3. Make an agreement with your landlord
Question & Answer
What are my options before my eviction hearing?You can try to make an agreement with your landlord to stop the eviction if:
- you can't pay the money you owe,
- you don't agree with the amount, or
- the is not about owing rent.
This is sometimes called a “settlement” agreement.
Before you sign a settlement agreement, try to get legal advice, and make sure the agreement:
- says exactly what you agreed to, and
- doesn't include anything you think is not fair or that you will not be able to do.
If you sign an agreement, make sure you get a copy of it.
You don't have to make an agreement with your landlord. But sometimes making an agreement with your landlord is the best thing. For example, if you owe rent but can't pay it before the hearing, an agreement might include a payment plan that gives you more time.
Be sure to go take a copy of the agreement to the hearing and tell the about it.
If the landlord's application is about rent that you owe, you can the agreement with the LTB before the hearing starts. The LTB will then do one of 2 things. They might send you and your landlord an that reflects what you agreed to. If this happens, you won't need to go to a hearing. Or the LTB might schedule a hearing. At the hearing, you can then ask the LTB member to make an order that reflects what you and your landlord agreed to.
Be careful about what you agree to. If you make an agreement and don't follow it, your landlord might be able to apply for an eviction order without giving you any notice and without having a hearing.
