Dealing with a procedural fairness concern at the Landlord and Tenant Board can be stressful for tenants. This guide explains how Ontario renters can recognize procedural fairness problems, the steps to raise a complaint with the LTB, what evidence helps, and the timelines to watch for. It uses plain language for tenants and renters, clarifies what the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 covers, and points to official forms and contacts you may need. Whether you believe you were denied a fair chance to present evidence, experienced bias, or missed notice of a hearing, this article helps you prepare practical action steps, protect your rights, and follow provincial procedures so you can seek review or remedy without unnecessary delay.
What is a procedural fairness complaint?
Procedural fairness complaints raise concerns about how the Landlord and Tenant Board handled a case, such as lack of notice, bias or denial of opportunity to present evidence. [1]
When to consider filing
If the process at the LTB prevented you from presenting a case, or if a hearing notice was not properly served, you may have grounds to complain. Look for interruptions to your right to be heard, unexplained exclusions of evidence, or conduct suggesting bias.
- Missed notice of a hearing or late service of documents
- Evidence was not accepted or you were prevented from presenting proof
- You believe the hearing or decision-maker showed bias or a conflict of interest
- Procedural or filing errors that changed the outcome
How to prepare evidence
Collect all relevant records before you file: dated emails, text messages, photographs, receipts, rent records, witness names and written statements. Organize items by date and create a short index so you can point to key documents quickly at a hearing.
- Photographs, videos and dated receipts showing the issue and timing
- Copies of notices, letters, and any board correspondence
- Contact details and written statements from witnesses
Steps to raise a procedural fairness concern
Follow the LTB's process to ensure your complaint is accepted and considered. Practical next steps are below.
FAQ
- What is a procedural fairness complaint at the LTB?
- A procedural fairness complaint alleges that the Board failed to give a tenant or landlord a fair process, for example by denying notice, excluding evidence, or showing bias.
- How do I file a procedural fairness complaint?
- Start by contacting the Landlord and Tenant Board to ask about review, rehearing or correction procedures and follow the form and filing instructions provided by the LTB.
- How long do I have to file a complaint?
- Timelines vary by the type of review or correction requested; act without delay and check the LTB website for current filing deadlines.
How-To
- Gather all documents and evidence, organize them by date, and make clear notes about what happened.
- Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board to explain the issue and ask which form or process applies to a procedural fairness concern.
- Complete and submit the required LTB form or application, attaching your evidence and a short cover letter explaining the fairness issue.
- Prepare for any hearing by reviewing your evidence, planning brief points, and arranging witness statements or declarations if needed.
- Follow up after the decision: if the Board grants a rehearing or correction, confirm next steps and any deadlines in writing.
For practical tips about managing complaints and tenant communication see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide. To review provincial rights in plain language, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Ontario. If you need housing while a matter is resolved, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) for complaints and forms
- Find LTB forms and user guides
- Read the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 on e-Laws
