Start here: When a tenant receives a valid 10 Day Notice for unpaid rent or utilities, the ordinary response window is five days. Paying all arrears of rent within the prescribed five-day period generally makes a rent non-payment notice ineffective; the utility route has additional conditions.
Five-day response checklist
- Record when the notice was received, including any legally deemed delivery date. The five-day period is different from the ten-day end date printed on the notice.
- Check whether the notice concerns overdue rent or utilities. Utility arrears generally require an earlier written demand and additional waiting period before a 10 Day Notice can be used.
- If disputing the notice, keep proof that the RTB application was filed within the period. If paying rent arrears, preserve proof of the amount and payment date.
What to check first
Review the amount and payment history immediately. Record the notice receipt date and whether the claimed sum is rent or utilities.
Next steps
If you disagree, file a dispute application within the relevant five-day period. Keep receipts and proof of submission.
Important exception or mistake
Do not wait until the 10-day move-out date to begin considering the five-day dispute period.
Keep for your records
Keep the original notice or agreement, messages with dates, payment records, proof of delivery and any hearing confirmation. The rules can differ depending on the request and how the papers were delivered.