Many tenants in Ontario rely on the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) for fair resolution of disputes, like overdue repairs, illegal rent increases, or eviction notices. However, waits for LTB hearings or decisions have grown, sometimes leaving tenants unsure of what to do next. This article explains your rights, the reasons for delays, and actionable steps you can take if you’re waiting for the LTB to address your application.

Understanding LTB Delays: Why the Wait?

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is Ontario's official residential tenancy tribunal. Due to high application volumes and resourcing challenges, many tenants now face months-long waits for hearings or decisions, especially for maintenance and repair complaints, rent arrears disputes, and eviction applications. Even urgent cases may face delays.

Common Causes of LTB Delays

• High number of applications and not enough adjudicators
• Backlog from previous years, worsened by the pandemic
• Rescheduling or adjournments by either party
• Issues with incomplete or incorrectly filed forms

While waiting can be frustrating, knowing your options and next steps can help you protect your rights and maintain your tenancy.

Your Rights During LTB Delays

Tenants continue to have basic rights and responsibilities during an LTB delay. For example, the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained article has more details on your day-to-day obligations.

• Your landlord cannot evict you without an official LTB order, regardless of any notice you receive.
• Rent must be paid as usual—even if waiting on an LTB hearing for repairs or disputes.
  
• Landlords must still meet their legal obligations while an application is pending, including repairs and maintenance.

It’s important to keep detailed records during this time—such as communication logs, notices, payment receipts, and any repair requests.

What Can Tenants Do About LTB Delays?

While you can’t speed up the LTB’s process directly, there are positive steps you can take while you wait:

• Communicate Clearly: Stay in regular, written contact with your landlord about the dispute. Written records protect you.
• Document Everything: Keep copies of correspondence, notices, photos, and receipts. This helps support your case, especially if delays extend your situation.
• Seek Mediation: The LTB offers mediation services. If both you and your landlord agree, mediation (even outside the LTB with community providers) can sometimes resolve issues faster.
• Contact Your MPP: In truly urgent or severe cases (like if your health or family is at risk), contacting your local Member of Provincial Parliament may help bring attention to excessive waits.

Requesting an Urgent Hearing

For matters affecting health or safety—such as lack of heat, unaddressed pests, or severe repairs—you may request an expedited (urgent) hearing:

• When submitting forms (like an T6 - Tenant Application About Maintenance), clearly explain why you need the matter heard quickly in your application.
• If your application is already submitted and the situation worsens, you can file a Request to Expedite an Application directly with the LTB. Email, mail, or use their online form system. View the official request form.

Relevant LTB Forms for Tenants

• T2 – Application About Tenant Rights: Use this if your landlord is interfering with your reasonable enjoyment, entering unlawfully, or harassing you.
  Download T2 Form (LTB).
• T6 – Tenant Application About Maintenance: Use to report maintenance, repair, pest, or health/safety issues not addressed by your landlord. Download T6 Form (LTB).
• Request to Expedite an Application: File if your application is urgent (e.g., health or safety risk). Find all LTB forms here.

Each form comes with detailed instructions—follow them and submit all supporting documents for best results. Still, even urgent requests can face delays, so also consider reaching out to local legal clinics for guidance.

Living With Unresolved Issues While Waiting

Delays can affect tenants dealing with issues like rent increases, eviction threats, or unresolved repairs. For common everyday challenges—like repairs, pests, or disputes—our Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them article offers practical solutions while you wait for an official ruling.

If you need to find temporary or alternative housing, Browse apartments for rent in Canada across major cities and neighbourhoods on Houseme.

Staying Informed and Proactive

While you cannot change LTB timelines, proactively documenting your situation, following up with the Board, and exploring community mediation or legal support can help protect your home and your rights. Always check your LTB Portal account or call for updates on your application status.

For a full overview of tenant laws and protections, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Frequently Asked Questions: LTB Delays for Ontario Tenants

1. Can my landlord evict me if the LTB hasn't made a decision yet?
   No. Your landlord must wait for an official order from the LTB before taking any eviction steps. You have the right to stay unless a formal eviction order is issued.
2. What if my rental unit needs urgent repairs but my LTB hearing is delayed?
   Continue to request repairs in writing, document all issues, and request the LTB to expedite your application using the Request to Expedite form. You may also seek assistance from local public health or municipal bylaw services.
3. How do I track the status of my LTB application?
   Use your LTB Portal account, or contact the LTB directly by phone or email for updates. Always note the date, time, and person you spoke with.
4. Are there any fees to request an urgent hearing at the LTB?
   There is no extra fee to request that your LTB application be expedited for urgent issues, but you must clearly demonstrate the urgency and provide proof.
5. Where can tenants get help during long LTB delays?
   Community legal clinics, tenant advocacy groups, and local housing help centres offer advice and support while you wait.

Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants Dealing with LTB Delays

• Keep written records and continue paying rent as usual.
• Use official forms to report problems and request urgency where justified.
• Consider mediation, community support, and temporary housing options as needed.
• Stay informed on your rights and application status with the LTB.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (official website)
• Ontario Community Legal Clinics: Find a clinic near you
• ACTO Tenant Hotline (Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario): Tenant resources and help
• For general info on provincial laws: Tenant Rights in Ontario

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1. Landlord and Tenant Board: https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Read the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act
3. LTB Forms and Instructions: LTB Application Forms

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