For an N4 served on or after September 21, 2026, a landlord can generally choose a termination date at least seven days after giving the notice. The previous minimum was 14 days. This starts the legal process; it does not authorize a landlord to remove a tenant.
At a glance
- The minimum N4 notice period is now 7 days for most monthly or yearly tenancies.
- The new timing applies to N4 notices served on or after September 21, 2026.
- A tenant can make the N4 void by paying all rent owing by the termination date shown on the notice.
- If the rent remains unpaid, the landlord must still apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board and obtain an eviction order.
What changed
Ontario brought parts of Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, into force on September 21, 2026. The updated Landlord and Tenant Board N4 form now says a landlord must give a tenant at least seven days' notice when rent has not been paid.
The date on the notice must be calculated carefully. The method used to deliver an N4 can add extra days before it is considered served, so landlords should follow the instructions attached to the current form rather than simply counting seven calendar days from the day it is prepared.
What did not change
An N4 is a notice, not an eviction order. A landlord cannot change the locks or require a tenant to leave based on the notice alone. If the amount remains unpaid, the landlord must file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board, wait for the case to be decided, and receive an order before an eviction can be enforced.
The notice is still void if the tenant pays the full amount owing by the termination date. Tenants who disagree with the amount should keep payment records and seek advice quickly because the response window is now shorter.
Practical steps for landlords
- Use the current N4 form marked 2026/09.
- Check the delivery rules before selecting the termination date.
- Keep a clear rent ledger and proof showing how and when the notice was served.
- Do not treat an N4 as permission to enter the unit, change locks, or remove belongings.
Practical steps for tenants
- Read the amount owing, rental period, and termination date as soon as the notice arrives.
- If possible, pay the full arrears by the stated date and keep proof of payment.
- If the amount is wrong or payment is not possible, contact the Landlord and Tenant Board, a community legal clinic, or a licensed legal professional promptly.
- Continue to document rent payments, maintenance concerns, and all communication in writing.