In This Article
The N4 Must Come First
You cannot file an L1 application without first serving a valid N4. The N4 — Notice to End your Tenancy Early for Non-payment of Rent — is the mandatory first step. It tells the tenant exactly how much rent is owed and gives them a void period to pay or vacate.
If your N4 is defective — wrong amount, wrong dates, wrong service method, served too early — your L1 application will be dismissed at the LTB. The LTB does not overlook procedural errors. Before filing the L1, confirm your N4 was properly served and that the void period has expired without payment.
Haven't served the N4 yet? Read our Ontario N4 Notice Guide first. The L1 is only the second step in the process.
When You Can File the L1
You can file the L1 application the day after the termination date stated on the N4, provided the tenant has not paid the full amount owed and has not vacated the unit.
| Tenancy Type | N4 Void Period | Earliest L1 Filing Date |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly or yearly tenancy | 14 days after the N4 termination date | The day after the termination date passes |
| Weekly or daily tenancy | 7 days after the N4 termination date | The day after the termination date passes |
Do not file early. Filing the L1 before the void period expires — or before the termination date on the N4 has passed — is grounds for dismissal. The LTB will check the dates.
What the L1 Application Asks For
The L1 application asks the LTB for two things simultaneously:
- An eviction order — authorizing the sheriff to enforce the eviction if the tenant does not comply
- A rent arrears order — requiring the tenant to pay the rent owed, plus the L1 filing fee
You do not need to file a separate application to collect the rent owed. The L1 combines both requests into one application. The LTB will calculate the total amount owing at the hearing based on your rent ledger and any payments made after you filed.
How to File the L1
The LTB strongly recommends filing through the Tribunals Ontario Portal (TOP) at tribunalsontario.ca. Online filing is faster, allows you to track your application status, and confirms receipt immediately.
You can also file by mail, courier, or in person at an LTB office, though these methods take longer and are less reliable for tracking.
Filing Through the Tribunals Ontario Portal
- Go to tribunalsontario.ca and create or log in to your account
- Select "Landlord Application" and then "L1 — Application to Evict a Tenant for Non-payment of Rent"
- Enter the rental unit address and tenant information
- Enter the rent amount, the date the N4 was served, and the current arrears
- Upload required documents (see below)
- Pay the filing fee by credit card
- Submit — you will receive a confirmation with your application number
Documents to Include
When filing the L1, include the following documents as attachments in the portal:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Copy of the N4 notice | Must match exactly what was served to the tenant |
| Proof of service | Document how and when the N4 was served — signed delivery confirmation, affidavit of service, or detailed notes with date and method |
| Rent ledger | Shows the rent due, dates, and all payments received — running from the start of the arrears to the filing date |
| Copy of the lease (if available) | Confirms rent amount and tenancy start date |
The rent ledger is critical. The LTB uses it to calculate the total amount owing at the hearing. If your ledger is incomplete or inconsistent with the N4, the Member may adjourn to request more information — delaying your hearing. Keep a running rent ledger from the first missed payment forward.
Filing Fee
As of 2026, the LTB filing fee for an L1 application is $201. This fee is added to the amount the tenant owes — if you receive an eviction and rent order, the tenant is required to pay back the filing fee along with the arrears.
Filing fees are subject to change. Verify the current fee at tribunalsontario.ca before filing.
After You File: What Happens Next
After the L1 is accepted, the LTB will schedule a hearing and send both you and the tenant a Notice of Hearing with the date, time, and format (in-person, video, or telephone). You are required to serve a copy of the L1 application and the Notice of Hearing on the tenant using an LTB-approved service method.
You must serve the tenant. The LTB notifies the tenant of the hearing date, but you are responsible for serving the tenant with a copy of your L1 application and supporting documents. Keep proof of this service — the LTB Member will ask.
At least five days before the hearing, you must also submit an L1/L9 Information Update form to the LTB and serve it on the tenant. This updates the arrears amount to reflect any payments made after you filed — or any additional rent that has come due.
The LTB Hearing
At the hearing, an LTB Member will review your evidence, hear from both you and the tenant, and issue an order. There are several possible outcomes:
| Outcome | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Standard eviction and arrears order | Tenant must pay arrears by a set date or vacate. If they pay, the tenancy continues. If not, you can enforce the eviction order through the sheriff. |
| Pay-and-stay order (section 83 relief) | LTB can delay or refuse eviction if it would cause undue hardship — even if the tenant owes rent. This is discretionary. |
| Repayment plan | LTB may order a structured repayment schedule if the tenant agrees and has the ability to pay. |
| Application dismissed | If your N4 or L1 had procedural defects, the application may be dismissed. You would need to start over. |
If the Tenant Pays Before the Hearing
If the tenant pays all rent owing — including any rent that came due after you filed the L1 — before the hearing, the tenancy is preserved and the LTB will not issue an eviction order. You can withdraw the L1 application.
If the tenant makes a partial payment, you are not required to accept it as settlement. Update your L1/L9 Information Update form to reflect the payment and proceed to the hearing with the outstanding balance.
Free: The Complete N-Form Guide Pack
Includes step-by-step N4 procedure, service methods, void period rules, and the mistakes that cause L1 dismissals at the LTB. Free download, no email required on Gumroad.
Download Free →L1 Filing Checklist
- Valid N4 served with correct amount and 14-day void period (monthly/yearly tenancy)
- Void period has expired and tenant has not paid the full amount owed
- Filing date is on or after the day following the N4 termination date
- L1 filed through Tribunals Ontario Portal with filing fee paid ($201 as of 2026)
- N4, proof of service, and rent ledger uploaded with the application
- Tenant served with copy of L1 and Notice of Hearing
- L1/L9 Information Update filed and served at least 5 days before the hearing
- Attend the hearing with all documents organized
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. LTB filing fees and procedures change regularly. Always verify current requirements at tribunalsontario.ca and consult a licensed paralegal or lawyer for your specific situation.