Requesting an Adjournment at the LTB in Ontario

Dispute Resolution & LTB Ontario 3 min read · published June 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario

Facing a hearing at the Landlord and Tenant Board can be stressful for renters in Ontario. If you need more time to collect evidence, arrange legal advice, or handle an emergency, you can ask the LTB for an adjournment. This guide explains when landlords or tenants commonly request a postponement, how to make the request clearly and on time, what supporting documents help your case, and what to expect after the Board decides. It uses clear, step-by-step language for tenants and renters so you can act confidently and protect your rights under Ontario rules. Keep copies of all communications and follow deadlines closely to avoid losing the chance to be heard.

What an adjournment is and who can ask

An adjournment postpones a hearing to a later date so a party can prepare, get legal help, or respond to an emergency. Either a tenant or a landlord can ask the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) for an adjournment; the Board will decide based on fairness to both sides and any deadlines in your case[1].

Document the reason and any proof before you ask for more time.

How to request an adjournment at the LTB

  1. Act quickly: contact the other party right away and ask if they consent to a short postponement before you contact the Board.
  2. Complete the Boards process for changing a hearing: use the LTBs request page or the form the Board directs you to and explain the reason for the adjournment[3].
  3. Attach supporting evidence: medical notes, travel documents, receipts for unexpected repairs, or a lawyers note that shows you cannot prepare in time.
  4. Propose reasonable alternate dates or a time frame and be flexible; the Board often prefers a concrete plan for rescheduling.
  5. Tell the Board if the matter is urgent (for example, an imminent eviction) so they can consider interim directions while the adjournment request is decided.
A short, documented delay request is more likely to be granted than a last-minute, vague request.

If youre unsure what to include, list the original hearing date, the reason you need more time, who you spoke to about consent, and the documents you will file if given more time. You can find practical dispute guidance on Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them and for communicating concerns see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide.

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What the Board looks for when deciding

The LTB will consider whether the adjournment would unfairly delay the other side, whether you gave prompt notice, and whether you provided credible supporting documents. If you already agreed to deadlines or missed previous opportunities, the Board may refuse the adjournment.

Repeated or last-minute requests without proof are unlikely to succeed.

Examples of good supporting documents

  • Hospital or medical appointment confirmations showing you could not attend.
  • Emails or messages showing you asked the other party for consent to reschedule.
  • Evidence you are arranging legal advice or translation services that require more time.
  • Proof of travel or unexpected family emergency with dates and contact details.
Providing clear dates and documents helps the Board make a fair decision quickly.

If the adjournment is refused

If the Board refuses, the hearing normally proceeds as scheduled. Be prepared: submit any final documents you can, bring all evidence to the hearing, and consider asking if the Board will accept written evidence in advance so it can be reviewed if time is short.

If an adjournment is denied, bring everything you have and ask for directions at the hearing.

FAQ

Can I ask the LTB for an adjournment?
Yes. Tenants and landlords can ask the Board to postpone a hearing, but you must explain why and provide any supporting evidence.
How early should I ask for an adjournment?
Ask as soon as you know you need more time. The Board will treat early, documented requests more favourably than last-minute notices.
What if the other party agrees to reschedule?
If both parties agree, tell the Board and follow its instructions to file a joint request or to confirm consent in writing.

How-To

  1. Confirm the hearing date and read the Boards instructions for changing dates.
  2. Contact the other party to seek consent and keep a record of that contact.
  3. Complete the Boards request process and attach supporting documents.
  4. Propose alternative dates and wait for the Boards direction; follow any interim orders they give.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario)
  2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
  3. [3] Request to change or cancel a hearing (LTB)

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Marie Dubois
Marie Dubois

Bilingual Housing Rights Advisor, Tenant Rights Canada

Marie covers tenant rights across Quebec and the Atlantic provinces in both English and French. With a background in Quebec civil law and residential tenancy, she is a trusted voice on the Tribunal administratif du logement process and francophone tenant rights.

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