Eviction
What happens if I can't pay my rent in Ontario?
Your landlord can serve an N4 notice giving you 14 days to pay. If you pay everything owed by the deadline, the notice is void and you stay. Even after that, you can generally 'pay and stay' by clearing the arrears plus costs before the Sheriff enforces an eviction order.
By the LeasePlain Editorial Team · Checked against Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act per our editorial standards·Last reviewed August 2026
An N4 is only the first step — not an eviction. After the 14 days, the landlord must file with the LTB and wait for a hearing, where you can propose a payment plan.
Don't move out just because you received an N4, and don't ignore it either. Get advice from a community legal clinic if you can't catch up.