How to Issue an N4 in Ontario: Step-by-Step (2026)
A complete step-by-step guide to issuing an N4 (Notice to End a Tenancy Early for Non-payment of Rent) in Ontario. The current cure period is 14 days. Bill 60 will reduce it to 7 days once proclaimed in force.
Bill 60 status: not yet in force as of June 2026
Bill 60 received Royal Assent on November 27, 2025, but the RTA-amending sections referenced on this page (including the 7-day N4 timeline) are not yet proclaimed in force. The pre-Bill-60 rules still govern: serve the N4 using the existing 14-day cure period until the LTB confirms proclamation. See the Bill 60 implementation status guide →
When Can You Issue an N4?
You can issue an N4 notice when your tenant has not paid rent in full. In Ontario, there is no minimum amount of arrears required. If rent is even one day late and one dollar short, you can technically issue an N4.
However, in practice, most landlords wait until the tenant is clearly behind, such as a few days into the rental period without payment.
Key point: The N4 is specifically for non-payment of rent. If the tenant owes you for other things (damages, utility bills, etc.), those cannot be included in an N4 notice.
Bill 60: pending change to the N4 timeline
Bill 60 (Royal Assent November 27, 2025) will reduce the N4 cure period from 14 days to 7 days once proclaimed in force. As of June 2026 the relevant section has not been proclaimed, so the 14-day rule still applies.Track Bill 60 status →
Don't want to fill out the N4 by hand?
Our free N4 generator builds the LTB form for you, auto-totals the arrears, and gives you a ready-to-serve PDF.
Generate your N4 notice →Deadlines and Dates
The N4 notice has specific timing requirements (current rules — see the Bill 60 note above for the pending change):
- Termination date: Must be at least 14 days after you give the notice for a monthly tenancy (Bill 60 will reduce this to 7 days once proclaimed — not yet in force)
- Voiding period: The tenant has until the termination date (14 days for a monthly tenancy) to pay the full amount and void the notice
- L1 application:You can file an L1 with the LTB the day after the termination date if the tenant hasn't paid
Common Mistake
Many landlords miscalculate the termination date. The 14 days start the day AFTER you serve the notice, not the day you serve it. If you serve on the 1st, the earliest termination date is the 15th.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Calculate the Arrears
Before issuing the N4, determine exactly how much rent is owed. Include all unpaid rent from previous months but do NOT include late fees, NSF charges, or utility payments. The N4 is for rent only.
Use our free Arrears Calculator →
Step 2: Get the Correct N4 Form
Download the current N4 form from the LTB website. Using an outdated form can invalidate your notice.
Step 3: Complete the Form Accurately
Fill out all required sections:
- Full legal names of all tenants on the lease
- Complete rental unit address
- Breakdown of rent owed by period
- Termination date (minimum 14 days from service for a monthly tenancy)
- Your signature and date
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Step 4: Serve the Notice
Serve the N4 to your tenant using an acceptable method:
- Hand it directly to the tenant
- Leave it in the mailbox (add 5 days to the termination date)
- Slide it under the door or through a mail slot
- Post it on the door if no mail slot (add 5 days)
Step 5: Wait the Voiding Period
The tenant has until the termination date (14 days for a monthly tenancy) to pay the full amount of arrears and void the notice. If they pay in full, the notice is void and you cannot proceed with an eviction based on it.
Step 6: File L1 if Not Paid
If the tenant hasn't paid by the termination date, you can file an L1 application with the LTB the day after. You'll need a copy of your N4, proof of service, and the L1 application fee.
Common Mistakes Landlords Make
Wrong termination date
Giving fewer than 14 days notice for a monthly tenancy (the current cure period)
Assuming Bill 60 is already in force
Using a 7-day N4 — that change is not yet proclaimed, so the 14-day period still applies
Including non-rent charges
Adding utility bills or late fees to the arrears amount
Using old forms
The LTB updates forms periodically
Math errors
Incorrect arrears calculations
Missing information
Incomplete tenant names or addresses
N4 Checklist
Related Resources
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