An LTB eviction order is not the end of the road — it is the beginning of the enforcement stage. If the tenant does not vacate by the date on the order, the landlord must go through the Court Enforcement Office (Sheriff) to physically remove them. Here is what that process looks like.
The Tenant Has 11 Days After the Order
Standard LTB eviction orders give the tenant 11 days to vacate. This is the compliance window. If they leave during this period, you regain possession without Sheriff involvement. If they stay past day 11, you can request enforcement.
How to Request Sheriff Enforcement
To request enforcement, you file a Request to Enforce (Form L4) with the LTB, or contact the Court Enforcement Office in your jurisdiction directly. You pay an enforcement fee — currently several hundred dollars — which you can claim back from the tenant as part of the arrears.
What the Sheriff Does
A Court Enforcement Officer will attend the unit on the scheduled enforcement date. They will identify themselves, give the tenant a final opportunity to leave voluntarily, and if the tenant refuses, physically remove them and secure the unit for the landlord. You or your representative should be present.
How Long Sheriff Scheduling Takes
Scheduling times vary by region. In high-demand areas like Toronto, wait times for Sheriff enforcement can range from a few days to several weeks. During this window, the tenant remains in the unit and you cannot change the locks or interfere with their possession — the order does not authorize you to do that unilaterally.
What Happens After the Sheriff Leaves
Once the Sheriff secures the unit, you have possession. Change the locks immediately. Document the condition of the unit with photos before touching anything. If the tenant left belongings behind, follow the proper procedure for abandoned property — do not dispose of it immediately.
What Comes Next
Stonegate assists Ontario landlords through the Sheriff enforcement process and post-eviction steps. Book a free call at https://calendly.com/stonegatelegalservices/20min.
▶ Watch: Sheriff Removes Tenant, Eviction Notice – Interview with Gary McGowan
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