Lisa Duchene
September 13, 2026
A notice from the Landlord and Tenant Board can feel urgent. The first useful step is to slow down and identify what the notice says, which dates matter, and what documents may support your position.
This guide explains what generally happens at an Ontario LTB hearing. It is written for both landlords and tenants. Your next step will depend on the application, the evidence, and the directions in your own notice of hearing.
What type of LTB hearing do you have?
The LTB schedules three types of hearings: virtual, written, and in-person. The Board decides which format will be used. In most cases, a virtual hearing is held by Zoom, with a telephone option listed in the notice of hearing.
A written hearing works differently. The parties file written explanations and supporting documents, and the adjudicator reviews those materials before making a decision. In-person hearings are generally scheduled only when an approved accommodation or another direction requires that format.
Read your notice carefully. It should tell you the hearing date and time, the format, and how to join or file materials. The LTB application and hearing process page is the best starting point for current procedural information.
Before the hearing: organize the file
Start with the application and notice of hearing. Write down the issues that the LTB is being asked to decide. Then make a short timeline using the dates that matter, such as the date of a notice, a payment, a repair request, an agreement, or an earlier communication.
Gather the documents that relate to those issues. Depending on the application, that could include a lease, notices, rent records, photographs, inspection notes, work orders, emails, text messages, or other records. Keep the documents in a logical order and use clear file names.
Evidence is not limited to paper. The LTB identifies documents, pictures, physical objects, audio or video recordings, emails, text messages, and social media posts as examples of material that may be evidence. The adjudicator decides whether a particular item will be accepted and what weight it should receive.
Share evidence by the deadline
The LTB says that each party must provide the other parties and the Board with a complete copy of the evidence they intend to rely on at least seven business days before the hearing. Responding evidence generally has a five-day deadline. The LTB may order or direct something different, so check your notice and any directions in your file.
Evidence should usually be submitted through the Tribunals Ontario Portal. Unless the other parties have agreed in writing to accept service through the portal, uploading a document there does not by itself replace serving the other parties. You must also give the other parties a complete copy.
If you cannot use the portal, the LTB says you can send evidence for an upcoming hearing by email to LTB.Evidence@ontario.ca, with your file number in the subject line. The Board also lists mail, courier, and some ServiceOntario locations as alternatives. The Practice Direction on Evidence explains the requirements in more detail.
Plan for the hearing day
For a virtual hearing, log in or call at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Check your internet connection, camera, microphone, and the name that appears when you join. Keep the notice of hearing, your evidence, and your timeline close by.
Many LTB hearings are scheduled in a hearing block. That means several files may have the same start time. You may have to wait for your file to be called, sometimes for much of the day. Arrange childcare and time away from work or school where possible.
Do not leave the virtual hearing room unless the adjudicator tells you that you can leave and come back at a specific time. If you do not sign in or your case is called while you are absent, the hearing may go ahead without you. An application can be dismissed or decided without a party who does not attend.
What happens during the hearing?
The adjudicator controls the hearing and keeps the process focused on the issues in the application. Each side has an opportunity to explain its position, introduce relevant documents, and question witnesses when witnesses are involved. The adjudicator may ask questions to clarify the evidence.
The adjudicator is neutral. They cannot give either side legal advice or tell a party how to present the case. Each party is responsible for explaining the facts and pointing to the evidence that supports their position. Everyone is expected to be courteous and respectful.
Some matters resolve before a decision. The LTB describes mediation as a process in which a neutral person helps the parties explore whether they can reach an agreement. Parties using the Tribunals Ontario Portal may also use the online dispute resolution tool in situations where it is available. A settlement is a choice that should be understood before it is accepted.
When will you receive the decision?
The adjudicator may give a decision at the end of the hearing or reserve the decision for later. In either case, the result will be provided in writing as an order. The order may include reasons and may set out terms that a landlord or tenant must follow.
Do not assume that a verbal comment during a hearing is the complete order. Read the written order when it arrives and note any dates, conditions, payment terms, or next steps. If something appears unclear or there is a possible clerical error, get advice about the appropriate process before acting.
A practical hearing checklist
- Read the application and notice of hearing from beginning to end.
- Write a short timeline of the important events and dates.
- Organize relevant documents, photographs, messages, and records.
- Submit and serve evidence by the applicable deadline.
- Prepare a quiet place and working technology for a virtual hearing.
- Join at least 15 minutes early and stay available until your file is called.
- Keep your explanation focused on the issues the LTB must decide.
- Read the written order carefully when it is issued.
LTB procedure can be difficult to navigate, especially when a hearing date is close. This article provides general information, not legal advice about a specific situation. For help understanding your options or discussing representation, contact AI Paralegal Services.
Sources: Tribunals Ontario, Application and hearing process; LTB, Practice Direction on Evidence; Tribunals Ontario, Forms, filing and fees.