Landlord Tenant Board: Legal Guidance for Rental Disputes and Claims
                     Understanding the Landlord 
and Tenant Board (LTB)
Ontario's dedicated housing dispute resolution system
What is the Landlord and Tenant 
Board?
Adjudicative Tribunal Alternative to Court
Operates under Ontario's Residential Provides accessible dispute 
Tenancies Act, 2006 with legal resolution between landlords and 
authority to resolve housing disputes tenants outside traditional court 
system
Wide Jurisdiction
Handles rent arrears, evictions, maintenance issues, rent increases, and tenant 
rights violations
How Does the LTB Work?
01
File Application
Submit online or by email via Tribunals Ontario Portal with 
required documentation and fees
02
Mediation Offered
Parties encouraged to settle disputes through facilitated negotiation 
before formal proceedings
03
Formal Hearing
If settlement fails, evidence is presented before an adjudicator who issues 
a binding decision
Key Rights and Responsibilities
Landlord Rights
• Apply for rent increases above provincial guidelines with justification
• Seek eviction for non-payment or lease violations through proper legal channels
• Request compensation for property damage or unpaid utilities
Tenant Rights
• Challenge unlawful eviction notices and excessive rent increases
• File applications for rent reductions due to poor maintenance
• Report harassment, illegal entry, or unsafe living conditions
Critical Protection: No eviction can proceed without an LTB hearing and official order—illegal "self-help" evictions are prohibited
Recent Important Updates 
(2025)
Multi-Factor Authentication
Since 24 October 2025, all online transactions require MFA 
verification through banking passcodes for enhanced security
Digital-First Operations
Canada Post disruptions accelerated shift to online portal for 
filings, reducing paper-based processes
Identity Verification
Users must complete secure authentication to protect sensitive 
housing dispute information
Common Applications 
Processed
80K 15K+ 12K+
Non-Payment Eviction Maintenance 
Cases Applications Claims
Annual rent arrears For lease breaches or Tenant applications for 
applications—the landlord's own use of rent reductions due to 
largest category of LTB property poor upkeep
disputes
Special procedures apply for non-profit co-operative housing evictions, 
reflecting unique governance structures
Real-World Impact: 
Challenges  and
Delays
Landlord Concerns Tenant Protections
• Extended waiting periods for • Safeguards against unlawful 
eviction hearings create financial evictions and harassment
strain • Time to secure alternative 
• Lost rental income during housing if eviction proceeds
dispute resolution process • Access to free legal aid through 
• Property damage risks whilst duty counsel programmes
awaiting decisions
Legal aid clinics funded by Legal Aid Ontario provide vital tenant duty counsel 
assistance at hearings, ensuring access to justice
How to Prepare for an LTB Hearing
Gather Documentation
Collect lease agreements, payment receipts, photographs, email exchanges, 
and maintenance requests
Submit Evidence
File applications and supporting materials through secure Tribunals Ontario 
Portal
Consider Mediation
Explore settlement options to resolve disputes faster and maintain landlord-
tenant relationships
Understand Timelines
Processing times vary—plan ahead as hearing dates depend on application 
type and tribunal backlog
Legal Representation and Support
Professional Representation Free Legal Aid Authorization Required
Lawyers and paralegals licensed by Law Tenants access no-cost advice through Non-licensed representatives must provide 
Society of Ontario can represent parties at community legal clinics funded by Legal proof of written authorization from the party 
hearings Aid Ontario they represent
Navigating the LTB for Fair Housing Outcomes
Balanced Framework Digital Empowerment Support Available
The LTB protects both landlord Online portal access and clear Legal aid, duty counsel, and tribunal 
property rights and tenant housing procedures enable users to navigate resources ensure access to justice for 
security under Ontario law the system effectively all parties
Stay informed of procedural updates and seek legal support when needed to ensure fair outcomes. Visit Tribunals Ontario LTB for 
comprehensive resources and application forms.