I’m taking my landlord to the LTB. How do I present my case?
If you filed a (LTB) and you haven't resolved your problem by talking to your landlord or by going to mediation, an will hold a hearing to decide what should happen.
An LTB hearing is like a court case, but less formal.
At the hearing, you must prove that your landlord didn't follow the law or the rental agreement. You do this by giving to the LTB. Some examples of evidence include photos, emails, and witnesses.
Your landlord will also tell their side of the story with witnesses or other evidence.
Your landlord has the right to question your witnesses and evidence. And you have the right to question your landlord's witnesses or evidence.
After listening to all the witnesses and looking at the evidence from you and from your landlord, the LTB member will make a decision. Their written decision is called an .
Types of hearings
There are 2 types of hearings when tenants apply to the LTB.
Remote hearings are held by telephone or videoconference. Most LTB hearings are remote hearings on Zoom.
In-person hearings are held at a location given in the Notice of Hearing.
You must send an Accommodation Request form to the LTB if you want them to consider giving you an in-person hearing or making other changes to how they hold your hearing.
For example, if you don't have a phone, computer, or internet to use for the hearing, you can ask to use one of the LTB's access terminals. These terminals have private rooms with a computer and phone that you can use for your hearing.
You can also ask the LTB to lend you a phone or give you a voucher for phone minutes.
Hearings are almost always public. This means that other landlords and tenants or members of the public can watch or listen to your hearing.
Evidence
You and the landlord must send evidence to the LTB and to each other before the hearing date. The LTB will give you a deadline to send your evidence. The deadline is usually 7 days before the hearing.
You must also bring any documents, witnesses, or other evidence that you have to your hearing.
Get legal advice
It can be hard to present a case at the LTB. If you need legal advice or help at your hearing, there are places to get legal help.
You can also talk to Tenant Duty Counsel (TDC). TDC are lawyers and community legal workers who give brief legal advice at LTB hearings. TDC might be able to help you if you don't have a lawyer or legal worker.
