Ontario Eviction Laws — A Landlord's Guide (2026)
Ontario evictions run through the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), not the courts. A landlord may never lock a tenant out directly — only the Sheriff can enforce an eviction after an LTB order. Notice forms and timelines are strict and prescribed.
Governing law: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17
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It always goes through the LTB
You serve a prescribed Notice to End the Tenancy (the N-series forms), then file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board. Only the Board can order eviction, and only the Court Enforcement Office (Sheriff) can physically remove a tenant. Self-help lockouts are illegal and carry fines.
Non-payment of rent (Form N4)
Serve an N4 giving the tenant 14 days to pay (7 days for daily/weekly tenancies). If unpaid, file an L1 with the LTB. The tenant can stop the eviction by paying everything owed (including filing fees) right up until the Sheriff enforces.
For-cause notices (N5/N6/N7)
N5 for damage, overcrowding, or interfering with others (7-day remedy period, voids if fixed). N6 for illegal acts. N7 for serious impairment of safety — these can move faster.
No-fault / "landlord's own use" (N12/N13)
N12 for the landlord, a buyer, or a close family member moving in — requires 60 days' notice ending on the last day of a rental period and one month's rent compensation. N13 for demolition, conversion, or major renovation ("renoviction") — compensation rules apply. Bad-faith N12/N13 evictions can result in large penalties.
Timelines are long
LTB hearing backlogs mean a non-payment eviction commonly takes several months from first notice to Sheriff enforcement — much longer than most US states. Plan cash flow accordingly.
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