How to Evict a Tenant in Ontario (The Legal Process)

Eviction is the part of being a landlord no one looks forward to — and the part where mistakes are most costly. In Ontario, there is exactly one lawful path: a formal process through the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) under the Residential Tenancies Act. You can never change the locks, remove belongings, or shut off utilities. Here's how to do it the legal way.

Key takeaways

• Self-help evictions are illegal in Ontario — only the LTB can order a tenant removed.
• Eviction starts with the correct notice form (such as N4 for non-payment of rent).
• If the tenant doesn't comply or move out, you apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board.
• Only the Court Enforcement Office (Sheriff) can physically remove a tenant after an LTB order.
• The process takes time, which is why careful tenant screening up front is so valuable.

The golden rule: no self-help evictions

Before anything else, understand this: in Ontario you cannot evict a tenant on your own. Changing the locks, removing a tenant's belongings, or cutting off heat, water or electricity to force someone out is illegal — even if the tenant hasn't paid rent in months. Every eviction must go through the Landlord and Tenant Board, which administers the Residential Tenancies Act.

Self-help evictions are illegal

Locking out a tenant, seizing their property, or shutting off essential services can expose you to serious penalties. A tenant is only lawfully removed after an LTB order is enforced by the Sheriff.

Step 1: Serve the correct notice

The process begins with a written notice on the correct LTB form, matched to the reason for ending the tenancy. The notice gives the tenant a chance to fix the problem (for example, by paying overdue rent) or to move out by a set date.

Each form has its own required notice period and rules. Using the wrong form, or filling it out incorrectly, is one of the most common reasons eviction applications fail.

Step 2: Apply to the LTB

If the tenant doesn't resolve the issue or move out by the deadline in the notice, your next step is to file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board. The LTB schedules a hearing where both you and the tenant can present evidence. Bring your lease, payment records, the notice you served, and any supporting documentation.

The LTB is the same tribunal that handles rent disputes and above-guideline increases — learn more about how it fits the bigger picture in rent control in Ontario and our pillar guide, how to become a landlord in Ontario.

Step 3: The hearing and the order

At the hearing, the LTB member reviews the evidence and decides. The Board may order the tenant to pay arrears, dismiss the application, or issue an eviction order. Even when an eviction is ordered, the LTB can give the tenant time to comply, and tenants are often able to stop the eviction by paying what they owe before it's enforced.

Step 4: Enforcement — and how to avoid getting here

If the LTB issues an eviction order and the tenant still doesn't leave, the order is enforced by the Court Enforcement Office (the Sheriff) — not by you. Only the Sheriff can physically remove a tenant. Acting on your own at any point in this process is unlawful.

The whole process can take time, which is exactly why prevention matters most. Strong tenant screening before move-in is the single best way to avoid ever reaching an eviction hearing. For the tenant's view of the same system, see tenant rights in Ontario.

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