You filed your application. Now what? A step-by-step guide to hearings, evidence, and enforcement — for landlords and tenants.
Updated for 2026 Ontario rules including Bill 60
The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is an administrative tribunal — not a court. Hearings are less formal, adjudicators (not judges) make decisions, and you don't need a lawyer. But you do need to follow the process. Missing a step can delay or dismiss your case.
Check Status
Tribunals Ontario Portal
Hearing Format
Video or In-Person
Typical Duration
15 – 45 minutes
After filing an L1, L2, or L3 application
After the LTB accepts your application, they schedule a hearing and send you a Notice of Hearing. This arrives by mail, email, or through the Tribunals Ontario portal. It includes your hearing date, time, and whether it's in-person or by video.
Tip: Check your Tribunals Ontario portal regularly. Mail delivery can take 1-2 weeks — the portal is faster.
You must serve the Notice of Hearing on your tenant. Use one of the allowed service methods (in person, by mail, sliding under the door, in the mailbox). Then complete a Certificate of Service as proof.
Tip: LTB Ready generates your Certificate of Service automatically — don't skip this step.
Organize everything the adjudicator needs to decide in your favour. For non-payment cases: your rent ledger, lease agreement, the served N4 with Certificate of Service, and any payment records. Make copies for yourself, the tenant, and the LTB.
Tip: Three copies: one for you, one for the tenant, one for the adjudicator.
LTB hearings are informal — not like court. An adjudicator (not a judge) runs the hearing. You'll present your case, the tenant responds, and the adjudicator asks questions. Most hearings take 15-45 minutes. Video hearings use the Tribunals Ontario portal.
Tip: Be on time. If you're late or miss the hearing, your application may be dismissed.
If successful, the LTB issues an Order. For non-payment cases, this typically gives the tenant 11 days to pay the full amount owed or vacate. The Order is enforceable — it's not a suggestion.
Tip: Keep the original Order safe. You'll need it if you have to involve the Sheriff.
If the tenant doesn't comply with the Order, you can file with the Court Enforcement Office (Sheriff) to enforce the eviction. The Sheriff schedules a date and physically enforces the Order. You cannot change the locks yourself — only the Sheriff can enforce an eviction order.
Tip: Never attempt a self-help eviction. It's illegal under the RTA and can result in penalties against you.
After filing a T1, T2, T6, or T7 application
After you file your T application, the LTB reviews it and schedules a hearing. You'll receive a Notice of Hearing with the date, time, and format (in-person or video). Current wait times vary — check the Tribunals Ontario portal for updates.
Tip: Mark your hearing date immediately. Missing it means starting over.
You must serve a copy of your application on your landlord. Use an allowed service method and complete a Certificate of Service. The LTB needs proof that your landlord knows about the hearing.
Tip: Email to your landlord counts as valid service if they've communicated with you by email before.
Collect everything that supports your case: photos and videos of the issue, written repair requests (texts, emails, letters), your landlord's responses (or proof they didn't respond), inspection reports, and rent receipts. Organize by date.
Tip: Screenshots of text messages are evidence. Print them or save as PDF — don't rely on your phone at the hearing.
The hearing is informal. An adjudicator listens to both sides and asks questions. Explain what happened, when it happened, and what you're asking for (rent abatement, repairs, damages). Be specific about dates and amounts.
Tip: Practice explaining your case in 2 minutes. Adjudicators appreciate concise, factual presentations.
If the adjudicator rules in your favour, the LTB issues an Order. This could include rent abatement (money back for the period you were affected), an order for repairs, or other remedies. Your landlord must comply.
Tip: If your landlord doesn't comply with the Order, you can file with the Court Enforcement Office.
No wigs, no "Your Honour." LTB hearings are administrative proceedings. The adjudicator asks questions, both parties present their case, and there's usually no cross-examination. You can represent yourself.
Most hearings are now by video through the Tribunals Ontario portal. Test your camera and microphone beforehand. Have your evidence printed or on a second screen. Join 10 minutes early.
The adjudicator decides based on what you present. No evidence means no proof. Bring your lease, rent records, served notices with COS, photos, texts, emails — anything relevant. Organized by date.
Before the hearing, you may be offered mediation — a chance to reach an agreement without a formal hearing. Both parties must consent. Mediated agreements are enforceable as LTB Orders.