T2: A Tenant's Application About Tenant Rights
The T2 is the form a tenant uses to ask the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) to enforce rights under the Residential Tenancies Act when a landlord, or someone acting for the landlord, interferes with the tenancy.
- A T2 covers harassment, substantial interference with reasonable enjoyment, illegal entry, and cutting off vital services such as heat or water.
- Landlords can only enter a unit with proper written notice, except in an emergency or in other limited cases.
- Remedies can include an order to stop, a rent reduction, repayment of costs and compensation, and fines against the landlord.
- Keep a dated log, photos and messages. Evidence of a pattern carries real weight.
What a T2 can cover
- Harassing, threatening or coercing a tenant to leave.
- Entering the unit without the required written notice, or at unreasonable times.
- Changing the locks or otherwise locking a tenant out.
- Cutting off or reducing heat, hot water, electricity or other vital services.
- Substantially interfering with the tenant's reasonable enjoyment of the unit.
- Withholding or interfering with the tenant's belongings.
Building your evidence
- Start a log: date, time, what happened, who was there, and how it affected you.
- Keep every text, email, voicemail and letter. Do not delete anything, even upsetting messages.
- Take photos or video of damage, changed locks or notices left on the door.
- Ask witnesses, such as neighbours, whether they would speak at a hearing.
- Tell the landlord in writing what must stop, so there is no question about what they knew.
What the Board can order
- That the landlord stop the behaviour or comply with the Act.
- A rent abatement for the period of the problem.
- Compensation for out-of-pocket costs and, in suitable cases, other losses.
- Administrative fines against the landlord, which are payable to the Board and not to the tenant.
Time limits and safety
Many tenant applications have a short time limit running from the event, so file before you collect everything perfectly. If you feel physically unsafe, contact the police first. A T2 is a civil application and does not replace emergency help.
For landlords
Use the proper written notice for entry, give a reasonable time window, and keep records. If a tenant raises a complaint, respond in writing and fix what you can. Retaliation, such as an eviction notice right after a complaint, is a serious issue the Board takes into account.
Common questions
Can I record my landlord?
Recording a conversation you take part in is generally lawful in Canada, but the rules on using recordings and on recording others are technical. Ask for advice before relying on them.
Do I have to move out to apply?
No. Many T2 applications are made by tenants who are still living in the unit.
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.
Not sure where you stand? A licensed paralegal can look at your documents and tell you your options.
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