I’ve just received a Form N4 in the mail. What is it and why did I get it?

A Form N4 Notice of Early Termination for Non-Payment of Rent is a form served under the Residential Tenancies Act.  When you signed your lease, you agreed to pay your rent on the first working day of each and every month.  If you didn’t pay your rent on the first, you will likely be served this notice, which gives you a specified date on which payment must be received or court action will commence, and further fees (court application $170.00, sheriff $300.00+ as of 2012) will be applied to your account.

If you pay your rent within that time frame, disregard the notice.  However, if you are repeatedly served with this notice throughout the year (even if you pay before the due date) you may not be allowed to renew your tenancy when your term expires. If you do not pay your rent within that time frame noted on the form, your Property Manager will apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board to commence the eviction process. Our organization has a mortgage on the unit in which you reside.  The bank withdraws our mortgage payment on the first of the month, which is why we need tenants to make their rental payments on the first of the month!