Plain-language answer
A Landlord and Tenant Board hearing is where an adjudicator (called a Member) listens to both sides, reviews evidence, and later issues a written order. Many LTB hearings are currently held by video or phone, with in-person hearings in some circumstances — your Notice of Hearing tells you the format, date, and how to join.
The general flow: you check in when the hearing block opens; cases are called one by one, so expect waiting. Before your case is heard, you may be offered a chance to talk with the other side — sometimes with an LTB mediator — to see if you can settle. If the case proceeds, the applicant usually presents first, then the respondent; both sides can present documents, call witnesses, and question the other side. The Member may ask questions at any time.
Decisions usually arrive later as a written order rather than being announced on the spot. Free tenant duty counsel is available at many hearing blocks — asking to speak with duty counsel before your case is called is one of the most useful things an unrepresented tenant can do.
Why it matters
Hearings move quickly, and tenants who understand the structure can spend their limited time on the points that matter instead of being surprised by the format.
Missing a hearing is one of the most damaging things that can happen — orders can be made in your absence. Knowing what to expect makes attendance less intimidating.
Facts that affect the answer
Based on the information available, these are the kinds of facts that commonly change how a situation like this is assessed:
- The type of application being heard, which shapes what the Member needs to decide.
- Whether your evidence was submitted by the LTB's deadlines and in the required way.
- Whether you attend — hearings can proceed without a party who does not show up.
- Whether witnesses are available and able to join in the hearing's format.
- Whether you have spoken with duty counsel or a legal clinic beforehand.
Evidence to preserve
Preserve these now, in their original form
- The Notice of Hearing and every document the LTB or the other side has sent you.
- Your evidence, organized and submitted according to the LTB's current filing instructions.
- A short chronology of events you can speak from, with dates.
- Copies of everything for yourself, the other side, and the Board as the rules require.
- Notes from the hearing itself — who said what — made during or immediately after.
Common mistakes
- Not attending, or joining late and missing the case being called.
- Bringing evidence to the hearing that was never filed by the deadline — it may not be considered.
- Telling the story out of order without dates, which makes it hard for the Member to follow.
- Interrupting the Member or the other side instead of noting points to respond to.
- Agreeing to a settlement or payment plan without understanding the consequences of breaking it — ask duty counsel first.
Possible official process
The process generally runs: application filed, Notice of Hearing issued, evidence submitted in advance under LTB rules, the hearing itself, then a written order. Orders can include next steps and deadlines of their own.
If you cannot attend on the scheduled date, the LTB has procedures for requesting a rescheduling or adjournment — requests are not automatically granted, so act as early as possible.
If an order is made against you in your absence, options such as a set-aside or review request may exist in limited circumstances, with short deadlines — get legal help immediately.
Professional review recommended
Tools that help with this
Jurisdiction: Ontario · Last reviewed 2026-07-15 · currently under review. Rules, forms, and deadlines can change — always confirm against the official sources above.
This is legal information, not legal advice. RTO Pro is not a law firm. Deadlines and exceptions may apply to your situation — a qualified legal professional should confirm anything important before you rely on it.