1) How long does Small Claims Court usually take in Ontario?

Most Small Claims Court cases take 6–12 months, depending on court scheduling and the complexity of the matter.

2) What slows down the process the most?

Common delays include court backlogs, improper service of documents, and missing paperwork.

3) Can a paralegal speed up my case?

Yes. A paralegal ensures accurate filing, proper service, and strong case preparation, which helps reduce avoidable delays.

4) Does every case go to trial?

No. Many Small Claims Court matters settle during the settlement conference stage, which can significantly shorten the process.

5) Do I need evidence at the start?

Yes. Providing strong evidence early helps support your claim and can speed up both settlement discussions and the trial process.

Illegal activity in your rental unit?
Landlord Guide to N6 Notices

Name: Kippel & Associates Legal Services
Address: 330 Bay Street Suite 1400, Toronto, ON, M5H 2S8, CA
Telephone: (437) 388-9786

Home / All Blogs / Illegal activity in your rental unit? Landlord Guide to N6 Notices

Illegal activity in a rental unit is one of the most serious challenges a landlord may face. Such tenant acts involve drugs, violence, threats, or other criminal acts, and Ontario law would provide the N6 notice as the remedy for this sort of tenant conduct.

This guide would tell you when and what to do in such instances, what kind of evidence would be needed to support your case, and how eviction proceedings may be undertaken through the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

Understanding of the N6 process is essential to avoid delays that could lead to the dismissal of eviction applications. Below follows a detailed outline of your rights, obligations, and steps to be followed as they may unfold in the process.

What Is an N6 Notice Under Ontario Tenancy Law?

An N6 notice, formally known as Notice to End Tenancy for Illegal Acts, allows a landlord to terminate a tenancy when illegal conduct by either a tenant or a tenant’s guest has jeopardized the safety, property, or lawful interests of others.

This notice applies to such instances as:

Activity related to drugs by the tenant in the rental unit
Acts or charges of violence/ threats made by the tenant
Otra serious safety risk to other occupants
Noise or disturbance caused by illegal acts
Breach of tenancy laws concerning anything criminal

Only serious misconduct qualifies for the N6 notice, nothing minor, disputes, or typical disagreements. This implies that landlords will be able to address behaviour that directly menaces safety or property without abusing the eviction process.

Grounds for Issuing an N6 Eviction Notice

Ontario law allows eviction over illegal acts to which the tenant’s activity gives rise whenever these illegal acts are seriously disturbing safety or lawful enjoyment. Competent grounds are:

Drug selling or possession; illegal drug use
Assault or weapons charges or criminal threats
Frequent police visits to the rental unit
Illegal parameters of behavior to which others are endangered
Serious disturbance from criminal activity

Landlords must demonstrate that the conduct was serious and ongoing, resulting in noticeable outcomes. In itself, an allegation is not enough for the Board to approve an eviction.

Evidence Required for an N6 Eviction

Strong N6 eviction notices rely overwhelmingly on the documentation. The LTB will not hear any rumor, hearsay, or vague reports.

Evidence should include:

Police reports/incident numbers
Statements from the neighbors, from staff, or from other tenants
Surveillance footage (compiled legally)
Previous written warnings or notices
Photos of the damage or illegal items seized

Having very comprehensive evidence per point strengthens the position of the landlord, especially when the tenant denies those allegations. Properly recorded evidence decreases delays during the hearing and increases the chance of a successful ruling.

Serving the N6 Notice Correctly

Proper service is critical. Any errors in the service of the notice can invalidate an otherwise valid N6 eviction. Notice service requires:

Officially using LTB Form N6
Giving an explicit and detailed specification of the illegal acts
Indicating the date of termination accurately
Following the prescribed services under Ontario tenancy laws
Retain proof of service

Procedural mistakes are among the most common causes for dismissing applications for eviction. Improper service can bar proceeding even when a tenant clearly participated in illegal acts.

What Happens After Serving the N6 Notice?

If the tenant fails to vacate the unit, the landlord should apply for an eviction order (L2) to the LTB. With that, the proceedings of formal eviction for illicit activity would be set in motion.

At hearing:

The landlord will present evidence of the illegal occurrence.
The tenant can defend him or herself against it or challenge the allegations.
The Board will evaluate whether termination is justified.

If the ruling goes in favor of the landlord, the Board will give an eviction order Ontario, which could be enforced by the Sheriff if needed.

N6 vs N7: Understand the Difference

The landlord must appreciate the difference between the two notices, N6 and N7:

N6: use for illegal acts, criminal behavior, and safety threats
N7: substantial interference or serious impairment but without criminal activity.

Using the wrong notice may procrastinate eviction or deny it altogether-worse if the police reports and involvement were documented. Selection of the right notice ensures a speedy course through the peculiarities of law.

Risk in Delay of Action on Illegal Activity

Failure to take immediate action against illegal activity can potentially put more than one risk to the landlord:

Liability from accidents or safety incidents
Complaints from other tenants
Complications with insurance
Continuous damage and losses to the property

Eviction under Ontario law is urged to be a very timely response of landlords to serious threats to the property or safety of his or her tenants. The same delay weakens the case and, many times, deprives the landlord of the remedies that the law permits.

Conclusion

Illegal activity within the confines of a rented home is a serious issue that must be dealt with immediately and in accordance with the law. N6 should legally be served so that the landlords may protect property, have a safe place for themselves, and exercise their rights under the laws of Ontario.

One may seek the services of professionals in serving N6s, preparing L2 eviction applications, and navigating the process as efficiently as possible at the LTB.

FAQs

1. Can a landlord file an N6 notice without any police charge?
Yes, but there needs to be strong independent evidence.

2. How fast can an eviction go after an N6 notice?
Depending on the situation but illegal acts are usually expedited.

3. Is drug use an automatic eviction?
Only when it threatens the safety of others or infringement upon Ontario tenancy law.

4. What if the tenant ceases whatever was illegal?
If the act in question is considered gross, the LTB may continue with the eviction.

5. Can landlords represent themselves in LTB hearings?
Yes, people can represent themselves; however, it is strongly recommended that they retain the services of a professional for positive results.

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