Getting Ready for November 30: A Prep Plan for Ontario Landlords

Published October 25, 2026

On September 21, 2026, a set of changes took effect at Ontario's Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). The N4 notice period dropped from 14 days to 7. Tenants who want to raise other issues at an arrears hearing now have to pay half the arrears first. Ten LTB forms were replaced, and the old versions stop being accepted on November 30, 2026. (Source)

That leaves about five weeks. This post is a plan for using them. For the full list of what changed, see What Changed for Ontario Landlords in 2026.

The changes that matter most

(Source)

Step 1: Replace your saved forms

Delete the blank LTB forms you've saved over the years: in your Downloads folder, on your desktop, in a cloud folder or in a filing cabinet. Download the current versions from the LTB's forms page when you need one, every time. (Source)

The N4 is on its own in the LTB's update: it was updated, but it isn't on the November 30 list. An old N4 still describes the 14-day period, though, so replace it along with the rest. (Source)

Step 2: Check who's behind on rent today

Go through each unit and write down what's owing, by rental period. The N4 asks for the rent owing for each period and the total, and only rent counts: not NSF charges or a rent deposit. (Source)

If you keep a rent ledger, this takes minutes. If you don't, start one now. The same record backs up an N4, an L1 and a persistent-late-payment claim later.

Step 3: If you need to give an N4, count the new dates

The termination date must be at least 7 days after you give the notice, not counting that day. Add 1 business day if you send it by courier, and 5 days if you mail it. (Source) Our free N4 calculator counts it for each way of giving the notice.

You can also email an N4, if the tenant has agreed in writing to receive documents by email. An emailed notice counts as given the day you send it. (Source) If you'd like that option, ask your tenants for written consent now, before you need it.

Step 4: Check notices you've already given

List every notice you've given that hasn't led to an application yet: the form, its version, the date and how you gave it. If you gave a notice on an old form and will apply after November 30, check with the LTB or a paralegal before you rely on it. The LTB's contact centre is at 416-645-8080, or 1-888-332-3234 toll-free. (Source)

Step 5: Get your service records in order

To file an L1 you need a copy of the N4 exactly as you gave it, and a Certificate of Service showing how and when you gave it. The LTB refuses the application without them. (Source) Each time you give a notice, write down the date and method, and keep a copy.

Step 6: Start recording late payments

The new definition of persistent late payment depends on a record: when rent was due, and when it actually arrived. A payment you applied to older arrears isn't counted as late. (Source) Record the date every payment comes in, from this month on.

Step 7: Planning to move in? Give 120 days

If you, a family member or a caregiver will move into a unit, an N12 served with at least 120 days' notice no longer requires compensation or another unit. That doesn't apply to an N12 for a purchaser. The person must normally move in within 60 days of the termination date. (Source)

A short checklist

• Delete old blank LTB forms, and download fresh ones when you need them
• Write down what each tenant owes, by rental period
• Count any N4 date with the 7-day rule, plus days for courier or mail
• Ask tenants for written consent to email notices, if you want that option
• List notices given on old forms, and check them before November 30
• Keep a copy of every notice and a record of how you gave it
• Record the date every rent payment arrives

Not sure of your date yet? Try the free N4 calculator first.