What Is the New 7-Day N4 Notice in Ontario?

As of September 21, 2026, Ontario has shortened the minimum notice period for the N4 form—the Notice to End a Tenancy Early for Non-payment of Rent—from 14 days to 7 days for all tenancies. (ontario.ca)

What Is the N4 Notice?

The N4 is a formal notice that a landlord serves to a tenant when rent has not been paid. It informs the tenant of the arrears and sets a termination date for the tenancy. If the tenant pays the overdue rent by the termination date, the notice becomes void. (ontario.ca)

How Does the 7-Day Rule Work?

The change means that for all tenancies, the termination date on an N4 notice must be at least 7 days after the notice is given. This applies regardless of whether the tenancy is daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly. Previously, monthly and yearly tenancies required a 14-day notice period. (ontario.ca)

Example Scenario

Imagine a landlord serves an N4 notice on October 6, 2026. The earliest the termination date can be is October 13, 2026, which is 7 days later. If the tenant pays the overdue rent by October 13, the notice is void, and the tenancy continues. (ontario.ca)

What Should Tenants Do Next?

If you receive an N4 notice, it's crucial to act promptly:

1. Review the Notice Carefully: Ensure the details are accurate, including the amount of rent owed and the termination date.

2. Pay the Overdue Rent: To void the notice, pay the full amount of rent owed by the termination date.

3. Seek Assistance if Needed: If you're unable to pay, consider reaching out to local tenant support organizations or legal advisors for guidance.

Understanding these changes can help you navigate your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Ontario.

For more detailed information, refer to the official Landlord and Tenant Board guidelines.