Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board Dispute Letter

Having issues with your landlord in Ontario? Before filing with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), you need documentation showing you notified your landlord in writing. This tool generates a professional dispute letter tailored to Ontario tenant rights and LTB requirements.

What This Letter Is

An LTB-ready dispute letter is a formal written notice to your landlord documenting an issue with your rental property. Under Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, having written evidence that you notified your landlord is important when filing applications with the LTB. This letter creates a paper trail, clearly states the issue, references your rights under Ontario law, and sets a deadline for response. This documentation strengthens your case if you need to escalate to the LTB.

How This Works

1
Describe your situation
Enter your rental address, landlord details, and the issue you're facing.
2
Generate your letter
A structured letter is created based on your inputs with Ontario-specific legal references.
3
Deliver and document
Send to your landlord and keep a dated copy for LTB if needed.
Generate Your Letter

Designed for Ontario tenants preparing for LTB applications.

When This Letter Works

  • Your landlord has not made necessary repairs after verbal requests
  • You have health or safety concerns (mold, pests, inadequate heating)
  • Your landlord entered without proper 24-hour written notice
  • You disagree with a rent increase above the annual guideline
  • Your landlord is withholding your last month's rent deposit improperly
  • You want to formally document issues before filing a T6 or other LTB application

When It May Not Be Enough

  • You have received an N4, N12, or other eviction notice (respond to LTB immediately)
  • Your landlord has illegally locked you out (call police and file urgent LTB application)
  • You are experiencing discrimination (contact Ontario Human Rights Tribunal)
  • There is an immediate safety emergency (contact local fire department or municipal bylaw)

What to Include

  • Your full name and rental property address
  • Your landlord's name and contact information
  • Date your tenancy began and lease details
  • Clear description of the issue (specific, factual, dated)
  • Previous attempts to resolve the issue verbally
  • Reference to relevant sections of Residential Tenancies Act if known
  • What action you expect the landlord to take
  • A reasonable deadline for response (typically 7-14 days)
  • Statement that you will file with LTB if unresolved

Legal Context (Ontario)

Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) governs the relationship between landlords and tenants in the province. It requires landlords to maintain rental properties in a good state of repair, comply with health, safety, and housing standards, and follow specific procedures for rent increases, entry, and evictions.

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is the Ontario tribunal that resolves disputes between landlords and tenants. Common tenant applications include T6 (maintenance orders), T1 (rent rebate for illegal charges), and T2 (tenant rights violations). The LTB can order repairs, rent abatements, and monetary compensation.

LTB decisions are legally binding. Landlords who fail to comply with LTB orders can face fines up to $50,000 for individuals or $250,000 for corporations. Filing fees apply to LTB applications, but fee waivers are available for tenants facing financial hardship. This information is general in nature and does not replace legal advice specific to your situation.

Ontario LTB Application Types

Depending on your issue, you may file one of these applications with the LTB:

  • T6 - Maintenance: Request repairs, maintenance orders, or rent abatement for unresolved issues
  • T2 - Rights: Address tenant rights violations (illegal entry, harassment, interference)
  • T1 - Rebate: Seek refund for illegal rent charges or deposits
  • T5 - Bad Faith: Challenge bad faith eviction (landlord didn't use unit as claimed)

Ontario Tenant Resources

  • Landlord and Tenant Board: tribunalsontario.ca/ltb
  • Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO): Free legal clinics for low-income tenants
  • Community Legal Clinics: Free legal help based on location and income
  • Federation of Metro Tenants' Associations: Tenant hotline and advocacy

Frequently Asked Questions

Submit an application through the Tribunals Ontario portal or by mail. For maintenance issues, use Form T6. Filing fees range from $53-$201 depending on application type. Fee waivers are available for financial hardship.

A T6 application is used when a tenant wants the LTB to order a landlord to make repairs, maintain the rental unit, or comply with health and safety standards. The T6 can also request a rent reduction or abatement for the period when maintenance issues existed.

No. In Ontario, tenants cannot legally withhold rent even if repairs are needed. Instead, continue paying rent, document the issue, send a written complaint to your landlord, and file a T6 application with the LTB if necessary. The LTB can order rent abatements retroactively.

Under Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, landlords must maintain rental units to meet health, safety, and housing standards. This includes structural repairs, working plumbing and electrical, heating (minimum 20°C from Sept 1 to June 15), and pest control. Landlords must also comply with municipal property standards bylaws.

Ontario LTB wait times vary depending on case volume and complexity. Simple maintenance disputes may be heard within 2-4 months. More complex cases or eviction disputes can take 6-12 months or longer. The LTB offers expedited hearings for urgent matters.
Create Your Ontario Landlord Dispute Letter

Free letter generator for Ontario tenants