I'm a tenant
Find out what to do about repairs, a rent increase, or documents from your landlord or the Board.
Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board
Find your next step in a residential tenancy dispute, from dealing with a notice or filing an application to preparing for a hearing.
Where should I start?
I'm a landlord
Identify the issue, check which notice or application applies, and gather records for the Board.
Check whether Ontario's rental rules apply
The Residential Tenancies Act covers most private residential rentals in Ontario. Some living arrangements are exempt, including certain rentals where the tenant must share a kitchen or bathroom with the owner or specified family members.
For covered tenancies, start with the lease and the rules for your issue. Most covered residential leases require Ontario's standard form. Landlords are responsible for keeping rental property in good repair. Rent increase rules depend on the unit and the type of increase, so check the current guideline and exceptions before acting.
Ontario's guide to rental rights · Current rent increase rules
Eviction notices, hearings and orders
- Notice from the landlord
- Keep the notice and note when you received it. Check the reason, the form number and whether the form gives you a way to resolve the issue.
- LTB application and hearing notice
- Check the date, format and instructions. Compare the landlord's claims with your records and prepare any evidence you want the Board to consider.
- LTB eviction order
- Read the effective date and any conditions. Seek legal help promptly if you need to challenge the order or ask for enforcement to be paused. Only the Sheriff can enforce an LTB eviction order.
Before a landlord files an application
- Identify the issue and the order you want the Board to make. If rent is overdue, reconcile the ledger and consider whether a payment agreement could resolve the arrears.
- Check whether your application requires a notice first. Use the current form, follow its timing and service instructions, and keep a record of how and when you served it.
- Check filing eligibility and gather the required documents. Depending on the application, these can include the notice, proof of service, rent ledger or declarations.
Common LTB applications
Use the current form and instructions for your situation. Check the filing deadline, fee and any required notice before submitting.
| Form | Who files | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| T1 | Tenant | Asking the Board to order repayment of money collected or kept by a landlord in circumstances covered by the form. |
| T2 | Tenant | Tenant rights issues such as alleged unlawful entry, harassment or substantial interference with reasonable enjoyment. |
| T5 | Former tenant | Alleging that the landlord gave certain termination notices in bad faith. |
| T6 | Tenant | Asking for remedies when the landlord allegedly failed to meet maintenance obligations. |
| L1 | Landlord | Seeking eviction for unpaid rent and an order for the rent owed. |
| L2 | Landlord | Seeking to end a tenancy and evict for grounds covered by the form, with other remedies where available. |
| L9 | Landlord | Seeking an order for unpaid rent while the tenant still lives in the unit, with no eviction request. |
Visit the Landlord and Tenant Board’s Forms, Filing and Fees page for current forms and instructions. Find the Board through Ontario’s rental dispute guide.
Prepare for the hearing
Follow the instructions for your file. Check when and how to give evidence to the LTB and the other parties. Keep proof that you sent it. If settlement is possible, ask about mediation and make sure any agreement records dates, amounts and obligations clearly.
Hearing checklist
Common questions
Can a tenant apply to the LTB about repairs?
Form T6 may apply when a landlord has failed to maintain the rental unit or complex. Keep dated photos and copies of written repair requests and responses.
Can the parties settle before the hearing?
Yes. They may reach an agreement directly or seek LTB mediation where available. Check with the Board about the status of the hearing and any remaining steps after an agreement.
What if I disagree with an LTB order?
Read the order and get advice promptly. A request for review and an appeal are different procedures with specific grounds and deadlines. Ask whether you also need a stay to pause enforcement.
Sources and legal help
Need a document sworn or commissioned?
Contact Notaryspace about affidavits, statutory declarations and certified copies for your tenancy matter.
This guide provides general information about Ontario residential tenancies. For advice about your situation, speak with a licensed Ontario lawyer or paralegal, or contact a community legal clinic.