Ontario Landlords: How the N7 Notice Works for Safety Risks and Overcrowding (2025 Update)

The N7 Notice ("Notice to End Your Tenancy for Causing Serious Problems in the Rental Unit or Residential Complex") is one of the strongest notices available to Ontario landlords under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA)^[1].

Unlike the N5, which gives tenants a chance to correct certain issues, an N7 is used for more serious situations that pose immediate safety concerns, severe disruption, or ongoing violations that cannot be remedied through a correction period.

The N7 allows a landlord to terminate a tenancy faster than many other notices, and when issued correctly, it can form the basis of a strong L2 eviction application before the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

What an N7 Notice Is

The N7 Notice is used when a tenant or their guests:

• Endanger the safety of the landlord or other tenants
• Seriously impair the safety of the building
• Cause persistent, serious disturbances
• Continue behaviour that was previously addressed with an N5
• Create serious overcrowding conditions that violate health and safety standards

These grounds are set out under sections 66 and 67 of the RTA^[1] and are considered "serious breaches" that justify a faster termination without a correction period.

Situations Where an N7 May Be Served

1. Impaired Safety

Examples of safety risks include:

• Leaving stoves or appliances running unattended
• Repeatedly disabling smoke or carbon monoxide detectors
• Hoarding conditions that create fire hazards
• Blocking exits or hallways with belongings
• Tampering with building security systems

The LTB considers impaired safety grounds extremely serious.

2. Serious Interference or Disruption

This includes:

• Aggressive behaviour toward other tenants
• Repeated, significant disturbances late at night
• Threatening conduct that does not rise to the level of an N6 illegal act
• Chronic property misuse that impacts building operations

These are situations that cause harm to the reasonable enjoyment of others and go beyond ordinary disturbances.

3. Severe Overcrowding

Overcrowding becomes a safety issue when:

• Bedrooms are converted into multi-sleeper rooms
• Multiple mattresses are placed on floors
• Exits or pathways become obstructed
• Occupancy exceeds municipal bylaws or fire code capacity

Landlords must show that the overcrowding substantially affects health, safety, or reasonable enjoyment^[5].

4. Reoccurrence After an N5

If a landlord previously issued an N5 notice and the same issue happens again, the N7 may be used to proceed directly to eviction without offering another correction period.

Termination Timelines for the N7

The N7 typically includes a 10-day termination date, meaning the landlord can file an L2 application with the LTB after the 10th day from service.

For cases involving reoccurrence after an N5, termination timelines remain the same.

Evidence Requirements for N7 Cases

Strong evidence is crucial. Examples include:

• Photos or video of safety hazards or overcrowding
• Written statements from other tenants
• Fire inspection reports
• Property management logs
• Prior N5 notices and related documentation
• Proof of interference with safety devices
• Notes from emergency or security personnel
• Municipal bylaw inspection results

The landlord must prove both:

1. The conduct occurred, and
2. The conduct was serious enough to justify eviction under the RTA

Serving the N7 Notice Properly

The N7 must be served according to section 191 of the RTA^[1], which allows:

• Hand delivery
• Mail or courier
• Placement in a mailbox/mail slot
• Email (only with prior written consent)

A Certificate of Service must be completed and will be required at the LTB hearing^[4].

What Happens After Serving the N7

After the termination date, landlords may file:

At the hearing, the LTB Member will evaluate:

• Evidence of the conduct
• Impact on safety, well-being, or building operations
• Any history of previous warnings or notices
• Credibility of witnesses
• Whether eviction is the appropriate remedy

N7 hearings often proceed more urgently due to the safety implications.

When to Seek Assistance

Preparing an N7 case requires:

• Detailed factual documentation
• A legally compliant notice
• Proper service
• Organized evidence
• Knowledge of LTB expectations and past decisions

Because N7 cases relate to safety and serious disturbance, many landlords seek support when drafting the notice, preparing evidence, and presenting the case at the hearing.