N4 Notice Non‑Payment of Rent Ontario: Rules, Deadlines & Process

An N4 Notice for Non‑Payment of Rent in Ontario is one of the most common eviction notices issued by landlords. It is used when a tenant has failed to pay rent and the landlord intends to begin the eviction process.

The notice gives tenants a short period to pay the rent owed before the landlord can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for eviction.

Understanding how an N4 eviction notice in Ontario works is important for both tenants and landlords. This article explains when an N4 can be issued, what tenants can do to stop eviction, and what happens if the rent remains unpaid.

What Is an N4 Notice for Non‑Payment of Rent in Ontario?

An N4 Notice for Non‑Payment of Rent in Ontario is a formal notice that a landlord gives to a tenant when rent has not been paid.

The notice tells the tenant:

• how much rent is owed

• the deadline to pay the rent

• that the landlord may apply for eviction if payment is not made

If the tenant pays the full amount owing before the deadline listed in the notice, the N4 notice becomes void and the tenancy continues.

When Can a Landlord Issue an N4 Eviction Notice in Ontario?

A landlord can issue an N4 eviction notice for non‑payment of rent as soon as rent becomes overdue.

For example:

• If rent is due on the 1st of the month and it is not paid, the landlord may issue the N4 on the 2nd of the month.

However, the landlord cannot evict the tenant immediately. The notice must first give the tenant time to pay the rent owed.

N4 Notice Termination Deadlines

The deadline to pay the rent depends on the type of tenancy.

Typical timelines include:

• 14 days to pay if the tenant has a monthly or yearly tenancy

• 7 days to pay if the tenant rents weekly or daily

If the tenant pays the rent within the notice period, the eviction process stops.

What Happens After an N4 Notice Is Served?

If the tenant does not pay the rent within the deadline listed in the N4 Notice for Non‑Payment of Rent, the landlord can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an eviction order begining the day following the deadline listed in the N4 notice.

This is done by filing an L1 Application to Evict a Tenant for Non‑Payment of Rent.

The Board will then schedule a hearing where both the landlord and tenant can present their evidence.

Can a Tenant Stop an Eviction for Non‑Payment of Rent?

Yes. In many cases, a tenant can stop an eviction for non‑payment of rent in Ontario by paying the full amount of rent owed.

Tenants may stop the eviction by:

• paying all rent arrears listed in the N4 notice

• paying the amount ordered by the Board before eviction

• negotiating a payment plan with the landlord

Even after a landlord files an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board, tenants often still have opportunities to pay the rent and remain in the unit.

What Rent Can Be Included in an N4 Notice?

An N4 eviction notice in Ontario may only include rent that is legally owed under the lease agreement.

It cannot include:

• damage claims

• utility disputes not defined as rent

• penalties or late fees not permitted by law

If a landlord includes improper charges, the notice may be challenged at the hearing.

Defending an N4 Eviction for Non‑Payment of Rent

Tenants may defend an N4 eviction application in several ways.

Common defenses include:

• the rent was already paid

• the amount listed in the N4 notice is incorrect

• the notice was filled out improperly

• the tenant is disputing illegal charges

The Landlord and Tenant Board will review the evidence before deciding whether eviction should proceed.

What Happens at a Landlord and Tenant Board Hearing?

If the landlord proceeds with an eviction application for non‑payment of rent, the Board will schedule a hearing.

At the hearing:

1. The landlord explains the rent arrears.

2. The tenant can dispute the claim or explain their situation.

3. The Board member decides whether to issue an eviction order.

In some cases, the Board may allow a repayment plan instead of eviction.

Legal Help for N4 Eviction Notices in Ontario

Both landlords and tenants benefit from understanding their rights when dealing with an N4 Notice for Non‑Payment of Rent in Ontario.

Because eviction cases can involve strict timelines and procedural rules, legal advice may help ensure the process is handled correctly.

If you have received an N4 eviction notice or are considering issuing one, understanding the rules under Ontario’s residential tenancy system is critical.

The information in this article about the is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Residential tenancy disputes can involve complex facts and strict procedural requirements under Ontario law. Reading this article does not create a paralegal‑client relationship. If you are dealing with an N4 eviction notice or a dispute before the Landlord and Tenant Board, you should consider obtaining legal advice from a qualified professional regarding your specific situation.