Ontario LTB Form L9: Collect Rent Without Eviction
Understand when this application applies, how to fill it out, what it costs, and what happens next.
Form L9 is for a landlord seeking a payment order for rent owed by a tenant who still lives in the unit. It does not request eviction. If the tenant has already moved out, use the former-tenant rules (often L10); for an arrears-based eviction request, review N4 and L1.
This page explains the official LTB application in plain language. It does not file the application or replace the government form.
Choose L9, L1 or L10
- L9: current tenant, unpaid rent or qualifying NSF charges, no eviction requested.
- L1: current tenant, unpaid rent and eviction sought; usually requires a valid N4 first.
- L10: tenant already moved out; special one-year time limit and separate service requirements.
An L9 payment order can be enforced as a debt, but it cannot be used by itself to evict a tenant.
Complete L9 step by step
- Part 1 and Part 3: enter the unit, landlord and tenant details. Confirm the tenant is still in possession when you file.
- Part 4: choose the rent/NSF claim and rental payment frequency.
- Part 5: complete the rent table by period: rent charged, payments actually received and difference owed. Do not treat a variable utility bill as rent unless the legal rent definition applies. Add eligible NSF bank and administration charges separately, with proof.
- Part 6 then Part 2: total rent arrears, permissible NSF charges and the application fee you paid; transfer that total to Part 2 using the filing date.
- Sign and file: L9 can be filed through the Tribunals Ontario Portal or accepted offline methods. Current published fee: $186 online or $201 through other methods.
Worked example
Monthly rent is $1,350. The tenant pays $900 for October and remains in the unit. The rent table records $1,350 charged − $900 paid = $450 owing. With no NSF charges, the application may list $450 in unpaid rent, plus the relevant filing fee if recoverable: $186 via the portal, making a claim total of $636. The LTB determines any order and recoverable costs.
What happens after filing?
Prepare a rent ledger, bank/payment records and NSF receipts if relevant. The tenant may contest the amount and the LTB may issue a payment order after the process. Non-payment of an L9 order does not itself authorize eviction. Review separate enforcement procedures if payment is ordered but not made.
Common mistake
Never use L9 against someone who has already moved out, or to seek eviction. Choose the correct application before paying a filing fee.
Related Ontario resources
Official sources
Official sources
- Tribunals Ontario — official Form L9 PDF
- Tribunals Ontario — L9 instructions
- LTB — current forms, filing methods and fees
- LTB — application and hearing process
- Ontario — Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
Official instructions and filing fees checked October 13, 2026. This is general legal information, not legal advice. Check the current form and any case-specific requirements before acting.