The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) provides a comprehensive set of forms, each with a specific purpose. Using the correct form is not optional—it is required by law and is the foundation for any legal action or communication.
The LTB forms are grouped by the initial letter, which quickly tells you their function and who typically uses them:
N Forms: Notices (The First Step)
N forms are the legal notices a landlord must serve to the tenant to initiate a process. They are the prerequisite for most L-form applications.
- N1: Notice of Rent Increase. Purpose: Must give 90 days’ notice and adhere to the provincial rent guideline.
- N4: Non-payment of Rent. Purpose: Gives the tenant a deadline to pay rent arrears or face eviction application.
- N5: Damage or Interference. Purpose: Used when a tenant or their guest causes damage or substantially interferes with others.
- N6: Illegal Act. Purpose: Used when a tenant commits an illegal act on the property (e.g., drug dealing).
- N8: Persistent Late Payment. Purpose: Used when a tenant routinely pays rent late, even if they eventually pay in full.
- N9: Tenant’s Notice. Purpose: Used by a tenant to notify the landlord they are moving out.
- N11: Agreement to End. Purpose: Used when both parties mutually agree to terminate the tenancy on a specific date.
- N12: Landlord’s Own Use. Purpose: Used when the landlord, a purchaser, or a family member intends to move into the unit. Requires 60 days’ notice and one month’s compensation.
- N13: Demolition or Conversion. Purpose: Used when the unit is being demolished, converted, or requires extensive repairs requiring vacancy.
L Forms: Landlord Applications (Filing a Case)
Once a landlord serves the appropriate N Form, they generally use an L Form to file a case with the LTB, asking for a hearing and a legally enforceable Order.
- L1: Eviction for Non-Payment. Purpose: Application to evict and collect arrears after serving the N4 form.
- L2: Eviction for Other Reasons. Purpose: Application to end the tenancy based on “for cause” notices (N5, N6, N7).
- L3: Eviction After Notice/Agreement. Purpose: Application after the tenant gives notice (N9) or both parties sign an agreement (N11).
- L4: Eviction After Settlement. Purpose: Application to enforce the eviction clause of a prior settlement agreement or LTB order.
- L5: Above Guideline Increase. Purpose: Application to raise rent above the annual guideline for approved capital expenses or taxes.
- L9: Collect Rent Owed. Purpose: Application to collect rent that is owed without applying for eviction.
- L10: Collect Money from Former Tenant. Purpose: Application to collect money (rent, damages, utility arrears) from a tenant who has already moved out.
T Forms: Tenant Applications (Seeking a Remedy)
T forms are used by tenants to hold the landlord accountable for obligations under the RTA or to dispute actions taken by the landlord.
- T1: Rebate of Money. Purpose: Rebate for money the landlord owes, such as rent deposits or compensation.
- T2: Tenant Rights. Purpose: Relief when a landlord interferes with legal rights (e.g., illegal entry, harassment).
- T3: Rent Reduction. Purpose: A reduction in rent because the landlord has reduced or terminated a vital service (e.g., heat or utilities).
- T5: Bad Faith Notice. Purpose: Compensation if the landlord issued an eviction notice (like N12 or N13) in bad faith.
- T6: Maintenance. Purpose: An order forcing the landlord to complete necessary repairs and maintenance.
A & C Forms: Administrative and Co-op Applications
These forms cover specialized situations or administrative matters.
- A Forms: General / Administrative. Example: A1 – Application to ask the LTB whether the RTA even applies to a specific unit.
- C Forms: Non-Profit Co-op. Example: C1 – Application by a co-op to end the occupancy of a member unit for non-payment of housing charges.
A Note on Legal Compliance
For both landlords and tenants, the crucial takeaway is this: The Landlord and Tenant Board only recognizes official LTB forms.
If you are a landlord initiating any action against a tenant (raising rent, evicting), you must use the precise N form first, and then the correct L form to file your case. If you are a tenant, the appropriate T form is your official way to seek justice.
Using an unofficial letter, email, or the wrong form will almost certainly result in the dismissal of your case. Always check the official Tribunals Ontario LTB website for the most current versions.
