If you're a tenant in Ontario facing a dispute with your landlord, it's essential to know how orders from the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) work and what your rights and obligations are when it comes to compliance. Understanding the LTB process can help you respond effectively—whether it's about eviction, maintenance issues, or rent disputes.

What Is the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)?

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is the official tribunal in Ontario that resolves disputes between tenants and landlords. It acts under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, which sets out the rules for rental housing in the province.^[1] The LTB handles applications related to:

• Evictions
• Rent arrears
• Maintenance and repair issues
• Landlord or tenant rights

What Is an LTB Order?

An LTB order is a legal decision issued following a hearing or review of an application. Orders can require either the landlord or tenant to take (or stop) certain actions—for example, moving out by a specified date, paying rent owed, or making necessary repairs.

LTB orders are enforceable under Ontario law, and both parties must comply with any instructions or deadlines.

Types of Common LTB Orders

• Eviction Order: Requires a tenant to move out, usually following a legal notice and hearing.
• Rent Repayment Order: Directs a tenant to pay rent arrears, or a landlord to pay back money to a tenant if they've overcharged.
• Repair or Maintenance Order: Forces a landlord to address repairs after a complaint and review.

Before a hearing is held, both landlords and tenants must follow certain steps, like serving notices. For more information on your responsibilities in a rental, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

How Do Tenants Respond to LTB Orders?

If you receive an order from the LTB, review it carefully to understand:

• What actions are required
• The deadline for compliance
• Any payments owed or required repairs

Failure to follow an LTB order could lead to serious legal consequences, including eviction or fines. If you disagree with the decision, you do have options to request a review or file an appeal (see below).

Key LTB Forms for Tenants

Official government forms are critically important throughout the LTB process. Here are some you may need as a tenant:

• Request to Review an Order (Form S2): If you believe there was a serious error or you weren't able to participate in the hearing, you can use Request to Review an Order (Form S2) to apply for a review. For example, if you never received the notice for your hearing, this form allows you to ask the LTB to look at your case again.
• Notice of Appeal: To challenge an LTB order (other than those involving eviction for non-payment), you may be able to file a Notice of Appeal to the Divisional Court. Learn more about filing an appeal on the LTB Questions & Answers page.
• Payment into the Board (Form L5): If you want to pay rent to the LTB instead of directly to your landlord during a repair or serious issue dispute, file Application to Pay Rent to the Board (Form L5). This may apply if your landlord is refusing repairs and you've made a formal complaint.

Complying with LTB Orders: What Happens if You Don't?

It is mandatory for both tenants and landlords to follow any orders issued by the LTB. Non-compliance can lead to further enforcement through the courts. For example, if a tenant does not vacate by the date specified in an eviction order, the landlord can request the Sheriff's Office to physically evict the tenant.

If you face difficulties complying with an order, seek immediate advice or assistance to potentially avoid worse outcomes.

Step-by-Step: Responding to an LTB Order

• Read the entire order and note any deadlines or requirements.
• Consider your options: comply, request a review (Form S2), or appeal if applicable.
• Gather supporting documentation if you believe there is an error (e.g., proof of payment, communications with your landlord).
• Act quickly—review requests must often be filed within a few days of the order.
• Follow instructions in the order closely and keep records of all actions taken.

Missing a deadline can limit your legal options. If in doubt, seek advice from tenant support organizations or legal clinics right away.

Understanding what to do after receiving an order is part of knowing your overall rights as a renter. You can get more insights at Tenant Rights in Ontario and find support tailored to your situation.

How Does LTB Enforcement Work?

Most LTB orders can be enforced through the Small Claims Court if money is involved, or the Sheriff's Office for eviction orders. Tenants and landlords both have access to these enforcement options if the other party does not comply.

Common Tenant Scenarios

LTB orders may relate to many everyday issues. For example:

• If your landlord fails to make necessary repairs, you can apply to the LTB, which may then order the landlord to complete repairs by a certain date.
• If there is a dispute about rent payments, the LTB can order the tenant to pay, or the landlord to refund overpaid rent.

For a broader look at situations that may lead to LTB hearings, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

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FAQ: LTB Orders and Tenant Compliance in Ontario

1. What should I do if I receive an LTB eviction order?
   Read the order carefully, check the move-out date, and if you believe there was an error or you did not have a fair hearing, file a Request to Review (Form S2) or seek legal advice immediately.
2. How do I appeal an LTB decision in Ontario?
   Decisions can sometimes be appealed to Divisional Court. Act quickly, as there are strict time limits. More information is on the LTB website or by contacting tenants' legal services.
3. What happens if a landlord or tenant does not follow an LTB order?
   The affected party can ask the court or Sheriff to enforce the order. This could result in an enforced eviction or collection of funds.
4. Can I pay rent to the LTB instead of my landlord during a dispute?
   In some circumstances, yes—through Form L5 you may apply to pay rent into the Board if, for example, repairs are not being completed.
5. Where can I find official information about Ontario tenant rights and LTB processes?
   Visit the Landlord and Tenant Board website or review Tenant Rights in Ontario for official, up-to-date resources.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• LTB orders are legally binding—read, understand, and act on them promptly.
• You have options to review or appeal most orders, but timing is critical.
• Resources and help are available—reach out if you are unsure how to proceed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Official Ontario Tribunal
• Ontario Government: Renting in Ontario – Your Rights
• Toronto Tenants: Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO)
• Free legal clinics: Search through Legal Aid Ontario – Clinic Finder
• For more rights and responsibilities, check Tenant Rights in Ontario

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) – Government of Ontario

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