Facing a Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) hearing in Ontario can feel overwhelming, especially when your home and rights are at stake. Whether you’re disputing a rent increase, asking for urgent repairs, or responding to an eviction notice, preparing the right evidence is essential for presenting a strong case. This guide explains what evidence to gather, how to organize it, and which official forms to use, with practical tips for Ontario tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.¹

Who Handles Tenancy Disputes in Ontario?

In Ontario, the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) resolves disputes between landlords and tenants, including issues such as eviction, rent increases, and maintenance.

If you’re new to your LTB hearing or want a refresher on your rights, you can review Tenant Rights in Ontario for more background.

What Counts as Evidence?

Evidence is any information that helps prove your side of a dispute. In LTB hearings, strong evidence increases your credibility and helps the Board make a fair decision.

• Written documents (letters, notices, emails, text messages)
• Photos or videos (such as damage, pests, poor conditions)
• Receipts or invoices (for repairs paid, rent paid, cleaning)
• Witness statements (from neighbours, contractors, support workers)
• Communication logs (date-stamped records of maintenance requests)

Organizing Your Materials

Arrange your evidence in date order and clearly label each item (for example: "Exhibit A – Email to Landlord about leaking roof, Jan 5, 2024"). Make multiple copies for yourself, the Board, and your landlord. Electronic evidence can be submitted in PDF or image formats, but make sure these are clear and readable.

Official LTB Forms for Tenants

Certain disputes require specific application forms with the LTB. Common forms include:

• T2: Application About Tenant Rights – Use this if your landlord isn’t making repairs, is withholding services, or is entering your unit unlawfully. For example, if your landlord ignores written reports of a heating failure, the T2 allows you to ask the LTB for remedies. Access the T2 form here.²
• T6: Tenant Application About Maintenance – File this form when your landlord fails to maintain the rental property in good repair. For example, if you reported mold and nothing was done, a T6 lets you formally ask the LTB for an order to fix the issue. Access the T6 form here.²
• Request to Admit (Form LTB-E) – If you want your landlord to agree to specific facts or documents, you can use this. This is helpful when you want facts accepted without disagreement. View the Request to Admit form.

Always check the most recent official forms on the LTB website before filing, and submit supporting evidence along with your forms.

Key Tips for Preparing and Presenting Evidence

• Respond promptly to LTB instructions and deadlines
• Number, label, and organize your documents for easy reference
• Keep original copies when possible; submit clean, legible photocopies or digital files
• Make a list (index) of all evidence you plan to use
• Prepare a brief statement explaining what each piece of evidence shows

If your case involves things like maintenance, safety, or repairs, you may also want to review our resource on Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

How to Submit Your Evidence to the LTB

The LTB usually requires you to provide your landlord and the Board with copies of your evidence before the hearing date:

• Online: Upload documents through the LTB’s secure online portal (as instructed on your Notice of Hearing)
• Email or Mail: Only if permitted; follow the details on your hearing notice
• Always follow LTB deadlines for "service" (delivery) to opposing parties

Clarify requirements directly with the LTB if you are unsure.

Presenting Your Case at the Hearing

During the LTB hearing, you or your representative must clearly explain your side and show your supporting evidence. Practice a short summary of your situation and note how each document, photo, or message backs up your main points.

• Arrive or log in early for virtual hearings
• Have your evidence organized and ready to reference by label or exhibit number
• Stay calm, listen carefully, and answer questions

Remember, the stronger and more consistent your evidence, the clearer your case will be to the Board. If you have disputes around obligations with your landlord (such as maintenance, repairs, or entry), see our complete overview in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

For rentals across the country, you can search Canadian rentals with interactive map view to see the latest listings and helpful resources.

1. What types of evidence are most useful in an LTB hearing?
   Evidence that is dated, clear, and directly related to the dispute—such as official notices, emails, photographs of issues, and receipts—are most helpful. Witness statements can also support your side, especially if signed and dated.
2. Do I have to share my evidence with my landlord before the hearing?
   Yes. The LTB usually requires you to serve (deliver) your evidence to the landlord and the Board by a set deadline listed in your hearing notice.
3. What happens if I don’t have written evidence?
   While written evidence is strongest, you can explain your situation orally, and provide supporting witnesses. However, claims that are only verbal may be harder to prove.
4. Can I submit electronic evidence?
   Yes. The LTB accepts electronic submissions like PDFs, images, or audio files, but they must be clear and easy to access—check instructions in your notice of hearing.
5. Where can I find help preparing for my LTB hearing?
   You can contact local legal clinics, tenant advocacy organizations, or review guides from the LTB and community housing services for support.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• Gather and organize clear, date-stamped evidence to support your position.
• Use the correct LTB forms and follow Board instructions closely.
• Don’t hesitate to seek legal or tenant support if you’re unsure about the process.

Thorough preparation increases your chances of a positive outcome at the LTB.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Official instructions and contact info
• Find community legal clinic assistance via Legal Aid Ontario clinics directory
• Tenants' rights resources: Tenant Rights in Ontario

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
2. LTB Official Forms Page

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