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Preparing for an LTB hearing

This tutorial helps you prepare for a Landlord and Tenant Board hearing using OntarioLandlord's tools.

Prerequisites​

  • Notice served to tenant
  • Application filed with LTB
  • Hearing date scheduled

Time required​

1-2 hours for preparation

Overview​

LTB hearings require:

  1. Understanding the process
  2. Organizing your evidence
  3. Knowing what to expect
  4. Being prepared to testify

Step 1: Understand your case​

Know your application type​

ApplicationPurpose
L1Non-payment of rent (N4)
L2Other termination reasons
L3Tenant gave notice
L9Collect arrears (former tenant)

Know the key issues​

For L1 (arrears):

  • How much is owed?
  • Was N4 served properly?
  • Has tenant paid since?

For L2 (other):

  • What happened?
  • When did it happen?
  • Was notice proper?

Step 2: Generate evidence bundle​

Arrears cases (L1)​

  1. Go to Evidence → Create Evidence Bundle
  2. Select Arrears Evidence
  3. Choose the lease
  4. Set date range (lease start to hearing date)
  5. Generate PDF

Bundle includes:

  • Complete rent ledger
  • N4 notice copy
  • Payment history
  • Arrears summary

Other cases (L2)​

  1. Create Maintenance Evidence if relevant
  2. Compile your own:
    • Relevant notices
    • Photos
    • Witness statements
    • Communications

Step 3: Update your records​

Before the hearing​

  1. Record recent payments

    • Any payments since N4?
    • Update rent ledger

  2. Add new rent charges

    • Has new rent come due?
    • Include in arrears total

  3. Regenerate evidence

    • Create fresh bundle
    • Reflects current arrears

Step 4: Organize your documents​

Physical organization​

Create a binder with:

  1. Tab 1: Application and notice to appear
  2. Tab 2: Evidence bundle (from OntarioLandlord)
  3. Tab 3: Additional documents
  4. Tab 4: Notes and questions

Number of copies​

For in-person hearings:

  • 1 for yourself
  • 1 for the adjudicator
  • 1 for the tenant
  • 1 extra

For virtual hearings​

  • Have PDF ready to share
  • Follow LTB instructions for submission
  • Test your technology

Step 5: Prepare your testimony​

Key points to cover​

For arrears:

  1. When did arrears begin?
  2. What is the total amount?
  3. How was the N4 served?
  4. Have there been any payments?

Practice explaining​

Be able to explain:

  • Your rent ledger
  • How arrears accumulated
  • Your calculation method

Anticipate questions​

Adjudicator may ask:

  • "How do you calculate the arrears?"
  • "When was the notice served?"
  • "Has the tenant paid anything?"
  • "Are you willing to mediate?"

Step 6: Understand the process​

Virtual hearing flow​

  1. Check-in (arrive early)
  2. Mediation offer (optional)
  3. Opening statements
  4. Your evidence
  5. Tenant's response
  6. Questions from adjudicator
  7. Decision (sometimes immediate)

In-person hearing flow​

Similar, but:

  • Arrive 30 minutes early
  • Check in at reception
  • Wait to be called

Step 7: Day of hearing​

Checklist​

  • Evidence bundle (multiple copies)
  • Photo ID
  • Pen and notepad
  • Lease copy
  • Calculator
  • Water

Virtual hearing tech​

  • Stable internet
  • Quiet location
  • Working camera/microphone
  • Documents accessible
  • Phone backup plan

Dress professionally​

Business casual is appropriate. You want to appear credible and prepared.

During the hearing​

Presenting evidence​

  1. Refer to your evidence bundle
  2. "As shown in Tab 2, page 3..."
  3. Guide adjudicator through documents
  4. Be clear and concise

Speaking​

  • Speak clearly
  • Answer questions directly
  • Don't argue with tenant
  • Address the adjudicator

If tenant disputes​

  • Stay calm
  • Refer to your documentation
  • Let adjudicator decide
  • Don't interrupt

Common outcomes​

Arrears cases (L1)​

  • Standard Order: Tenant pays or be evicted
  • Payment Plan: Tenant pays over time
  • Dismissal: If notice was improper

Order amount​

Usually includes:

  • Arrears amount
  • Application fee
  • Daily compensation (if applicable)

After the hearing​

If you win​

  • Order issued (usually within days)
  • Tenant has time to pay (usually 11 days)
  • If not paid, file with Sheriff

If payment plan ordered​

  • Track payments carefully
  • Return to LTB if tenant defaults

Update OntarioLandlord​

  • Record outcome
  • Update payment records
  • Maintain accurate history

Tips for success​

  1. Be organized - Evidence bundle is key
  2. Be accurate - Know your numbers
  3. Be professional - Stay calm
  4. Be prepared - Practice explaining
  5. Be flexible - Consider mediation

Next steps​