Ontario Landlords: Understanding the L1/L9 Information Update Sheet (2025 Guide)

The L1/L9 Information Update Sheet is a mandatory form required by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) when filing an L1 Application (Eviction for Non-Payment of Rent) or an L9 Application (Application to Collect Rent Only). Its purpose is to provide accurate, up-to-date information about the tenancy, rent amount, arrears, and payment history.

Because rent calculations and tenancy details must be precise, the L1/L9 Info Update Sheet is a critical part of these applications. Incorrect or incomplete information on this form can result in dismissal, adjournments, or delays in obtaining a hearing date.

When the L1/L9 Information Update Sheet Is Required

An L1/L9 Info Update Sheet must be completed when filing:

• L1 Application – To evict a tenant for non-payment of rent and collect arrears
• L9 Application – To collect rent arrears only (no eviction)

It must accompany the application at the time of filing. The LTB will not process an L1 or L9 without it.

Purpose of the Info Update Sheet

The L1/L9 Information Update Sheet ensures the LTB receives:

1. Accurate Rent Details

Including:

• Legal monthly rent
• Rent increase history
• Rent due dates
• Last rent increase date

2. Exact Arrears Calculations

A clear breakdown of:

• Monthly charges
• Payments received
• Outstanding balances
• NSF fees (if applicable for L1)

3. Updated Tenant Information

Names, contact details, and occupancy details.

4. Confirmation of Tenancy Type

Such as:

• Monthly tenancy
• Weekly tenancy
• Fixed-term lease
• Sublet/assignment history (if relevant)

5. Accurate Payment History

A rent ledger must accompany the sheet or be completed directly within it.

What Must Be Included in the Info Update Sheet

The sheet requires detailed information:

1. Tenant and Unit Information

• Full names of all tenants
• Rental unit address
• Number of occupants
• Any recent changes to occupancy

2. Rent Information

• Legal rent amount
• Frequency (monthly/weekly)
• Rent due date
• Services included or excluded (e.g., utilities)

3. Arrears Breakdown

A line-by-line summary of:

• Rent charged
• Rent paid
• Payment dates
• Amount outstanding

4. NSF or Administrative Fees (L1 Only)

If included, you must attach:

• Bank NSF documentation
• Rental agreement confirming NSF fee terms

5. Additional Notes

Including:

• Partial payments
• Rent credits
• Adjustments made due to agreements or orders

Why Accuracy Is Critical

The LTB relies on the L1/L9 Information Update Sheet to:

• Confirm the validity of the arrears
• Ensure the landlord is using lawful rent
• Verify that service of notices was proper (for L1)
• Establish that the tenant is indeed behind on rent
• Determine whether the landlord may proceed to a hearing

If numbers do not match the N4 (for L1) or the ledger, the application may be:

• Rejected
• Adjourned
• Dismissed

Even small mistakes—such as incorrect dates or miscalculations—can delay the entire process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Landlords frequently encounter issues due to:

• Rent ledger errors
• Incorrect rent amounts after guideline increases
• Missing partial payments
• Not updating arrears to the day of filing
• Including charges not permitted (e.g., utilities, damages, late fees)
• Mismatched figures between the N4 and the L1 update sheet

To avoid delays, all numbers must match across all related documents.

Best Practices When Preparing the L1/L9 Info Update Sheet

When to Seek Professional Assistance

Professional support is recommended when:

• Arrears involve multiple months or partial payments
• There are NSF charges or complex ledgers
• Rent increases occurred recently
• Tenant disputes payment amounts
• You want to avoid adjournments or dismissal due to errors

An accurately prepared Info Update Sheet improves your chances of a successful L1 or L9 application.

Sources

1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 — Sections 59, 69, 87
2. LTB L1 Application
3. LTB L9 Application
4. LTB Rules of Procedure
5. LTB Interpretation Guidelines