I’m taking my landlord to the LTB. How do I prepare for my hearing?
Important COVID-19 update about the Landlord and Tenant Board
Because of COVID-19, the Landlord and Tenant Board has changed some of its processes. You can learn more in the question: How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way the LTB handles cases?
It's important to prepare before your hearing. The (LTB) will expect you to be ready to prove your case and to bring everything you need with you to the hearing.
You might need to arrange for witnesses to come to the hearing. And you might need to make copies of papers or photographs you want to use at the hearing.
The LTB will send you information about how to prepare for your hearing and what will happen at your hearing. If you do not receive this, call the LTB at 1-888-332-3234 or look on the LTB website.
It's important to try to get legal help as soon as possible. If you leave this until the last minute, you might not be able to get the help you need. And, the LTB will expect you to be ready for your hearing on the scheduled date and may not give you extra time to look for help.
If the hearing is on a day when you can’t go
If you can't go on the date the hearing is scheduled for, you should ask the LTB to reschedule it. You will first have to get your landlord to agree.
If the LTB does not reschedule, it is very important that you go to the hearing, or send someone who can represent you. If you send someone, give them written permission to represent you and make sure they take it with them. You or the person you send can then ask the LTB to postpone the hearing. This is called an “adjournment”.
If you do not go or send someone, the LTB will probably decide to dismiss your . The LTB could also you to pay costs to your landlord.
If you need an interpreter
The LTB only provides interpreters in French and American Sign Language. This service is paid for by the LTB. If you need an interpreter, tell the LTB in writing as soon as possible.
If you need an interpreter for a different language, you must try to get one for yourself. The LTB does not pay for this. You could try going to a community agency that offers services to people who speak your language. Or ask a friend or family member who speaks English and your language if they can come with you to the hearing.
If you speak French, you might have the right to get other services from the LTB in French.
