LTB Rules Engine
OntarioLandlord includes a built-in LTB Rules Engine that validates your actions against Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). This helps prevent invalid notices and ensures compliance.
What Gets Validated
Notice Generation
Before any notice is generated, we validate:
| Notice | Validations |
|---|---|
| N1 | 90-day notice period, 12-month gap, guideline percentage, effective date |
| N4 | 14-day notice period, arrears exist, termination date on period end |
| N5 | 20-day notice period (first), 14-day (second), proper grounds |
| N6 | 10-day notice period, illegal act documented |
| N7 | Immediate to 10-day period, safety issue documented |
| N12 | 60-day notice period, termination on period end, compensation noted |
| N13 | 120-day notice period, permit/plan documented |
Rent Increase Validation
For rent increases (N1), we check:
- Current rent amount
- Date of last increase
- Months since last increase (must be 12+)
- Proposed increase percentage
- Current guideline percentage
- Earliest valid effective date
Arrears Calculation
For arrears-related actions (N4, evidence), we calculate:
- Rent owed per period
- Payments received
- Running balance
- Total arrears amount
How Validation Works
1. Real-Time Checking
As you fill in notice details, validation runs automatically:
✓ Notice period: 14 days minimum → PASS (21 days provided)
✓ Arrears amount: Must be > $0 → PASS ($2,500 arrears)
✓ Termination date: Must be period end → PASS (Jan 31, 2026)
2. Blocking Invalid Actions
If validation fails, you cannot generate the notice:
✗ 12-month rule: Last increase was 10 months ago
→ You must wait 2 more months before increasing rent
3. Warnings (Non-Blocking)
Some issues generate warnings but don't block:
⚠ Termination date is 45 days away (14 minimum)
→ This is valid but gives tenant extra time
Rules Database
Our rules engine uses a database of Ontario RTA rules:
| Rule | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| N1 notice period | 90 days | RTA s.116 |
| N4 notice period | 14 days | RTA s.59 |
| Rent increase frequency | 12 months | RTA s.119 |
| 2026 guideline | 2.5% | Ontario Gazette |
Keeping Rules Updated
- Rules are updated when Ontario regulations change
- Guideline percentages updated annually
- Users notified of changes affecting their leases
Validation Examples
Valid N4 Scenario
Current date: January 15, 2026
Rent due: 1st of month
Arrears: $2,500 (Dec + Jan)
Termination date: January 31, 2026
Validations:
✓ Arrears exist: $2,500 > $0
✓ 14 days notice: Jan 31 - Jan 15 = 16 days
✓ Period end: Jan 31 is end of month
→ VALID - N4 can be generated
Invalid N1 Scenario
Current date: January 15, 2026
Last increase: June 1, 2025
Proposed increase: 5%
Guideline: 2.5%
Validations:
✗ 12-month gap: Only 7 months since last increase
✗ Guideline: 5% > 2.5% guideline
→ INVALID - Cannot generate N1
Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Prevents Rejections | LTB won't reject properly validated notices |
| Saves Time | Catch errors before serving |
| Peace of Mind | Know your notices are compliant |
| Documentation | Validation results saved for records |
Limitations
Not Legal Advice
The rules engine validates technical compliance but:
- Cannot account for all case-specific circumstances
- Doesn't guarantee LTB outcomes
- Doesn't replace professional legal advice
- May not cover unusual or complex situations
For complex situations, consult an Ontario paralegal or lawyer.