The Eviction Timeline in Ontario

Eviction in Ontario, under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, follows a defined sequence -- it is not a single event:

1. The landlord serves the applicable N-form notice (for example, N4 for non-payment of rent, or N12 for landlord's own use)
2. If the tenant does not comply or move out, the landlord files a matching L-application with the LTB (for example, L1 for non-payment of rent, L2 for other grounds)
3. The LTB schedules a hearing
4. The LTB issues a written order
5. If the tenant still does not leave, only the Sheriff, through the Court Enforcement Office, can physically enforce the eviction

Hearing wait times vary significantly by LTB office and case type, and have at times extended to several months. There is no single universal timeline that applies to every case, so if you are involved in a proceeding, check directly with the LTB for current processing times in your area rather than relying on a fixed number.

Even after the LTB issues an eviction order, the landlord cannot personally remove a tenant. Physical enforcement can only be carried out by the Sheriff through the Court Enforcement Office. This is one of the most important protections in Ontario tenancy law.

A landlord can never change the locks, remove a tenant's belongings, or otherwise self-evict -- doing so is illegal, regardless of how much rent is owed or what the lease says. If this happens to you, it is a serious violation and you should seek help immediately, including contacting the police and the LTB.

At the notice stage, you can often resolve the issue directly (for example, paying rent owed to void an N4). At the hearing stage, you have the right to attend and present your case -- free same-day legal help from duty counsel is available at most, though not all, LTB hearing locations. Mediation is also offered at most hearing locations as a less formal alternative to a full hearing.