LTB Hearings in Ontario: How to Prepare & What to Expect

Types of LTB Hearings

• Block hearings: Many applications (often 10–30) scheduled at the same time. The Member works through cases sequentially. Your case may be called at 9 AM or 3 PM — you must be available all day.
• Case management hearings (CMH): A short pre-hearing to see if the matter can be mediated or resolved. Often leads to a Consent Order without a full hearing.
• Merits hearings: Full evidential hearing where both sides present their case. Can be online (Zoom) or in-person.

Before the Hearing: What to Prepare

1. Review the Application: Read the LTB application filed against you (or by you) carefully. Know what the other side is claiming and what order they're seeking.
2. Prepare an Evidence Package: LTB rules require you to share all evidence with the other party at least 7 days before the hearing. Late evidence may be excluded. Include: lease, payment receipts, N-notices, photographs, text messages, and any other documents.
3. Organize a chronology: Write out all key dates — when tenancy started, notices given, rent paid, incidents occurred. Members appreciate organized timelines.
4. Witnesses: If you have witnesses, ensure they are available for the hearing date. Witnesses can testify by phone/Zoom with advance notice to the Board.

At the Hearing: What to Expect

• You'll be placed on a call list and connected when your case is called
• The applicant presents their case first (calls witnesses, introduces documents)
• The respondent cross-examines, then presents their own case
• Both sides make closing submissions
• The Member issues an oral decision (sometimes reserved for later in writing)

Common Mistakes

• Not serving evidence in advance — late evidence is often rejected
• Bringing documents on the day that the other side hasn't seen
• Not attending — a default order will be issued against you
• Getting emotional — Members respond to facts, not arguments about how unfair the situation is
• Not reading the order carefully — orders have very specific timelines for compliance. Missing a rent payment deadline in an order can trigger a direct eviction motion (L4/L8)

Post-Hearing: Enforcing or Challenging an Order

• Review the order: LTB orders are enforceable immediately unless stayed
• Request a Review: Either party can request review within 30 days of an order. Grounds are limited — serious error, denial of natural justice, or new evidence that was unavailable at hearing.
• Appeal to Divisional Court: For questions of law only, within 30 days. Leave is not required for LTB appeals.