Do you have a hearing date?
Getting Notice
The LTB sends a Notice of Hearing to the tenant in the mail with the date and time of an online hearing. They can also send notice through email. Some tenants have said they did not receive these emails so it’s important to call and check for dates at the LTB. If you miss your hearing, they will evict you without you being present.
Get Legal Support
Call your local legal clinic and ask them to represent you at the hearing. Some legal clinics have refused to represent tenants who won’t sign dangerous repayment plans. This is not OK. If they refuse to represent you, ask for a letter confirming their denial of service and contact your local neighbourhood organization for advice.
Know What to Expect
At the hearing a tenant can tell their side of the story. The LTB has the power to deny the landlord’s eviction case or to give the tenant time to repay the rent owing. You will be given a minimum of 11 days after the hearing but tenants can ask for more time to repay the rent owing based on their circumstances. You can still pay your rent after an eviction hearing to end the eviction process.
Organize
The time period before an eviction hearing is an important time for tenants to apply pressure to their landlord. Organize a phone zap. Occupy the landlord’s office. Deliver a demand letter to your landlord’s house. Make it clear that you will not leave without a fight. You shouldn’t go through this alone.
Connect
Reach out to torontokeepyourrent@gmail.com to connect with your local neighbourhood organization.