You've filed your application — or you've received notice that one has been filed against you. Either way, you have an LTB hearing coming up. If it's your first time, it's natural to feel nervous. This guide covers exactly what to expect and how to prepare so you can walk in confident.
Before the Hearing
1. Read the Notice of Hearing Carefully
When the LTB schedules your hearing, you'll receive a Notice of Hearing by mail or email. It contains:
- The date and time of the hearing
- Whether it's virtual or in-person (and the login details or location)
- The application number (you'll need this to join a virtual hearing)
- The type of application being heard (L1, L2, T2, T6, etc.)
- Instructions for submitting evidence in advance
Mark the date immediately. Missing a hearing has serious consequences — your case can be dismissed (if you're the applicant) or decided without your input (if you're the respondent).
2. Organize Your Evidence
Evidence wins hearings. The adjudicator will make a decision based on what you can prove, not just what you say. Organize your evidence into a binder or folder (physical or digital) with these categories:
- The lease agreement (or a summary of the oral agreement)
- The notice that was served (N4, N12, etc.) and the Certificate of Service
- Rent ledger showing payment history (for non-payment cases)
- Photos and videos with dates (for maintenance or damage cases)
- Written communications — emails, text messages, letters between you and the other party
- Receipts and invoices for any costs you're claiming
- Inspection reports from municipal bylaw, public health, or fire departments
- Witness contact information if someone will testify on your behalf
Tip: make three copies of everything — one for yourself, one for the other party, and one for the adjudicator. For virtual hearings, have digital copies ready to share on screen.
3. Submit Evidence in Advance
The LTB typically requires you to share evidence with the other party before the hearing. Check your Notice of Hearing for the deadline — it's usually 5 to 7 days before the hearing date. You can submit evidence through the LTB's online portal or by mail/fax.
Evidence submitted late may not be accepted, or the adjudicator may give it less weight.
4. Prepare What You'll Say
You don't need to write a speech, but you should prepare a clear, chronological summary of your case. The adjudicator will ask you to tell your side of the story. Focus on:
- The facts: What happened, when, and who was involved
- The evidence: What documents or photos support each fact
- The remedy: What you're asking the LTB to do (eviction, rent abatement, repairs, compensation, etc.)
Stay calm, stay factual, and avoid emotional language or personal attacks. Adjudicators respond to clear, organized presentations.
Virtual vs In-Person Hearings
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, most LTB hearings are conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams. Here's what to know about each format:
Virtual Hearings
- You'll receive a Teams link in your Notice of Hearing
- Join 10–15 minutes early to test your audio and video
- Use a quiet room with a stable internet connection
- Have your evidence ready to share on screen (or hold up to the camera)
- Mute your microphone when not speaking
- Dress appropriately — it's still a legal proceeding
In-Person Hearings
- Held at LTB regional offices across Ontario
- Arrive 30 minutes early to check in and find your hearing room
- Bring physical copies of all evidence (three sets)
- You may wait in a common area until your case is called
- Some locations have mediation rooms if both parties want to try settling before the hearing
During the Hearing
Opening and Introductions
The adjudicator will open the hearing by:
- Confirming who is present (names, roles — landlord, tenant, representative)
- Stating the application number and type
- Explaining the order of proceedings
- Asking if there are any preliminary issues (adjournment requests, disclosure problems, etc.)
Who Speaks First?
The applicant — the party who filed the application — presents their case first. If you're a landlord who filed an L1 or L2, you go first. If you're a tenant who filed a T2 or T6, you go first.
The applicant will:
- Explain the situation and what happened
- Present evidence (documents, photos, etc.)
- Call witnesses if applicable
Then the respondent gets a chance to:
- Ask questions of the applicant (cross-examination)
- Present their own case and evidence
- Call their own witnesses
The applicant can then cross-examine the respondent.
The Adjudicator's Role
The adjudicator is not your advocate — they're a neutral decision-maker. They will:
- Ask questions to clarify facts
- Direct you to focus on relevant issues
- Rule on objections (e.g., if evidence is irrelevant)
- Keep the hearing on track and on time
Be respectful and address the adjudicator as "Member [Last Name]" or simply "Member." Answer questions directly and honestly. If you don't know the answer to something, say so — don't guess.
Common Mistakes During Hearings
- Interrupting. Wait for the other party to finish speaking before responding.
- Getting emotional. Understandable, but counterproductive. Stick to facts.
- Not bringing evidence. Verbal claims without documentation are much less persuasive.
- Not knowing what you want. Be specific about the outcome you're seeking.
- Bringing up irrelevant issues. The adjudicator can only rule on the issues in the application. If you have other complaints, file a separate application.
After the Hearing
The Decision
The adjudicator may issue a decision:
- At the hearing (oral decision) — for straightforward cases
- By mail within days or weeks — for more complex cases where the adjudicator needs time to consider the evidence
The decision is a formal order that is enforceable. It will specify exactly what must happen: pay rent arrears by a certain date, vacate the unit by a certain date, make repairs within a certain timeframe, pay compensation, etc.
Enforcement
If the losing party doesn't comply with the order:
- Eviction orders are enforced by the Court Enforcement Office (Sheriff). The winning party must file the order with the Sheriff and schedule enforcement.
- Payment orders can be enforced through the courts, including garnishment of wages or bank accounts.
- Repair orders — if the landlord doesn't make ordered repairs, the tenant can file a motion for the LTB to enforce the order or authorize the tenant to arrange repairs and deduct costs.
Appeals and Reviews
If you disagree with the decision, you have two options:
- Request a Review (within 30 days) — the LTB reviews the decision for errors. This is not a re-hearing; it's a review of whether the original decision was reasonable.
- Appeal to Divisional Court — a more formal appeal on a point of law. This is complex and typically requires legal representation.
Prepare Your Case with LTB Ready
Good preparation starts with good forms. LTB Ready generates correctly completed L1, L2, T2, T6, and Certificate of Service forms in minutes. All forms are updated for Bill 60 and current LTB requirements.