Leaving a situation involving domestic or sexual violence is an act of immense courage. For many survivors, a fixed-term lease can feel like a financial trap, creating another barrier to finding safety. In Ontario, the law provides a critical tool to remove this barrier: the LTB Form N15 – Tenant’s Notice to End my Tenancy Because of Fear of Sexual or Domestic Violence and Abuse.

You are correct: this form is a lifeline. It allows a survivor to break their lease—whether it's a fixed-term or month-to-month agreement—with only 28 days' notice and without facing any financial penalties.

This guide will provide a clear, step-by-step explanation of how to use this form to relocate to safety.

The N15 is a legal notice a tenant gives to their landlord to end their tenancy. Its specific purpose is to provide a safe and fast exit from a rental unit for a tenant who believes they or a child living with them will be harmed or further abused if they continue to live in the unit.

It overrides any fixed-term lease, allowing you to leave early without being held responsible for the rent for the remainder of the lease term.

You are eligible to use this form if you are a tenant and either:

• You have experienced domestic or sexual violence and abuse.
• A child living with you has experienced domestic or sexual violence and abuse.

It is important to know that the abuser does not need to be your landlord or another tenant. The abuse could have happened anywhere, by anyone. The key factor is your need to leave your current rental unit to find safety.

Giving an N15 notice is a two-part process. You must give the landlord the N15 form AND one of two possible supporting documents at the same time.

Step 1: Choose and Prepare Your Supporting Document

You must choose one of the following to accompany your N15 form:

• Option A: The "Tenant's Statement About Sexual or Domestic Violence and Abuse"
  • This is a separate LTB form you fill out and sign. In it, you declare under oath that you or a child living with you experienced violence or abuse, and as a result, you need to leave the tenancy.
  • Crucially, you DO NOT have to provide any details about the abuse or the abuser in this statement. The form is designed to protect your privacy and safety.
  • This is the most common option as it does not require you to have gone to court first.
• Option B: A Copy of a Court Order
  • If you have already been to court, you can use a copy of a court order as your supporting document. This can be:
    • A restraining order.
    • A peace bond.
  • The order must be currently in effect and issued to protect you or the child from an abuser.

Step 2: Complete the N15 Form Correctly

Once you have your supporting document ready, you need to fill out the N15 form itself.

• Landlord and Tenant Names: Fill in the full legal names.
• Address: Write the full address of your rental unit.
• Termination Date: This is the most important part. The termination date must be at least 28 days after you give the notice to your landlord.
  • How to Calculate: Count 28 full days starting the day after you give the notice. The 28th day is the earliest possible termination date.
  • Example: If you give the N15 to your landlord on August 10th, the earliest termination date you can write on the form is September 7th.

Step 3: Give Both Documents to Your Landlord

You must give your landlord both the completed N15 form and your chosen supporting document (the Tenant's Statement or the court order) on the same day.

• How to Deliver ("Serve"): You can hand it to your landlord, put it in their mailbox, or slide it under their door. Keep a copy of everything for your records and make a note of the date and time you delivered it.
• Confidentiality: The law requires your landlord to keep the notice and your supporting documents confidential. They cannot share the information with anyone.

• Rent: You are responsible for paying the full rent up to and including the termination date you wrote on the N15. After that date, your financial obligation to the tenancy ends completely.
• Joint Tenancies (Roommates): This is a critical point to understand. If you are on a lease with other people (joint tenants), giving an N15 notice ends the tenancy for everyone. The lease is terminated for all tenants on the termination date. The remaining tenants are no longer on the lease and will have to leave unless they can sign a brand new lease with the landlord.

The N15 is a legal tool, but it is not a safety plan. Before and during this process, your safety is the number one priority. Please consider reaching out to a local support service for help with safety planning, counselling, and resources.

• Assaulted Women's Helpline: Call 24/7 at 1-866-863-0511 (Toll-free) or #SAFE (#7233) on Bell, Rogers, Fido or Telus mobile.
• 211 Ontario: Dial 2-1-1 to be connected with social services and shelters in your community.

You can find the official N15 form and the "Tenant's Statement" on the Landlord and Tenant Board's website.

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and is not legal advice. If you need assistance, please contact a community legal clinic or a lawyer specializing in housing law.