Sheriff Eviction Procedure in Ontario: A Guide for Landlords in Chatham-Kent

Evictions are sometimes an unfortunate part of being a landlord. When a tenant refuses to leave after a legal eviction notice, landlords must turn to the Sheriff to regain possession of their property. At Manager 4 You, we specialize in property management in Chatham-Kent, and we’re here to walk you through the Sheriff eviction process in Ontario.

If you’re a landlord wondering how to evict a tenant in Ontario, here’s everything you need to know about Sheriff enforcement and regaining control of your rental property legally and professionally.

Step 1: Submit Your Documents to the Sheriff’s Office

To begin the eviction process through the Sheriff, landlords must provide the following to the Chatham-Kent Enforcement Office:

• ✅ A certified copy of your Landlord and Tenant Board eviction order (Form L2) or a Writ of Possession

• ✅ A completed Eviction Information Requirements Form

• ✅ Full payment of the Sheriff enforcement fees
  

This ensures that the Sheriff’s Office has the required legal authority and safety information to carry out the eviction. 

Step 2: Know the Fees for Sheriff Eviction in Chatham-Kent

Enforcing an eviction in Ontario comes with specific costs:

• Filing Fee: $75.00

• Enforcement Fee: $240.00

• Travel Allowance: $0.30/km round-trip from the Sheriff’s Office to the property

  
  

Sample total costs by location:

• Chatham: $320

• Tilbury: $348

• Wallaceburg: $349

• Wheatley: $370
  

💳 Payments can be made via debit, credit, cash, cheque (payable to the Minister of Finance), or money order.

Step 3: Sheriff’s Notice to Vacate

Once processed, the Sheriff will serve an official Notice to Vacate at the property. This is a formal warning to the tenant that they must vacate the rental unit by the scheduled eviction date.

This step is crucial in the eviction process in Ontario, especially when tenants refuse to leave voluntarily after receiving an LTB decision.

Step 4: What Happens on Eviction Day

As your Chatham property management experts, we always advise our clients to be prepared on eviction day:

• You (or your representative) must be present at the scheduled time.

• The Sheriff will only remove people, not belongings or pets. If animals are left behind they will be turned over to animal control.

• Once the tenant is removed, you’ll sign for possession and are responsible for changing the locks immediately.
  

🚨 If no one is present to receive possession, the eviction will not proceed and additional fees will apply to reschedule.

💡Pro Tip: We always recommend having a locksmith present to prevent tenants re-entering the building after you receive vacant possession.

Step 5: What to Do With Leftover Items or Pets

The Sheriff will not remove personal belongings or animals. Animal control will/can be contacted during an eviction for abandoned pets. Belongings left behind remain the landlord’s responsibility. If you’re unsure what to do with items left behind, you may need to seek legal advice or contact the Landlord and Tenant Board for guidance. The tenant has the right to regain entry for 72 hours following eviction to remove any belongings. 

Step 6: Cancelling or Postponing an Eviction

If your circumstances change and you need to cancel the eviction:

• Provide a signed letter including the property address and eviction date

• Bring valid ID to the Sheriff’s Office

• Note that fees are non-refundable once enforcement has started

Step 7: If the Eviction Order Is Voided

Tenants who pay the full amount owed before the scheduled eviction may void the eviction order. In that case, the LTB may issue a Notice of Void Order or an Order to Stay, which the Sheriff will require before halting enforcement. 

In some instances, the tenant may file an order to stay and in these cases the eviction will not proceed until after a hearing. If this happens any fees you have paid can be used for the future eviction.

Partner with Manager 4 You for Professional Property Management in Chatham

The Ontario eviction process can be stressful and time-consuming. At Manager 4 You, we offer full-service property management in Chatham-Kent, including:

• Issuing legal notices

• Attending LTB hearings

• Coordinating with the Sheriff’s Office

• Overseeing tenant move-outs and lock changes
  

Need help with an eviction or want to avoid one altogether?

Trust Manager 4 You—your local experts in residential and commercial property management.