Top Reasons Tenants Take Landlords to the LTB

Tenants file cases at the Landlord and Tenant Board for many reasons. Some are legitimate, and others come from confusion or poor communication. 

Understanding the top tenant complaints Ontario helps landlords prevent legal trouble, avoid extra costs, and respond properly. Knowing how LTB disputes unfold also helps landlords stay prepared and organized.

For many landlords, working with an experienced LTB paralegal removes stress, avoids mistakes, and protects them during the hearing.

Common Tenant Complaints

Most tenant complaints Ontario fall under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). These are the categories the Board sees most often each year.

Repairs and Maintenance Issues

This is the number one reason tenants file LTB disputes.

Under RTA Section 20, landlords must keep units in good repair and meet all health and safety standards.

Tenants file T6 applications when:

• Heat is not working
• Leaks or mould are ignored
• Appliances break and stay broken
• Pest problems are not treated
• Plumbing or electrical issues continue
• Essential services are interrupted

In CET-67653-18, the LTB ruled that landlords must complete repairs even if the tenant accepted the unit “as is.” This ruling increased maintenance-based tenant complaints Ontario because tenants do not need to prove negligence—only that repairs were not done.

A skilled landlord tenant paralegal helps review timelines, collect repair invoices, and present evidence clearly.

Rent Disputes

Rent complaints are the second most common LTB issue.

These complaints usually involve:

• Illegal rent increases
• Improper notice (must follow RTA Section 116)
• Incorrect rent guideline amounts
• Reductions when services are removed
• Disagreements after renovations

For example, in TST-12345-17, the Board ordered a landlord to refund overcharges because the N1 notice was not served correctly.

This is why many landlords ask a landlord tenant paralegal to review notices before issuing them.

Privacy Violations

At times, landlords may face significant penalties for privacy complaints. 

According to section 27 of the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), landlords must give at least 24 hours notice in writing before entering the unit. Tenants will make complaints of privacy whenever landlords have: 

• Entered without notice.
• Entered too frequently.
• Entered without a lawful basis.
• Allowed contractors into the unit without notice.

In TST-34517-19, the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) provided compensation to the tenant for repeated unauthorized entries by the landlord. 

These types of cases are clear indications of how easily disputes are created at the LTB when a landlord misunderstands the rules when entering a rental unit.

The LTB Process for Complaints

The LTB has a clear process for all cases.

Understanding the steps helps landlords avoid surprises:

1. Tenant files an application

Often a T2 (rights) or T6 (maintenance).

2. Landlord receives Notice of Hearing

It lists allegations, dates, and deadlines.

3. Disclosure exchange

Both sides must share photos, receipts, messages, and reports.

4. LTB hearing

A Member reviews evidence and questions both sides.

5. Board decision

This may include repair orders, refunds, or penalties.

Many landlords lose cases because they come unprepared. A landlord tenant paralegal knows what evidence to collect, how to respond, and how to present information in a way the Board accepts.

Landlord Defence Against Claims

Landlords have the right to defend themselves.

A strong defence usually includes:

• Repair logs and receipts
• Dated photos
• Emails and text messages
• Notices with proof of service
• Attempts to access the unit
• Maintenance reports

In TNT-09124-20, the LTB dismissed a tenant’s complaint because the landlord proved that the tenant refused entry several times. The Board accepted the landlord’s evidence because it was clear and organized.

This is exactly where factual density matters. LTB decisions rely on documentation, not verbal claims.

Working with a landlord paralegal ensures landlords present evidence properly and use the proper forms and timelines.

Role of Paralegals in LTB Hearings

Here is where competitive differentiation matters.

Not all representatives are equal.

A skilled landlord tenant paralegal provides strategic support that general advisors cannot.

They help by:

• Reviewing the full application
• Identifying missing or weak tenant evidence
• Using specific RTA sections to defend the landlord
• Preparing cross-examination questions
• Filing counter-applications when needed
• Gathering case law to support arguments
• Explaining how different LTB Members view evidence

This experience matters because the LTB is detail-oriented. Members rely on documents, timelines, and clarity. A well-prepared landlord often gets better outcomes than one who arrives with no organization.

Conclusion

The most common tenant complaints Ontario involve repairs, rent disputes, and privacy issues. These problems often escalate when communication breaks down or when landlords misunderstand their duties. Once LTB disputes begin, proper preparation becomes essential.

 Working with an experienced landlord tenant paralegal gives landlords the structure, strategy, and defence they need to protect their rights.

Got an LTB hearing coming up? Hire our experienced paralegals today.

FAQs

1. Reasons Tenants May File LTB Complaints: 

Most reasons tenants file complaints will generally be for either a repair issue, a rent issue, or a breach of privacy issue.

2. How Long Do LTB Disputes Take? 

LTB disputes typically take at least a few months to complete due to the backlog and scheduling delays. Your timeline would vary based on the evidence presented, the hours of the dispute, and the stressful load of cases in the area.

3. Can Landlords Win LTB Cases? 

Yes, landlords can win cases by providing clear evidence and following proper procedures on the date of an LTB dispute.

4. Will Tenants Be Compensated at the LTB? 

Tenants may be entitled to compensation if the board determines that their landlord has breached a legal duty to provide proper housing. It could be compensation, or rent abatement, or repairs.

5. As a Landlord, Should I Hire a Paralegal for LTB Cases? 

Yes, a paralegal can assist in preparing the evidence and meeting deadlines for your case, from start to finish. With the paralegal’s experience in LTB, it will be beneficial to have an advocate assist with preparations for your hearing to achieve a fair outcome.