- Your own evidence generally must be disclosed 7 days before the hearing and responding evidence 5 days before, unless the LTB orders otherwise.
- If you do not follow the deadlines, you may be barred from relying on that evidence, and filing evidence does not make it admissible.
- You can email evidence to LTB.Evidence@ontario.ca or upload it through the Tribunals Ontario Portal.
If you have a Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) hearing coming up, the evidence you bring can shape how your case is understood. Photos, receipts, texts, notices and a rent ledger only help if the Member actually gets to consider them.
This article explains the disclosure deadlines, what can happen if you miss them, how to send evidence to the LTB, and where to get help. Rules and practices can change, so check the current LTB Rules of Procedure before you file.
The Rule 19 disclosure deadlines
Rule 19 of the LTB Rules of Procedure sets the deadlines for sharing evidence. Evidence you plan to rely on must be disclosed 7 days before the hearing, and responding evidence must be disclosed 5 days before, unless the LTB orders otherwise.
| Type of evidence | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Your own evidence | 7 days before the hearing |
| Responding evidence | 5 days before the hearing |
Count the days carefully and aim to send material well ahead of the deadline. The LTB Rules of Procedure are the place to confirm how days are counted and whether anything has changed.
What happens if you miss the deadline
Under Rule 19.7, a party who does not comply may be barred from relying on that evidence. That means you could arrive at the hearing with strong documents and not be allowed to use them.
Sending evidence also does not guarantee it will be accepted. Filing evidence does not make it admissible, and the Member decides. Keep your evidence relevant, clear and organized so it is easy to follow.
How to send your evidence
There are two main ways to send hearing evidence. You can email it to LTB.Evidence@ontario.ca, putting the file number and hearing date in the subject line. You can also upload it through the Tribunals Ontario Portal.
The portal can also be used to submit applications, check file status, and see whether an order has been issued.
- Put the file number and hearing date in the email subject line.
- Label each document clearly so the Member and the other side can find it.
- Send your evidence by the 7-day or 5-day deadline that applies to you.
- Keep proof that you sent it, such as a sent email or portal confirmation.
Contacting the LTB and what to expect
You can call the LTB toll-free at 1-888-332-3234, in the Toronto area at 416-645-8080, or by TTY through Bell Relay at 1-800-855-0511, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Contact Centre staff give information but not legal advice.
For file-specific emails, use LTB@ontario.ca with the file number in the subject line. The LTB does not answer file-status or general questions by email.
- Phone waits average 10 to 15 minutes.
- Hearings for L1 and L9 applications are scheduled about 3 months out, and most other types 5 to 7 months out.
- Most decisions issue within 30 days of the hearing.
- Wait at least two months after filing before checking status.
- If there is no order 60 days after the hearing, email LTB@ontario.ca.
These are the LTB's stated wait times and may have changed, so treat them as a guide.
What to do next
Start by finding your hearing date and working backward to your disclosure deadline. Gather and label your documents, then send them by email or through the portal.
Free help is available. The Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario helps tenants, and the Landlord Self-Help Centre helps small landlords. Both are funded by Legal Aid Ontario. Before your hearing, check the current LTB Rules of Procedure, and consider speaking with a lawyer or legal clinic if your situation is complicated.
Frequently asked questions
When do I have to send my evidence to the LTB?
Your own evidence must be disclosed 7 days before the hearing, and responding evidence 5 days before, unless the LTB orders otherwise. Check the current Rules of Procedure to confirm.
What if I send my evidence late?
Under Rule 19.7, you may be barred from relying on evidence if you do not comply with the deadlines. Even evidence filed on time is not automatically admissible, because the Member decides.
Where do I email hearing evidence?
Email it to LTB.Evidence@ontario.ca with the file number and hearing date in the subject line. You can also upload it through the Tribunals Ontario Portal.
Is there free help for tenants and small landlords?
Yes. The Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario helps tenants and the Landlord Self-Help Centre helps small landlords, and both are funded by Legal Aid Ontario. LTB Contact Centre staff can give information but not legal advice.
Sources
- LTB Practice Direction on Evidence — tribunalsontario.ca
- LTB – Contact us — tribunalsontario.ca
Links go to official government, court and regulator pages. The law changes — confirm you are reading the current version.
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