1. Fix the problem
Question and answer
What are my options before my eviction hearing?For some eviction notices, you might be able to stop the eviction process.
Unpaid rent
To start the process to you for owing rent, your landlord must first give you a written notice. Usually the is called Form N4: Notice to End your Tenancy Early For Non-payment of Rent.
To cancel this N4 notice and stop the eviction, you can pay the full amount the landlord says you owe. If you pay by the , your landlord cannot apply to the (LTB) for an eviction based on this notice.
Use CLEO's Eviction Solution Explorer to learn more about what you can do if your landlord wants to evict you because you owe rent.
Damage to unit or building
Your landlord may want to evict you because you or your guest damaged your rental unit or the building. To start the eviction process, your landlord must give you a notice called Form N5: Notice to End your Tenancy For Interfering with Others, Damage or Overcrowding.
If this is the first N5 in the past 6 months, you have 7 days to cancel the notice by:
- repairing any damage,
- paying the amount the landlord asked you to pay in the notice, or
- replacing the damaged property, if it's not reasonable to repair it.
You do not have to move out if you fix the problem.
Read more at What if I or my guests damage the place I am renting?
Interference with others
Your landlord may want to evict you because you disturb them or other tenants. To start the process, the landlord must give you a Form N5: Notice to End your Tenancy For Interfering with Others, Damage or Overcrowding.
If this is the first N5 in the past 6 months, you have 7 days to cancel the notice by stopping the behaviour or activity the notice says is causing the disturbance.
You do not have to move out if you cancel the notice.
Read more at What if my landlord wants to evict me for disturbing others?
Get legal help
It's always best to get legal advice about eviction problems.
If you have a low income, contact your local community legal clinic. Be sure to tell the clinic if you have an eviction hearing scheduled.
If you cannot get help from a community legal clinic, you can call Pro Bono Ontario's Free Legal Advice Hotline.
Or you can contact the Law Society Referral Service for a free 30-minute consultation with a lawyer or paralegal.
You can also contact JusticeNet, a non-profit organization that can connect you with a lawyer or paralegal who has agreed to work for reduced fees.
And if it's a no-fault eviction, you can get free legal help from the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights or free counselling services from the Federation of Metro Tenants’ Associations if you're in Toronto.