What is the N9 form in Ontario?

Form N9 — Tenant's Notice to End the Tenancy — is the official LTB form a tenant uses to end their own tenancy. The tenant gives it to the landlord (it is not filed with the LTB), in writing and signed, with the required notice period.

How much notice does an N9 require?

At least 60 days for a monthly or yearly tenancy, and the termination date must be the last day of a rental period (or the last day of a fixed term). Weekly and daily tenancies require at least 28 days, ending on the last day of a rental week. Mailing the notice adds 5 days, since a mailed notice is deemed received on the fifth day after mailing.

Can a tenant end a fixed-term lease early with an N9?

Generally no — an N9's termination date can't be earlier than the last day of a fixed term (special rules exist for situations such as care homes or fleeing violence, using Form N15). To leave earlier, the usual routes are an assignment/sublet with the landlord's consent, or an N11 agreement signed by both sides.

What should a landlord do after receiving an N9?

Check the dates first: is the termination date the last day of a rental period, and is there at least 60 days' notice (counting deemed-service days)? If valid, confirm receipt in writing, apply the last month's rent deposit to the final month, schedule the move-out inspection, and start re-renting. If the dates are short, tell the tenant promptly — an invalid N9 doesn't end the tenancy.

What if the tenant gives an N9 but doesn't move out?

The landlord can apply to the LTB with an L3 application (Application to End a Tenancy — Tenant Gave Notice) for an eviction order based on the tenant's own notice, without serving any further termination notice. The L3 relies on the N9 being valid, which is why checking the dates on receipt matters.

Can a landlord fill out an N9 for the tenant to sign?

The N9 must be the tenant's own voluntary notice. Pressuring a tenant to sign an N9 (or signing one for them) can be treated as an unlawful eviction attempt with serious penalties. If both sides genuinely agree to end the tenancy, the correct form is the N11 — Agreement to End the Tenancy.

N9 Form Ontario: Tenant's Notice to End the Tenancy

The N9 is the form a tenant uses to end their own tenancy — 60 days' written notice, ending on the last day of a rental period. This guide covers how to complete and serve it correctly, and what a landlord should check the day one arrives.

Landlord trying to end the tenancy? The N9 is tenant-served only. Landlord notices are the N4 (non-payment), N5 (damage/interference), N8 (persistent late payment), or N12 (own use) — and a mutual exit is the N11 agreement.

What Is the N9 Form?

The N9 form — officially "Tenant's Notice to End the Tenancy" — is how a tenant lawfully ends a tenancy covered by the Residential Tenancies Act. It goes to the landlord, not the LTB, must be in writing and signed by the tenant (or their agent), and must give the required notice ending on a valid date. A text message or a casual "we're moving out at the end of the month" is not an N9.

Notice Periods and Valid Dates

Monthly or yearly tenancy: at least 60 days, and the termination date must be the last day of a rental period — for rent due on the 1st, that means the last day of a month.
Fixed-term lease: the termination date can't be before the last day of the term.
Weekly or daily tenancy: at least 28 days, ending on the last day of a rental week.
Mail adds 5 days: a mailed N9 is deemed received on the 5th day after mailing — the 60 days count from then. Example: to end a tenancy December 31, 2026, a mailed N9 must go out by October 27, 2026; hand delivery works until November 1.

Landlord: Just Received an N9? Your Checklist

Validate the dates. Last day of a rental period? Full 60 days (including deemed-service days)? If not, tell the tenant promptly — an invalid N9 doesn't end the tenancy.
Confirm receipt in writing and keep the N9 with your tenancy records.
Apply the last month's rent deposit to the final rental period — it's not a damage deposit.
Bring the ledger current — any arrears should be resolved (or an N4 served) before the tenancy ends, while remedies are simplest.
Start re-renting. Once a valid N9 is in hand, you may show the unit with proper entry notice.

If the Tenant Doesn't Move Out: The L3

A tenant who serves a valid N9 and then stays put doesn't get to un-ring the bell unilaterally. The landlord can file an L3 application (Application to End a Tenancy — Tenant Gave Notice) with the LTB for an eviction order based on the tenant's own notice — no further termination notice needed. The L3 stands or falls on the N9's validity, which is why checking the dates the day it arrives matters.

N9 vs N11 vs N12 — Don't Mix Them Up

Form	Who initiates	What it is
N9	Tenant	Tenant's own notice to leave (60 days, end of period)
N11	Both parties	Mutual agreement to end the tenancy on an agreed date
N12	Landlord	Landlord/purchaser own-use notice (60 days, compensation rules)

A landlord must never pressure a tenant into signing an N9 — that can be treated as an unlawful eviction attempt. A genuinely mutual exit belongs on an N11.

N9 Form FAQs

Landlord? Keep the paper trail tidy to the last day

A clean rent ledger through the final month protects both sides — and if arrears surface on the way out, EasyServe generates the notices with proof of service built in.

Free Rent Ledger Template

Related Guides

Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Tenancy rules are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and Landlord and Tenant Board practice. Tenants can get free help from community legal clinics; landlords should consult a licensed paralegal or lawyer for advice specific to their situation.