What Ontario Landlords Need to Know About the New LTB Rules

If you are an Ontario landlord, there have been some important changes to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17 (“RTA”) and the Landlord and Tenant Board (“LTB”) process that took effect on September 21, 2026.

These changes are in addition to the July 1, 2026, updates on Bill 60 and Bill 97. Please refer to the LTB Rules of Procedure, Practice Directions, and Interpretation Guidelines for a full review.

N4 Notices: The Notice Period Is Now 7 Days

One of the changes landlords are likely to notice right away is the change to the N4 Notice to End a Tenancy Early for Non-payment of Rent.

For N4s served on or after September 21, 2026, the notice period for monthly and yearly tenancies has been reduced from 14 days to 7 days.

That means landlords dealing with unpaid rent may be able to move forward with an LTB application sooner than they could under the previous rules.

Repeated Late Payments of Rent

The rules have also changed for tenants who repeatedly pay their rent late.

The legislation now specifically addresses what is considered persistent late payment. Generally, this includes rent being paid more than seven days late on at least three occasions within a six-month period.

For landlords who have a tenant who eventually pays, but consistently pays late, keeping good records of when rent was due and when it was actually received is particularly important.

N12 Notices: Landlord's Own Use

There are also important changes to N12 Notices where a landlord needs the rental unit for their own use.

If a landlord gives at least 120 days' notice for their own use, they are no longer required to pay the tenant one month's compensation or offer another acceptable rental unit.

There is also a new requirement after the tenant leaves. The landlord or intended occupant must move into the unit within 60 days of the termination date set out in the N12.

If that does not happen, and the former tenant brings a T5 application claiming the N12 was given in bad faith, the legislation creates a presumption of bad faith. The landlord can still provide evidence to explain why the occupant did not move in.

These changes make it particularly important that landlords understand the requirements before serving an N12 and follow through with the intended use of the property.

N13 Notices: Renovations and Repairs

There are also changes affecting N13 Notices, which are used when a landlord needs to carry out substantial repairs or renovations, demolish the unit, or convert it to another use.

If a tenant gives the landlord written notice that they intend to return to the unit after the work is completed, the landlord now has additional obligations to keep the tenant informed about the progress of the work and the expected completion date.

Once the work is complete, the landlord must give the tenant 60 days' notice to return to the unit.

The deadline for a tenant to bring a T5 application in these circumstances has also changed to two years from the date the tenant moved out, or six months after the renovations are finished, whichever date is later.

Changes at Non-Payment Hearings

There are changes to what tenants must do if they want to raise other issues at a hearing for a landlord's application based on non-payment of rent.

For certain applications filed on or after September 21, 2026, a tenant who wants to raise other issues at the hearing will generally have to pay 50% of the arrears claimed at least seven days before the hearing.

This is another reason why landlords should make sure their rent records and LTB applications are accurate and complete.

Updated LTB Forms

The LTB has also released updated versions of a number of its forms, including the N4, N8, N12, N13, L1, L2, L9, L10, and T5.

Landlords should make sure they are using the current forms. The previous versions will no longer be accepted after November 30, 2026.

What Does This Mean for Landlords?

The rules have changed in a number of important ways, and the details matter. Using the wrong form, missing a deadline, or failing to meet a specific requirement can result in an application being delayed or dismissed.

If you are dealing with unpaid rent, repeated late payments, an N12 or N13, or another landlord and tenant issue, you do not have to navigate the LTB process on your own.

A licensed paralegal can assist you with your matter and advocate on your behalf before the Landlord and Tenant Board.

If you have questions about a tenancy or are considering taking action against a tenant, contact Sicotte Guilbault to discuss your options.