Serving your N4 notice correctly is just as important as filling it out. If service is done improperly, the LTB can dismiss your entire eviction application — even if the tenant clearly owes rent.
Accepted Methods of Service
Under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), you can serve an N4 using any of these methods:
1. Hand Delivery (Best Method)
Give the notice directly to the tenant. This is the most reliable method because:
- No extra days added to the notice period
- Clear proof of delivery (especially with a witness)
- Tenant can't claim they never received it
Tip: Bring a witness or take a photo/video of the delivery. If the tenant refuses to take the paper, leave it at their feet — this still counts.
2. Mail (Add 5 Days)
Mail the N4 to the tenant's rental unit address. The notice is deemed received 5 days after mailing, so you must add 5 days to the notice period.
For an N4 with a 14-day notice period, the total wait becomes 19 days from the date you mail it.
Use registered mail or Canada Post tracked delivery for proof.
3. Courier
Same rules as hand delivery — no extra days. Get a delivery confirmation receipt.
4. Email (Consent Required)
You can serve by email only if the tenant has previously given written consent to receive notices electronically. A verbal agreement doesn't count.
If you have written consent, email counts as hand delivery (no extra days).
5. Sliding Under the Door / Mailbox
If the tenant isn't home, you can slide the notice under the door of the rental unit or place it in the unit's mailbox. This counts as service on the day you do it.
The Certificate of Service
After serving the N4, you must complete a Certificate of Service (COS). This form documents:
- What document was served (N4)
- How it was served (method)
- When it was served (date and time)
- Who served it
The LTB requires this when you file your L1 Application. Without it, your application may be dismissed.
Common Service Mistakes
- Texting the notice: Not valid. Must use an approved method.
- Emailing without consent: Invalid unless you have written proof of consent.
- Forgetting the Certificate of Service: Even if service was perfect, you need the COS to prove it.
- Wrong address: Serve at the rental unit address, not a different address.
- Not adding mail days: If you mail it, you must add 5 days.
Generate Your N4 + COS in Minutes
LTB Ready generates a correctly completed N4 Notice and Certificate of Service together. Fill out the wizard, and both forms are ready to serve and file.