A Canadian Eviction Notice for Cause is a formal written notice from a landlord to a tenant requiring the tenant to correct specified conduct or vacate the rental premises due to a breach of the tenancy agreement, interference with the reasonable enjoyment of other tenants, property damage, illegal activity, or other grounds prescribed by provincial residential tenancy legislation. Unlike non-payment evictions, cause-based evictions address tenant behaviour and require the landlord to describe the specific conduct or breach with sufficient factual detail.

In Ontario, cause-based evictions use several prescribed Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) forms depending on the ground. Form N5 (Notice to End the Tenancy for Interfering with Others, Damage, or Overcrowding) is used when the tenant has substantially interfered with the reasonable enjoyment of other tenants or the landlord, wilfully or negligently damaged the rental unit, or overcrowded the unit. The N5 requires 20 days notice and includes a 7-day correction period on the first notice — if the tenant stops the conduct within 7 days, the notice is voided (Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, s. 64-67). A second N5 for the same conduct has a 14-day notice period with no correction opportunity (s. 68). Form N7 (Notice to End the Tenancy for Causing Serious Problems) is used for acts that seriously impair safety, with only 10 days notice and no correction period (s. 66).

British Columbia's Residential Tenancy Act (S.B.C. 2002, c. 78) requires one month's notice for cause under s. 47, which applies to unreasonable disturbance, endangering safety, property damage, or engaging in illegal activity. Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act (S.A. 2004, c. R-17.1) provides 14 days notice for substantial breach. Quebec follows the Civil Code of Quebec, where the landlord must apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) for authorization to terminate for cause.

A Canadian Eviction Notice for Cause is needed when a tenant's behaviour or actions constitute a breach of the tenancy agreement or violate provincial residential tenancy legislation, and the landlord has decided to formally address the situation through the statutory eviction process. This notice is distinct from a non-payment notice and addresses conduct-related issues.

The notice is required when a tenant substantially interferes with the reasonable enjoyment of other tenants or the landlord — such as persistent loud noise, harassment of neighbours, or blocking common areas. In Ontario, the landlord would serve an N5 notice (RTA s. 64), and the tenant has 7 days to stop the conduct. If the conduct resumes within 6 months, the landlord can serve a second N5 with no correction period.

It is needed when a tenant has caused wilful or negligent damage to the rental unit, common areas, or the residential complex. This includes intentional destruction, unauthorized alterations that damage the property, or allowing guests to cause damage. The landlord must describe the damage with specificity and may include a claim for compensation in the tribunal application.

The notice is necessary when illegal activity is being conducted in or near the rental unit, including drug production or trafficking, which creates immediate grounds for eviction. In Ontario, the landlord uses Form N6 (10 days notice, no correction period) for illegal acts. The landlord must describe the specific illegal activity with dates and details sufficient for the tribunal to evaluate.

Cause-based eviction notices are also needed for serious impairment of safety — situations where the tenant's actions put other tenants, the landlord, or the public at risk. In Ontario, this uses Form N7 (10 days, no correction period). The landlord should always document the incidents thoroughly, as provincial tribunals require clear and specific evidence to grant eviction orders for cause.

A valid Canadian Eviction Notice for Cause must identify the correct ground for eviction and use the prescribed form required by the applicable provincial legislation. In Ontario, the landlord must select the appropriate LTB form: N5 for interference, damage, or overcrowding (20 days, 7-day correction on first notice); N6 for illegal activity (10 days, no correction); or N7 for serious safety impairment (10 days, no correction). Using the wrong form is a common error that results in the notice being dismissed at the hearing.

The description of the conduct or breach must be specific and factual. Provincial tribunals consistently reject notices with vague or generic descriptions. Each incident must include the date, time, what happened, who was involved, and what impact it had on other tenants or the property. For example, rather than stating 'the tenant is disruptive,' the notice should state specific incidents with dates and details.

For first N5 notices in Ontario, the 7-day correction period must be clearly identified. The notice should explain that the tenant has 7 days from the date of service to stop the conduct or repair the damage, and that if they do so, the notice is voided. For second N5 notices, the landlord must reference the first notice date and explain that no correction period applies because the same or similar conduct has recurred within 6 months.

Service must comply with provincial requirements — personal delivery, leaving the notice at the rental unit, or sending by registered mail. The landlord should retain proof of service. The notice must include the termination date, which must comply with the minimum notice period for the specific ground. In Ontario, the landlord must file the corresponding application (L2 for N5/N6/N7) with the LTB after the correction period has expired (for first N5) or after the termination date (for N7, N6, and second N5). The tenant has the right to attend the hearing and present their defence, and the tribunal will consider all evidence before issuing an order.