The forms tenants and landlords in Ontario use to give legal notice — rent increases, terminations, mutual agreements. Plain-English explanations and links to download the official versions.
"N forms" are the family of notice forms issued by the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). They're how a tenant or landlord gives legal written notice for things like rent increases, mutual agreements to end a tenancy, or formal termination on specific grounds. Each N form has its own legal requirements — proper notice periods, required information, and (for some) compensation obligations.
N forms are notices, not court orders. Receiving one does not by itself end your tenancy or evict you. If a dispute follows, it goes to a hearing at the LTB.
Used by landlords to formally notify a tenant that rent is going up. Requires 90 days' written notice and (for rent-controlled units) cannot exceed the annual guideline.
Used for units that are partially exempt from the rent increase guideline (e.g. units first occupied for residential purposes on or after November 15, 2018).
The first formal step a landlord takes when a tenant misses rent. Gives the tenant 14 days to pay or vacate. If rent is paid in full within the notice period, the N4 is voided.
Used for substantial interference with reasonable enjoyment, damage to the unit, or too many occupants. The tenant has 7 days to correct the issue (first N5); a second N5 within 6 months has no remedy period.
Used for an illegal act in the unit/complex, or for misrepresenting income in a subsidized housing situation. No correction period.
Used for very serious matters: wilful damage, serious impairment of safety, or use of the unit for an illegal business. 10 days' notice. No correction period.
Used at the end of a fixed-term tenancy for certain specific grounds (e.g. persistent late payment, no longer in employment-based tenancy). Strict requirements; not a general "lease is up, leave" notice — in Ontario, fixed-term leases automatically convert to month-to-month.
Used when the landlord, the landlord's family, or a purchaser of the property intends to move into the unit. Requires 60 days' notice and one month's rent compensation to the tenant, or an offer of another acceptable unit. Strict rules — abuse of N12 is a serious offence.
Used when the landlord intends to demolish the unit, do major repairs requiring vacancy, or convert it to non-residential use. Requires 120 days' notice and 3 months' rent compensation (or right of first refusal in the repair scenario).
How a tenant gives written notice that they're leaving. Required notice period is 60 days for monthly tenancies, ending on the last day of a rental period. For fixed-term leases, the earliest end date is the day after the term ends.
Special protection for tenants who need to leave because of sexual or domestic violence. Only 28 days' notice required. The landlord cannot disclose the reason or that the tenant left.
Used when the landlord and tenant agree in writing to a rent increase above the annual guideline (e.g. in exchange for an upgrade like air conditioning or a new appliance). Voluntary on both sides.
Used when the landlord and tenant both agree to end the tenancy on a specific date. Voluntary. Once signed, the tenancy ends on the agreed date.
The Landlord and Tenant Board publishes all N forms (and their guides) on the official Tribunals Ontario website. Always download from there to make sure you have the current version — forms are occasionally updated.
Official LTB Forms — Tribunals Ontario
If you've received an N form and aren't sure what to do, or you're a landlord considering one and want to make sure you're doing it correctly, these are the right resources:
This guide is informational, not legal advice. Form descriptions are summaries. Always consult a paralegal, lawyer, or the LTB directly for your specific situation. I'm a registered real estate sales representative, not a lawyer.
If you've received an N form or are about to issue one, the wording and timing matter. I can refer you to a paralegal I trust and help interpret what you're holding.