In Ontario, landlords cannot simply tell a tenant to leave. The eviction process is strictly governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and must go through the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). Attempting a self-help eviction — changing locks, removing belongings, or cutting utilities — is illegal and can result in significant penalties.
Common Grounds for Eviction
- Non-payment of rent (N4 Notice)
- Persistent late payment of rent (N8 Notice)
- Tenant causing damage (N5 Notice)
- Illegal activity in the unit (N6 Notice)
- Landlord's own use of the property (N12 Notice)
- Major renovation requiring vacant possession (N13 Notice)
The Eviction Process Step by Step
- Serve the proper notice using the correct LTB form with the correct termination date (notice periods vary by ground — 14 days for non-payment, 60 days for own use)
- If the tenant doesn't vacate or remedy the issue, file an application with the LTB (typically Form L1 for non-payment or L2 for other grounds)
- Attend the LTB hearing — present your evidence and respond to the tenant's arguments
- If successful, receive an eviction order from the Board
- If the tenant still doesn't leave, contact the Court Enforcement Office (Sheriff) to enforce the order
Timelines
LTB hearings are currently experiencing significant delays — scheduling can take 3-12 months depending on the ground and the region. Non-payment applications are often prioritized.