What Is the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)?

When a landlord and tenant can't agree — over repairs, rent, or an eviction — Ontario doesn't leave it to who shouts loudest. The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is the independent tribunal that decides these disputes under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). This guide explains what the LTB is, what it can do for you, and how the process actually works.

Key takeaways

• The LTB is an independent tribunal that resolves disputes between landlords and tenants in Ontario.
• It applies the rules of the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).
• Both tenants and landlords can file applications with the LTB.
• Only the LTB can order an eviction — landlords cannot evict you on their own.
• Most disputes are decided at a hearing, with a chance for both sides to be heard.

What the LTB is

The Landlord and Tenant Board is an independent provincial tribunal that resolves disputes between residential landlords and tenants in Ontario. It's part of Tribunals Ontario and acts a bit like a specialized court — but it's designed to be more accessible, with plain forms and hearings you can attend without a lawyer.

Every decision the LTB makes is grounded in the Residential Tenancies Act, the law that sets the rights and responsibilities of both sides. The LTB doesn't make new rules — it applies the ones already in the RTA to your specific situation.

Independent and neutral

The LTB doesn't represent landlords or tenants. Its members weigh the evidence from both sides and decide based on the law and the facts presented.

What the LTB can do

The board handles a wide range of rental issues. Common applications include:

Crucially, the LTB is the only body that can order an eviction. A landlord cannot lock you out or remove your belongings — they must apply to the LTB and win a hearing first. See eviction rules in Ontario for how that unfolds.

How a case works

The process is more approachable than a courtroom, but it still follows clear steps:

1. File an application — the tenant or landlord submits the correct LTB form and pays the fee.
2. Notice of hearing — the LTB schedules a hearing and notifies both sides.
3. Prepare evidence — photos, messages, receipts, the lease, and notices.
4. The hearing — both sides present their case; mediation is often offered first.
5. The order — the LTB issues a written, binding decision.

Bring your paperwork

Cases are won on evidence. Keep your standard lease, any rent-increase notices (Form N1), repair requests, and dated photos. Organized records make your case far stronger.

When should you apply?

It's worth trying to resolve things directly first — a written request to your landlord often does the trick, and it creates a record. But if a serious problem isn't fixed, the LTB exists precisely for that. Typical triggers for a tenant to apply include unaddressed repairs, an unlawful rent increase above the 2026 guideline of 2.1%, illegal entry, or harassment.

If you've received an eviction notice, don't ignore it — responding and attending your hearing is how you protect yourself, and in many cases you can stop the eviction.

Looking past renting

Knowing the LTB has your back is reassuring, but some renters decide that owning gives them more long-term control. If you're weighing it, start with renting vs buying a home in Canada and the rent vs buy calculator.

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