Ontario N4 Notice Checker
How many days do you actually have after an N4 notice for unpaid rent? Enter when and how the notice was given to see the deemed-given date, whether the 7-day or 14-day rule applies, and the earliest termination date.
Heads up — not legal advice. General information only — not legal advice. CanLegal Docs is not a law firm; have important notices reviewed by a licensed Ontario lawyer or paralegal, or confirm with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Pick a served date to calculate.
How this calculation works
- Since September 21, 2026, an N4 termination date must be at least 7 days after the notice counts as given; before that date the minimum was 14 days.
- You do not count the deemed-given day. The Board's own example: handed over on March 3, the earliest termination date is March 10; mailed on March 3, it is March 15 (5 mailing days + 7 notice days).
- An N4 is not an eviction order. If rent is still unpaid after the termination date, the landlord files an L1 and only the Board can order an eviction.
- Never post an N4 on the door — that is not an accepted method. Complete a Certificate of Service and keep a copy.
Official sources
Rules checked October 2026. Always confirm on the official pages:
Frequently asked questions
Does an N4 give 7 or 14 days?
It depends on the deemed-given date. On or after September 21, 2026: at least 7 days. Before that: 14 days. How the notice was sent can push the deemed date later (mail: +5 days; courier: next business day), so the real calendar date is often later than a quick count suggests.
What happens if I pay everything owing?
Paying in full on or before the termination date voids the notice. Paying after that date but before the landlord files the L1 can also void it — confirm with the Board and keep every receipt.
Can the landlord change the locks after the termination date?
No. An N4 does not evict anyone. Only the Board can order an eviction after a hearing, and only the Sheriff can enforce it.
Can an N4 be served by email or text?
Email needs the tenant's prior written agreement; text alone is not a recognized method. The safe methods are hand delivery, mailbox, under the door, courier, and mail.
What does the landlord do after the termination date?
If rent is still unpaid and the tenant has not moved out, the landlord can file an L1 application as early as the day after the termination date, with the N4 and a Certificate of Service.
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