Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) - Brief Overview

What you need to know about the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) and Residential Tenancies Act issues in Ontario. 

Purpose

The LTB is created under the Residential Tenancies Act to resolve disputes between residential landlords and tenants, deal with eviction applications filed by non-profit housing cooperatives, and provide information about practices procedures, and rights/responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act.

Contact Information

Phone: 1-888-332-3234 or 416-645-8080.

Additional contact information is available on the LTB website.

Background

LTB is one of 13 tribunals administered by Tribunals Ontario. It hears disputes between residential tenants and landlords. It streamlines the residential tenancies process in receiving and processing over 80,000 applications for hearings annually, with the majority being eviction applications.

Concerns about the LTB

Concerns are sometimes voiced about the LTB. These include barriers to access, especially for tenants, due to over-reliance on digital platforms, an unjust process which tends to dismiss parties’ ownership rights, long delays in the process, and scheduling and process changes reducing the ability of legal clinics to assist tenants.

Accessing Remote Hearings

To access remote hearings, ensure access to a reliable phone or computer with internet and required equipment, sufficient phone minutes or internet data, private space for uninterrupted communication, and seek legal help if unrepresented or contact community legal clinic or tenant duty counsel.

Mobile Access Terminals

While permanent hearing center locations are in Hamilton, London, Ottawa, Sudbury, and Toronto, mobile access terminals are available in most parts of Ontario.

Contact LTB to request a hearing center or mobile access terminal.

Phone Program

LTB offers a free program to help attend remote hearings by phone. A cell phone or more phone minutes can be requested if needed. An Accommodation Request form must be submitted to use this program.

In-Person Hearings

Limited situations may qualify for an in-person hearing. An Accommodation Request form must be submitted to be considered for an in-person hearing.

Signing In and Waiting for Hearings

To addend an LTB remote hearing, sign in early to test equipment and resolve any issues. Follow the instructions outlined in the Notice of Hearing and contact the LTB by email if unsure or need assistance.

Filing Applications with the LTB

To file applications with the LTB E-file, email, in-person, by mail or fax options are available.

While a fee is typically required, waivers are available for qualifying applicants.

Landlord Notices and Applications

The Residential Tenancies Act provides a variety of notices for the landlord to provide to their tenants regarding an ongoing lease and applications for the landlord to submit to the LTB regarding a landlord’s rights under the law.

Tenant Notices and Applications

The Residential Tenancies Act provides a variety of notices for the tenant to provide to their landlord regarding an ongoing lease and applications for the landlord to submit to the LTB regarding a tenant’s rights under the law.

Online Dispute Resolution

Parties can use the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) tool to negotiate, among themselves, a settlement of the issues in dispute before a hearing.

Parties in Attendance for a Hearing

Applicant: The person who filed the application or a person who is appearing in their place.

Respondent: The other person named in the application who is responding to the application, or a person who is appearing in their place.

Note: The applicant and respondent are considered parties to the application.

Representative: A Representative is appointed to represent an applicant or respondent in the proceeding.

Witness: Witnesses are people who can give evidence that is relevant to the dispute.

Hearing Process:

The notice of hearing gives you the date and time of your hearing.

Parties should log onto their video link at least 15 minutes before the hearing.

During the hearing, both parties will have a chance to question witnesses, introduce relevant documents as evidence and make arguments about the facts of the law.

While the adjudicator controlling the hearing may ask questions, they cannot provide legal advice or tell you how to present your case.

Landlord and Tenant Board Orders

Upon the conclusion of the hearing, the adjudicator might issue a decision right away or reserve the decision for a later time.

The adjudicator will issue a decision explaining the result. This decision is called an order.

Additional Information

For additional information regarding the Landlord and Tenant Board, the Residential Tenancies Act, and residential leasing, parties should obtain a legal representative.