Asking the LTB to Adjourn a Hearing
An adjournment moves a hearing to a later date. The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) does not grant them automatically, because delay affects the other side too. A clear, early and well-supported request has a much better chance.
- Ask as early as possible and in writing, with your reasons and any proof, such as a medical note.
- Say whether the other side agrees, and offer dates you could attend.
- The adjudicator weighs your reason against the harm a delay causes the other party, such as more unpaid rent.
- If you missed the hearing and an order was made, you may be able to ask for a review within 30 days.
Good reasons to ask
- A sudden illness, injury or family emergency, with a note or other proof.
- You were not given enough time to prepare, or you only just received the other side's evidence.
- A key witness or document is unavailable for a reason you can explain.
- You have asked for legal help and need a short time to arrange it.
- Both sides agree and the LTB can offer another date.
Weak reasons
Requests made only to buy time, or at the last minute for a reason you could have raised earlier, are often refused. The Board looks at whether you acted promptly and whether the delay would be unfair to the other party.
How to make a request
- Check the notice of hearing and the LTB website for the current process and deadlines, as they can change.
- Write a short request: your name, file number, hearing date, why you need more time, and how long.
- Attach proof. A medical note should say that you cannot attend, not private details of your condition.
- Send a copy to the other party and say so in your request.
- Prepare as if the hearing will go ahead. Until you are told the date has changed, attend or be ready to join.
If you missed the hearing
If a hearing went ahead without you and an order was made, you can ask the LTB to review the order. Review is available where there was a serious error in the order or you were not reasonably able to take part, for example because you did not get proper notice or had a serious emergency. The request generally has to be made within 30 days of the order. Ask promptly, because late requests need a further request for more time.
A review is not the same as an appeal, and a party generally gets only one review request for the same order.
Common questions
Can I ask for an adjournment on the day of the hearing?
You can ask at the start of the hearing, but the adjudicator is less likely to agree if the reason could have been raised earlier. Always try to ask before the day.
Will the landlord keep getting rent while the hearing is delayed?
Rent continues to come due while a matter is adjourned, and unpaid rent keeps adding up. Tenants who ask for more time should keep paying what they can.
This guide 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.
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