The Landlord and Tenant Board in Ontario: A Plain-English Guide

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is the Ontario tribunal that resolves disputes between residential landlords and tenants. It handles applications about unpaid rent, evictions, repairs, rent increases and other issues under the Residential Tenancies Act. If you rent out a basement unit or rent a bungalow yourself, it’s the place where most disagreements end up if they can’t be solved directly.

What does the Landlord and Tenant Board do?

The LTB is an adjudicative tribunal, not a court. It has three main jobs:

• Resolve disputes between landlords and tenants through mediation and hearings.
• Issue orders, such as eviction orders or orders to pay money or make repairs.
• Provide information about rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act.

Most residential rentals in Ontario fall under the Act, including basement apartments, rented houses and many rooms. Some living arrangements are exempt, such as when a tenant shares a kitchen or bathroom with the owner or the owner’s close family. If you’re unsure whether your situation is covered, get legal advice.

Common applications to the LTB

Who files	Common reasons
Landlords	Unpaid rent, persistent late payment, damage, serious interference, the owner’s own use, unpaid utilities
Tenants	Repairs not done, harassment, illegal entry, vital services cut off, bad faith eviction notices, illegal rent increases

For landlords, the process usually starts with a written notice to the tenant using the correct LTB form. For example, an N4 is a notice to end a tenancy early for non-payment of rent. If the issue isn’t fixed, the landlord can then file an application, such as an L1 for unpaid rent.

Each notice has its own timelines and rules. A small error on a form can mean starting over, so read the LTB’s instructions carefully.

How the LTB process works

1. Notice: the landlord or tenant gives proper written notice where required.
2. Application: the party files with the LTB, usually online through the Tribunals Ontario portal, and pays the filing fee.
3. Notice of hearing: the LTB schedules a hearing and both sides are notified.
4. Mediation: many cases can be settled with a free LTB mediator before or on the hearing day.
5. Hearing: an adjudicator hears both sides, often by video, and reviews evidence.
6. Order: the LTB issues a written decision.
7. Enforcement: eviction orders are enforced by the Court Enforcement Office (Sheriff), not by the landlord.

Wait times for hearings can be long, so plan for that. Landlords should never change locks or remove a tenant’s belongings without a valid order enforced by the Sheriff.

How to prepare for an LTB hearing

Whether you’re a landlord or tenant, preparation matters. Bring or upload:

• A copy of the lease, ideally the Ontario Standard Lease.
• Rent ledgers, receipts and bank records.
• Dated photos and videos of any damage or repair issues.
• Copies of every notice, email and text message.
• Repair invoices and contractor quotes.
• Names of any witnesses.

Keep your evidence organized by date. Be respectful, stick to facts and answer the adjudicator’s questions directly.

Tips for avoiding the LTB in the first place

The best LTB case is the one you never have to file. Most disputes can be prevented with good habits:

• Screen carefully: verify income, references and credit.
• Put it in writing: use the Ontario Standard Lease and document agreements.
• Fix things promptly: repairs are a top source of tenant complaints.
• Respect entry rules: give proper written notice before entering a unit.
• Talk early: a payment plan may solve a rent problem without a hearing.

Our guide on long-term vs short-term tenants explains how stable tenancies reduce conflict.

When to get professional help

You can represent yourself at the LTB, and many people do. But some cases are complex, especially evictions for personal use, renovations or serious disputes.

A licensed paralegal or real estate lawyer can review your notices, prepare evidence and speak for you at the hearing. Tenants can also get help from community legal clinics. This article is general information, not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

Can a landlord evict a tenant without going to the LTB?

In most cases, no. A landlord needs an LTB order, and only the Sheriff can enforce an eviction. A tenant may choose to leave after agreeing in writing to end the tenancy.

Are LTB hearings in person?

Many hearings are held by video. Check your notice of hearing for the format and instructions.

Does the LTB handle all rentals in Ontario?

No. Some arrangements are exempt, such as when a tenant shares a kitchen or bathroom with the owner or the owner’s close family. Get advice if you’re unsure.

Can tenants file against landlords at the LTB?

Yes. Tenants can file about repairs, harassment, illegal entry, rent issues and more.

The bottom line

The Landlord and Tenant Board is where Ontario rental disputes get resolved. Knowing the forms, keeping good records and preparing for hearings protects both landlords and tenants.

If you’re planning to rent out part of your home, start with our guide to house hacking and browse bungalows with a separate entrance.