What Is an N4 Notice in Ontario?

An N4 is a Notice to End your Tenancy for Non‑payment of Rent in Ontario. It is served by a landlord when a tenant owes rent. It gives the tenant 14 days (or 7 days for daily/weekly tenancies) to either pay everything owed or move out. If the tenant pays the full amount before the deadline, the N4 becomes void and the tenancy continues. An N4 is only the first step in the process — it is not an eviction order and does not, by itself, force anyone out.

What Information Must an N4 Contain?

For an N4 to be valid, it must correctly state:

• The tenant’s full name and rental address
• The exact amount of rent owed, broken down by month or rental period
• A correct termination date (at least 14 days away, and after the rent due date)
• The landlord’s name and signature

Even a small error — a wrong amount, a bad date, or the wrong number of days — can make the N4 invalid and lead to a later application being dismissed. This is one of the most common reasons landlord cases fail at the Landlord and Tenant Board.

What Should a Tenant Do After Getting an N4?

If you’re a tenant and you receive an N4:

• Check the math. Make sure the amount matches what you actually owe.
• Pay if you can. Paying the full arrears before the termination date voids the notice completely.
• Don’t panic or move out immediately. The N4 alone cannot force you out — only an LTB order and the Sheriff can.
• Get advice quickly if the amount is wrong or you can’t pay, because you may have defences or be able to negotiate a payment plan.

What Should a Landlord Do After Serving an N4?

After you serve an N4 as a landlord:

• Wait for the notice period to expire. You cannot file with the LTB until the 14 or 7 days have passed.
• If the tenant hasn’t paid, file an L1 application with the LTB to seek eviction and payment of the arrears.
• Keep records — the N4 notice, proof of service, and a clear rent ledger.
• Double‑check that the N4 was completed and served properly before filing; a defective notice can waste months.

What Happens If the Tenant Pays After the Deadline?

If the tenant pays the full amount after the termination date but before the hearing, the landlord can still proceed to the hearing, but the LTB will take the payment into account. The rules here are technical, and getting them wrong can cost a landlord the case — another reason to have the notice and application reviewed before filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days does an N4 give a tenant?
14 days for monthly tenancies, or 7 days for daily or weekly tenancies.

Does an N4 automatically evict a tenant?
No. It only starts the process. The landlord must still apply to the LTB and obtain an order before the Sheriff can enforce it.

Can a landlord serve an N4 by email?
Only if the tenant has agreed in writing to receive notices by email. Otherwise, it must be served by an approved method such as hand delivery or mail.

Can an N4 be cancelled?
Yes. If the tenant pays all the rent owed before the termination date, the N4 is automatically void and the tenancy continues.