Consent orders from the Landlord and Tenant Board can resolve disputes without a contested hearing, but they carry legal weight and affect tenants rights and obligations in Ontario. This guide explains in plain language what a consent order is, what to check before you agree, how timelines and enforcement work, which official forms and evidence matter, and where to get help. If you are facing an eviction, a rent dispute, or a negotiated move-out, understanding consent orders helps you make informed choices, protect your deposit and record, and avoid unintended consequences. Read the steps below to safely review, record, and, if necessary, challenge a consent order.
What is a consent order?
A consent order is a written agreement between a tenant and landlord that the Landlord and Tenant Board approves and files; once filed, it becomes an order the Board can enforce.[1]
Before you agree
- Check deadlines, move-out dates, and any payment schedule so you know when obligations are due.
- Confirm how rent, arrears, and your deposit are treated in the order and whether repayment plans include interest.
- Collect evidence: photos, communication logs, receipts and any repair requests that support your position.
- Seek free legal advice or tenant help lines before signing, especially if eviction or rent arrears are involved.
Key elements to check in a consent order
Read the terms line by line: dates, payment amounts, who pays for repairs, and whether the order ends or continues a tenancy. If the order requires you to move out or pay a set amount, missing a deadline can lead to enforcement action by the Board or a writ of possession. Also check whether the order includes mutual releases that prevent later claims.
How consent orders are enforced
Once a consent order is filed with the Board it can be enforced like any other order. The Board may schedule enforcement steps or issue a hearing if one party says the order was breached. Keep copies of the signed order and proof of payments or compliance to show if enforcement is needed.[2]
Changing or setting aside a consent order
If circumstances change or you believe you signed under duress or mistake, you can ask the Board to set aside or vary the order. That typically means filing the proper application or motion and providing strong evidence of why the order should be changed. Look up the Boards application guides and forms before you apply so you follow the correct process.[3]
Practical tenant tips
- Get any agreed changes in writing and attached to the consent order; verbal promises are not enforceable.
- Keep copies of the signed consent order, receipts for payments, and photos of the unit after any repair or move-out.
- If the order addresses your deposit, confirm the exact amount and the date it will be returned.
- If you need help interpreting terms, contact a tenant clinic, legal aid, or community legal services.
For help with your written rental terms, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement and for deposit questions see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
If you are looking for new housing options after a dispute, consider using this resource: Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
FAQ
- Are consent orders legally binding?
- Yes. Once approved and filed by the Landlord and Tenant Board, a consent order is an enforceable Board order.
- Can I change a consent order later?
- You can ask the Board to set aside or vary an order, but you must show a valid legal reason and follow the Boards application process.
- What if my landlord breaches a consent order?
- Keep proof of the breach, file an enforcement request with the Board, and bring any documentation showing non-compliance.
How-To
- Gather evidence: receipts, photos, messages and repair records that support your position.
- Find and complete the right Board application or form for a consent order, variation, or set-aside.
- Submit the application and attend any scheduled Board meeting or hearing; bring copies of your evidence.
- If the Board approves a consent order, file and keep a signed copy and follow the terms carefully.
Key Takeaways
- Consent orders are legally enforceable once filed with the Board.
- Always get terms in writing and keep proof of payments and communications.
- Seek tenant legal help before signing if you are unsure of consequences.
Help and Support / Resources
- Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario)
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- Legal Aid Ontario - Tenant Services
