What Is an N4 Notice?
The N4 (Notice to End a Tenancy Early for Non-payment of Rent) is the formal notice a landlord uses when a tenant owes rent. It's the first step in recovering arrears or beginning the eviction process.
Notice Period: 7 Days (RTA s.59, Bill 60, from Sept 21, 2026)
The minimum N4 notice period counts from the deemed service date:
- Every tenancy type: the termination date must be at least 7 days after deemed service (Bill 60, OIC 618/2026)
- Before filing, full payment of arrears plus rent newly due by the termination date may void the N4; partial payment does not automatically void it
- If an N4 is voided and the tenant falls behind again, a new N4 must be issued
Filling Out the N4 Correctly
The N4 must name every tenant, give the complete rental-unit address, show rent-only arrears and the correct termination date, and be signed and dated by the landlord or authorized representative. An N4 termination date does not have to be the last day of a rental period.
High-risk mistake: printing a termination date and then serving the draft late. Count from actual or deemed service. If service is too late, do not repair the record afterward—regenerate, sign, and serve a new copy.
What Happens After the N4
Only on or after the day following the N4 termination date, while the tenant remains in possession and rent is still owing, may the landlord assess an L1 filing. If the tenant moved out, review L10; for collection without eviction, review L9, which does not require an N4. Anchorlease never files automatically.