Getting money from a decision of the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) can feel confusing for tenants and renters in Ontario. This guide explains, in plain language, what an LTB monetary order means, the practical steps you can take to encourage payment, and the formal enforcement tools available if the other party doesn’t pay. You’ll learn when to try negotiating, when to convert a board order into a court judgment, and how enforcement options like garnishment or a writ of seizure work in everyday situations. The article highlights required forms, deadlines, and realistic examples so Ontario tenants can act confidently and protect their rights.
What an LTB monetary order is
An LTB monetary order is a written decision from the Landlord and Tenant Board that requires one party to pay money to the other. Orders can cover unpaid rent, damage, or other monetary claims decided at a hearing. The LTB issues the order, but it does not automatically force payment — you may need to take extra steps to collect the money if the other side does not pay voluntarily.[1]
Common enforcement options for tenants
If a landlord or tenant has an LTB monetary order in their favour and the other side will not pay, common enforcement paths include negotiation, converting the order to a court judgment, and using court enforcement tools such as garnishment or seizure.
- Negotiate a payment plan directly with the other party before taking formal steps.
- Request the conversion of the LTB order into a court judgment so you can use enforcement mechanisms available through the courts.
- Apply for wage garnishment or a bank garnishment to collect an unpaid monetary order.
- Ask a sheriff to seize and sell non-exempt goods to satisfy the monetary order.
Key forms and where to find them
Start with the LTB forms page to find the specific application and certificate forms used after a hearing. The tribunal provides official form listings and instructions for serving and filing orders.[1]
For the legal framework that governs orders and enforcement procedures in Ontario, see the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.[2]
Practical examples
Example 1: A tenant wins $1,200 for an unpaid damage deposit. They first ask the landlord for payment and propose a two‑month repayment plan. If the landlord refuses, the tenant converts the LTB order to a court judgment and files for garnishment of the landlord’s bank account.
Example 2: A landlord obtains a monetary order for unpaid rent. After trying to collect, the landlord registers the order as a judgment and requests a sheriff seizure of non‑exempt items to satisfy the balance.
FAQ
- How long do I have to enforce an LTB monetary order?
- Time limits to enforce an order can vary. Convert the order to a court judgment promptly and check provincial limitations for enforcement; acting sooner preserves more enforcement options.
- Can I deduct an LTB monetary order amount from future rent?
- No. You should not unilaterally deduct money from rent unless a court or the LTB explicitly allows it; doing so can lead to new disputes.
- Do I need a lawyer to enforce an order?
- Many tenants manage enforcement themselves in Small Claims Court or by using stated forms, but you may choose legal advice for complex garnishment or seizure steps.
How-To
- Collect and organize your evidence: copies of the LTB order, receipts, messages, and photos.
- Follow instructions on the LTB forms page to obtain any certificate or document needed to register the order as a court judgment.[1]
- File the converted order in the appropriate court (Small Claims or Superior Court) so it becomes enforceable as a judgment; then apply for garnishment or writs of seizure as needed.[3]
- Contact the sheriff or court enforcement office to arrange seizure or garnishment once you hold a recognized judgment.
Help and Support / Resources
- Landlord and Tenant Board (official tribunal)
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (official legislation)
- Ontario government guidance on enforcing a court judgment
