N5 L2 Landlord · Ontario LTB

How do I evict a tenant for damage, disturbance, or overcrowding?

The tenant (or their guest) is damaging the unit, disturbing others, or overcrowding. Serve an N5; escalate to L2 if not corrected.

The step-by-step process

Reviewed by a licensed paralegal. General information — not legal advice.

  1. 1

    Document the problem thoroughly: dates, photos of damage, complaints from other tenants, and any communications.

  2. 2

    Serve a first N5. The tenant has 7 days to correct the behaviour or repair/pay for the damage — if they do, the notice is void.

  3. 3

    If the tenant corrects it, the tenancy continues. If the SAME or similar problem happens again within 6 months, you may serve a second N5 that cannot be voided.

  4. 4

    If the behaviour is not corrected (or on a valid second N5), file an L2 with the LTB and pay the filing fee.

  5. 5

    At the hearing, present your dated evidence and any witnesses.

⏱ Timeline

A first N5 gives the tenant 7 days to fix the issue and sets a termination date 20 days after the notice. A second N5 within 6 months is not voidable (14-day termination). Verify on the N5 form.

⚠️ Common mistakes to avoid

  • A FIRST N5 is voidable — the tenant fixing the problem cancels it. Only a valid second N5 within 6 months, or an uncorrected first N5, supports an L2.
  • Serious/willful damage or safety issues use a different, faster path (N7) — see that option.

Frequently asked questions

Which form do I use to end a tenancy for damage, disturbance, or overcrowding in Ontario?

Serve the N5 (Notice to End your Tenancy for Interfering with Others, Damage or Overcrowding) first. If the tenant doesn't comply by the termination date, file the L2 (Application to End a Tenancy and Evict a Tenant) with the Landlord and Tenant Board.

How long does it take to end a tenancy for damage, disturbance, or overcrowding in Ontario?

A first N5 gives the tenant 7 days to fix the issue and sets a termination date 20 days after the notice. A second N5 within 6 months is not voidable (14-day termination). Verify on the N5 form.

What are the steps to end a tenancy for damage, disturbance, or overcrowding in Ontario?

1. Document the problem thoroughly: dates, photos of damage, complaints from other tenants, and any communications. 2. Serve a first N5. The tenant has 7 days to correct the behaviour or repair/pay for the damage — if they do, the notice is void. 3. If the tenant corrects it, the tenancy continues. If the SAME or similar problem happens again within 6 months, you may serve a second N5 that cannot be voided. 4. If the behaviour is not corrected (or on a valid second N5), file an L2 with the LTB and pay the filing fee. 5. At the hearing, present your dated evidence and any witnesses.

What are the most common mistakes when trying to end a tenancy for damage, disturbance, or overcrowding?

A FIRST N5 is voidable — the tenant fixing the problem cancels it. Only a valid second N5 within 6 months, or an uncorrected first N5, supports an L2. Serious/willful damage or safety issues use a different, faster path (N7) — see that option.

If the LTB orders eviction, can I remove the tenant myself?

No. Only the Court Enforcement Office (the Sheriff) can enforce an eviction order. Changing the locks or removing a tenant yourself is an illegal lockout and can expose you to a tenant T2 application.

Related landlord guides

Go deeper

Build your case with real LTB decisions

Describe your situation, pull comparable orders, and generate a hearing-ready pack — for landlords, property managers, and paralegals.

Start with CaseBuilder →

General information, not legal advice — it doesn't create a paralegal–client relationship. Confirm exact deadlines on the official LTB form and rely on a licensed paralegal or lawyer for representation. Enforcement of an eviction is only by the Court Enforcement Office (Sheriff).