Many tenants in Ontario who attend Landlord and Tenant Board hearings worry about whether their names, addresses or the full details of their cases will appear in public decisions. This guide explains how LTB decisions are published, what private information the Board usually removes, and when a decision stays publicly available. It also shows how to ask the Board to redact identifying details, what forms or written requests you may need, and practical steps to protect your privacy during or after a hearing. The tone is practical and tenant-focused, avoiding legal jargon and offering clear examples so renters can understand timelines, documentation and realistic expectations in Ontario.
How LTB decisions are published in Ontario
The Landlord and Tenant Board publishes many decisions online at the Tribunals Ontario website [1] and the Board follows rules in the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 [2] about personal information. Not all hearings produce a public decision; the Board edits or withholds identifying details when appropriate.
What is usually redacted or removed
- Privacy-sensitive personal details: names, personal contact information and exact home addresses are often redacted.
- Evidence summaries: portions of testimony or exhibits that contain unrelated personal data may be summarized or shortened.
- Financial amounts: rent owing or monetary orders are usually published, although bank account numbers or payment method details are removed.
- Dates and timelines: hearing dates and order effective dates are normally public so the outcome can be enforced.
What stays public
The Board commonly keeps the legal reasoning, findings of fact and the outcome in the public decision so others can follow precedents and understand the outcome.
How to ask the Board to redact or not publish identifying information
If you are worried about publication, you can ask the Board to redact or withhold personal details. There is no guaranteed automatic sealing; you must explain the reasons (for example safety risks, identity theft, or sensitive health information) and provide supporting documentation when possible.
- Prepare a written request: explain what information should be redacted and why, and attach supporting documents such as a police report or medical letter.
- Use the Board forms or a cover letter: some requests are made on paper or by email; check the official LTB forms page for any specific form recommendations [3].
- File before publication when possible: ask for redaction early — ideally before a decision is posted — and be ready to explain urgency at the hearing.
Common relevant forms include the Board's general "Application to the Board" (used to start many types of applications) and the Board's guidance on requests to redact or withhold personal information. For example, a tenant might file an application and include a written request asking the Board to remove their home address from any published decision, attaching a letter from a support worker.
Practical tips for tenants
- Keep clear records: keep copies of all notices, emails and receipts to support any privacy request.
- State privacy concerns clearly: explain specific risks like threats or stalking and attach proof where available.
- Reach out for help early: contact legal clinics or tenant advice services for assistance drafting a request.
If you need to find a new rental while privacy concerns are addressed, consider checking listings; Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme. You can also read more about common tenancy problems and rights in Ontario at Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them and Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Ontario.
FAQ
- Will my name always appear in an LTB decision?
- Not always; the Board commonly redacts names and contact information when there is a valid privacy reason, but it keeps outcomes and legal reasons public.
- How do I ask the Board to withhold my address from a decision?
- Include a clear written request with your application or at the hearing, explain the risk (for example safety concerns), and attach supporting documents where possible.
- How long does it take to get a redaction decision?
- Timing varies: the Board considers requests quickly if raised before publication, but processing can take days to weeks depending on complexity.
How-To
- Review the posted decision and highlight personal details you want redacted.
- Complete the recommended form or write a clear request to the Board explaining the privacy risk and attach evidence.
- File the request with the Board as soon as possible, ideally before the decision is published.
- Attend any follow-up hearing or respond to the Board's requests for clarification.
- Confirm the decision online and keep a copy of the redacted decision for your records.
Help and Support / Resources
- Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario)
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (e-Laws)
- LTB forms and filing guidance
