One of the most common questions Ontario landlords and tenants ask is: "How long will this take?" The Landlord & Tenant Board (LTB) has been working through a significant backlog, and processing times vary by application type.
Current LTB Wait Times (2026)
These are approximate timelines based on current LTB operations:
| Application Type | Average Wait for Hearing |
|---|---|
| L1 (Non-payment of rent) | 3-4 weeks |
| L2 (Termination — personal use, renovation) | 4-8 weeks |
| L3 (Tenant didn't move out) | 3-4 weeks |
| L9 (Collect arrears after move-out) | 6-10 weeks |
| T1 (Illegal charges) | 4-8 weeks |
| T2 (Tenant rights) | 4-8 weeks |
| T6 (Maintenance) | 6-10 weeks |
Note: These are averages. Your specific case may be faster or slower depending on location, complexity, and adjudicator availability.
The Full Timeline: From Notice to Eviction
For a typical non-payment eviction (N4 → L1):
- Day 0: Serve N4 notice on tenant
- Day 14: Notice period expires (tenant didn't pay)
- Day 15: File L1 application with LTB ($186 online)
- Week 3-4: LTB hearing scheduled
- Week 4-5: Eviction order issued (if granted)
- Week 5-6: Sheriff enforcement (if tenant doesn't leave voluntarily)
Total: approximately 5-8 weeks from serving the N4 to actual eviction.
What Causes Delays?
- Incomplete forms: The LTB will reject applications with errors, adding weeks. Use LTB Ready to ensure your forms are correct.
- Missing Certificate of Service: Without a COS, your application can't proceed.
- Adjournments: Either party can request a delay, and the LTB often grants them.
- Mediation: The LTB may schedule mediation before a hearing.
- Appeals: Divisional Court appeals can add months.
Tips to Avoid Delays
- File online: Online applications ($186) are processed faster than paper ($201).
- Complete forms correctly: Errors = rejections = weeks lost.
- Serve properly: Bad service = case dismissed. Read our service guide.
- Prepare evidence early: Don't scramble before the hearing. Document everything from Day 1.
- Don't delay filing: Every day you wait is another day added to the process.
Don't Let Forms Slow You Down
The biggest controllable delay is form errors. LTB Ready generates correctly completed forms in minutes — no legal knowledge required.