Need More Time? Asking for an Adjournment at an Ontario Tribunal

An adjournment means moving a hearing to a later date. Ontario tribunals, such as the Landlord and Tenant Board and the Human Rights Tribunal, can grant adjournments, but they aren't automatic.

Good reasons

• A medical emergency or illness, with a doctor's note.
• A family emergency or bereavement.
• A need for an interpreter or another accommodation that isn't in place.
• New representation that needs time to prepare.

How to ask

1. Check the tribunal's rules and forms.
2. Ask the other side whether they agree.
3. Send a written request to the tribunal, with your reasons and supporting documents.
4. Suggest new dates.

What the tribunal considers

• The reason for the request, and whether it could have been avoided.
• Any prejudice to the other side.
• How many adjournments there have already been.
• The tribunal's need to resolve cases fairly and without delay.

If it is refused

Attend the hearing, or arrange for someone to attend for you. A hearing can go ahead without you.

At the hearing itself

You can also ask for an adjournment at the start of the hearing, but asking in advance is much better.

Sources

• Tribunals Ontario
• Statutory Powers Procedure Act

Read next: Ontario Legal Deadlines: A Cheat Sheet

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Pexels: Writing a date in a desk calendar · A wooden gavel on a courtroom table beside case folders.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.