What Does the Residential Tenancies Act Say About LTB Powers in Ontario?

If you are searching for the law behind the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), the main statute is the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA). It sets out the rights of landlords and tenants and the process the Board follows.

This article explains in plain language what the Act says about the Board's role, which other laws may apply to your dispute, and how a case generally moves forward.

Which law applies to your dispute

The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) applies to rental units despite any agreement or waiver to the contrary. Any lease term that conflicts with the Act is void. It does not apply where the occupant must share a bathroom or kitchen with the owner, or with the owner's spouse, child or parent, who lives in the same building, though a self-contained basement apartment does not fall under this exemption.

What the Board deals with

The L1, L2, L3, L4, L9, L10, T1, T2, T5 and T6 applications can be completed and filed through the Tribunals Ontario Portal, while most other Landlord and Tenant Board applications can be filed by email with online payment, or sent by mail or courier. Examples in the published materials include arrears eviction applications, T2 applications about illegal lockouts, and T5 bad-faith applications.

At an arrears hearing the tenant may raise any issue that could be the subject of a tenant application. For landlord applications filed on or after September 21, 2026, the tenant must first pay the landlord half of the claimed arrears at least seven days before the hearing. That payment cannot be made to the LTB in trust.

Limits on a landlord's self-help

A notice to end the tenancy does not end it by itself. If the tenant stays, the landlord must apply to the LTB, and only the Sheriff can enforce an eviction order. A landlord cannot remove the tenant or change the locks.

An arrears application is discontinued if, before the eviction order issues, the tenant pays the arrears, any further rent due and the landlord's application fee.

How a case generally runs

• Hearings are virtual (by Zoom video or telephone), written, or in person, and in-person hearings are scheduled only on approved accommodation requests.
• Parties should join at least 15 minutes early.
• Evidence must generally be disclosed at least 7 business days before the hearing, or 5 days for responding evidence.
• The LTB serves only the application and the notice of hearing, and other ordered documents must be served under strict rules.
• Orders are issued within 30 days of the hearing.

While waiting for a hearing, Portal users can use the Online Dispute Resolution tool, and mediation with a neutral person is also available. Published scheduling times may differ from actual waits, so check the current LTB service timelines.

What to do next

• Identify what kind of dispute you have: rent, ending a tenancy, repairs or discrimination.
• Check which current form applies, since several forms were replaced and old versions will not be accepted as of November 30, 2026.
• Gather your lease, notices, receipts and messages.
• Keep to the evidence deadlines.
• Consider legal advice before filing or responding.

Frequently asked questions