Understanding Notices in Residential Tenancies

In the daily rhythm of building management and tenant living, notices are a vital form of communication. They keep everyone informed, safe, and protected under Ontario’s rental laws. But not all notices are the same—and how they’re delivered matters just as much as what they say.

Whether you're a tenant, landlord, or property manager, understanding these notices can help build trust, avoid confusion, and maintain a respectful living environment. Here’s everything you need to know.

📬 How to Deliver a Notice Safely and Thoughtfully

Delivering notices might seem simple—just slip a paper through the door, right? Not quite.

To protect privacy and safety, notices should be pushed completely through the door so they’re not visible from the outside. Why is this important?

• It helps prevent strangers from knowing who is or isn't home, reducing the risk of break-ins.

• It keeps important or personal information private.

• It prevents notices from being pulled out by children or curious passersby who might play with or damage them.

Being mindful in how we deliver notices respects everyone’s boundaries while still getting the message across.

🛠️ Why We Deliver Notices

Notices are more than just pieces of paper—they’re about keeping tenants informed and prepared. Here are a few common reasons notices might be delivered:

• Water shut-offs for maintenance

• Construction or major work in or around the building

• Contractor visits to individual units for repairs

• Annual or scheduled inspections

• Showings for prospective new tenants

In all cases, the goal is to give residents time to plan, ask questions, and stay in the loop.

📅 What Kind of Notices Are Common?

🔧 24-Hour Notices

These are typically given when we need to enter a unit for maintenance or inspection. According to Ontario law, landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice with the date, time, and reason for entry.

📣 General Information Notices

These are friendly heads-up notices about things like:

• Upcoming noise due to repairs or renovations

• Sidewalk or parking lot work

• Elevator maintenance

• Fire alarm testing

These don’t require legal forms but should still be clear, respectful, and informative.

🐜 Pest Control Notices

These are extremely important! When pest control is scheduled, tenants must be notified ahead of time and often given specific preparation instructions. Depending on the issue (bed bugs, cockroaches, mice, etc.), tenants may be asked to:

• Remove bedding, clothes, and belongings from certain areas

• Vacuum and clean ahead of time

• Leave the unit for a few hours during or after treatment

• Avoid touching treated surfaces

Proper prep ensures pest control is effective and safe. Lack of cooperation may delay treatment or cause pests to spread.

📄 Legal Notices: What Landlords Need to Know

Certain forms are required by law when landlords need to take specific actions. Here are the most common:

N1 – Rent Increase Notice

Used to inform tenants of a lawful rent increase. This must follow Ontario’s guidelines and be delivered at least 90 days before the increase takes effect.

N4 – Notice to End Tenancy for Non-Payment of Rent

Issued when a tenant hasn’t paid their rent. This gives them 14 days to pay or move out, but tenants can avoid eviction by paying in full within that time.

N5 – Notice to End Tenancy for Interference, Damage, or Overcrowding

Given when tenants are causing problems like disturbing others, damaging property, or exceeding occupancy limits. Tenants may be able to correct the issue to stay.

N11 – Agreement to End the Tenancy

A mutual agreement between landlord and tenant to end the lease. This must be voluntary and signed by both parties.

📄 Legal Notices: What Tenants Need to Know

Tenants also have the right to end their lease under specific conditions. These are the most common notices tenants may use:

N9 – Tenant’s Notice to End the Tenancy

Tenants use this form to give 60 days’ notice when moving out at the end of a lease or during a month-to-month agreement.

N11 – Agreement to End the Tenancy

As mentioned earlier, this is a joint agreement between both parties to end the lease early.

N15 – Notice to End Tenancy Because of Fear of Sexual or Domestic Violence and Abuse

A special notice that allows tenants to leave immediately without penalty if they or a child in the unit are experiencing domestic violence or abuse. This form ensures privacy and protection in vulnerable situations.

🗂️ More Forms and Resources

There are many other forms and applications under Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). Whether you're a building manager or a tenant, it's essential to understand your rights and responsibilities.

👉 Explore the full list of forms and detailed instructions here:
Landlord and Tenant Board – Forms, Filing & Fees

This resource covers everything from eviction applications to maintenance requests and offers important legal guidelines for both parties.

💡 Coming Up Next on Lily Daily Dwelling...

Curious about how to break a lease legally? Wondering what the difference is between a sublet and an assignment?

✨ Stay tuned for our next blog post:
"Breaking the Lease: Sublet vs. Assignment – What’s the Difference?"

You’ll learn the pros, cons, and legal process of both options—perfect for tenants who need to move early or landlords navigating lease changes.