Housing · 8 min read · Published September 2026
Residential eviction in Ontario: notices and next steps
A neutral guide for tenants and landlords trying to understand notices, applications, hearings, payment records, and the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Short answer
An eviction notice is not the same as an eviction order. In Ontario, a landlord generally must use the correct notice and process, and a tenant should not ignore a notice or hearing document. Check the current Landlord and Tenant Board rules and get advice about the facts and deadline.
What should a tenant do after receiving a notice?
Read the notice carefully, keep the envelope, check the stated reason and dates, and continue following the tenancy agreement unless an official order says otherwise. Payment records and repair communications may be important.
- Photograph or scan every page
- Record rent payments and outstanding amounts
- Keep repair requests and responses
- Check whether an application or hearing notice has also arrived
What should a landlord document?
Landlords should use the current form and process for the actual issue, keep a payment ledger, and avoid self-help steps such as changing locks or removing belongings without legal authority.
- Use current LTB forms and instructions
- Keep delivery or service evidence
- Separate facts from assumptions about the tenant
- Follow an order or legal enforcement process rather than using force
Common questions
Can a landlord lock out a tenant after serving a notice?
A notice is not generally permission for a landlord to remove a tenant. Check the current law and LTB process before taking action.
What if I missed an LTB deadline?
Act promptly. The LTB may have procedures for responding, reviewing, or requesting another step, but the available option depends on the document and timing.
Official sources to check
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