally gives you more options.
Facts that affect the answer
Based on the information available, these are the kinds of facts that commonly change how a situation like this is assessed:
- Whether the amount claimed on the notice is accurate — errors on an N4 may matter at a hearing, and a legal professional can review this.
- Whether you pay the full amount claimed before the deadline on the notice, which in most cases voids it.
- How rent is normally paid and whether you have records showing payments the notice may not reflect.
- Whether the notice was properly completed and delivered — only the LTB can decide whether a notice is valid.
- Whether there are outstanding maintenance or other issues you may want to raise at a hearing.
Evidence to preserve
Preserve these now, in their original form
- The N4 notice itself — every page, front and back, plus the envelope or a note about how and when it arrived.
- Rent receipts, e-transfer confirmations, bank statements, or cancelled cheques showing what you have paid.
- Your lease or rental agreement showing the lawful rent.
- Any messages with the landlord about rent, payment plans, or the amounts claimed.
- A dated note of when you received the notice and who delivered it.
Common mistakes
- Moving out immediately because the notice looks final — an N4 is a notice, not an order.
- Ignoring the notice entirely instead of checking the amount and getting advice.
- Paying part of the amount without confirming, in writing, how the landlord will apply the payment.
- Throwing away the notice or envelope, which may be needed later as evidence.
- Waiting until a hearing notice arrives before contacting a legal clinic.
Possible official process
In general, the process has several stages: the N4 notice, then (if unresolved) a landlord application to the LTB, then a hearing, then an order, and only then possible enforcement by the Court Enforcement Office.
In most cases, paying the full amount claimed within the notice period voids the N4. There may also be later opportunities to pay and stop the process, but the rules are technical and deadlines apply — a legal professional or Tribunals Ontario can confirm what applies to you.
If the landlord files an application, you will receive a notice of hearing. You have the right to attend, respond, and present evidence. Free tenant duty counsel may be available on the day of many LTB hearings.
Professional review recommended
Tools that help with this
Jurisdiction: Ontario · Last reviewed 2026-07-15 · currently under review. Rules, forms, and deadlines can change — always confirm against the official sources above.
This is legal information, not legal advice. RTO Pro is not a law firm. Deadlines and exceptions may apply to your situation — a qualified legal professional should confirm anything important before you rely on it.