The Day Before
Preparation starts the night before. Here's what to do:
Review Your Evidence
Go through all documents one more time. Make sure you know:
- Key dates and timelines
- What each email or message says
- Your main arguments and which RTA sections support them
- The facts you need to prove
Practice Your Opening Statement
Write out (but don't memorize) what you'll say in your opening:
"Good morning. My name is [Name]. I'm here because my landlord refused to fix the heating in my unit for 30 days in December. Under RTA section 20, my landlord has a duty to maintain the unit in good repair. The heating failure violated this duty, and I'm asking for rent abatement for the period without heat."
Organize Your Documents
Number your evidence in the order you'll present it. Use sticky tabs to mark key pages. Bring multiple copies (one for you, one for the landlord, one for the adjudicator).
Check the Hearing Details
Review your Notice of Hearing:
- Date and time (arrive 15 minutes early)
- Location (address, room number, virtual link if online)
- What form it is (T1, T2, T6, etc.)
- File number
Get a Good Night's Sleep
You'll need to be sharp. Don't stay up late worrying. You've prepared. Trust yourself.
What to Bring
Pack everything you need. You can't go home to get something you forgot.
Essential Documents
- Notice of Hearing (original letter from LTB)
- Your lease or tenancy agreement
- All written communications (emails, texts, letters) with your landlord
- Photos/videos of any issues (repairs, damage, etc.)
- Receipts, bank statements (proof of rent payments)
- Any inspection reports (municipal or professional)
- Witness statements (written and signed)
- Timeline of events (written, for reference)
- File number (from your application confirmation)
Copies
Bring originals plus copies for:
- You (to reference during hearing)
- The landlord (LTB rules require you provide copies)
- The adjudicator (extra set in case)
Personal Items
- ID (driver's license)
- Phone (on silent during hearing)
- Water bottle
- Notepad and pen
- Small mirror (if you want to check appearance)
- Tissues (if emotional topics will come up)
Do NOT Bring
- Children (arrange childcare)
- Emotional support animals (unless registered)
- Friends who will testify (they must arrive separately to avoid coaching)
- Recording devices (unless LTB permits; they provide the record)
Arriving at the Hearing
The location and setup matter. Here's what to expect:
Arrive Early (15 minutes minimum)
This gives you time to:
- Find the room or virtual meeting link
- Settle yourself and calm nerves
- Organize your documents
- Locate the bathroom if needed
- Check your appearance
In-Person Hearing
The LTB courtroom will have:
- An adjudicator's desk (usually elevated)
- A table for you (the applicant or responding party)
- A table for your landlord
- A court clerk or recorder
- Possibly a court reporter (smaller hearings may not have one)
Take a seat at the table assigned to you. Don't sit at the landlord's table.
Virtual Hearing (Video Conference)
More hearings are now virtual. You'll get a Zoom or Teams link in your Notice of Hearing. Tips:
- Join 10 minutes early to test your camera and microphone
- Sit with documents visible to you but off-camera
- Look at the camera (not the screen) when speaking
- Use a neutral background (or blur it)
- Dress professionally (you're still being judged)
- Mute yourself until it's your turn to speak
Initial Proceedings
The adjudicator will:
- Introduce themselves and the case
- Ask you and the landlord to introduce yourselves
- Explain the process
- Ask if either party has legal representation
- Confirm everyone has received the application and evidence
Presenting Your Case
Now it's your turn to present. Here's the typical structure:
Opening Statement (2-3 minutes)
Summarize your case clearly. State what happened, why it violated your rights, and what you're asking for.
"My landlord failed to maintain the heating system from December 1 to December 30, leaving my unit at 55 degrees. Under RTA s.20, my landlord must keep the unit in good repair. This breach caused me to lose the benefit of my bargain. I paid full rent for an unusable unit. I'm asking for 30% abatement of my December rent, which is $450."
Testimony (5-15 minutes)
The adjudicator will ask you questions about what happened. Answer honestly and directly. If you don't know, say so. Don't guess.
Example questions: "When did the heat stop?" "What did you do to report it?" "How cold was the unit?" "What impact did this have on you?"
Present Evidence (5-10 minutes)
Walk through your documents in order:
- "I have emails showing I reported the heat on December 1st" [show email]
- "I have photos of the thermostat reading 55 degrees" [show photos]
- "I have a witness statement from my roommate" [read or show statement]
Be organized. Reference your documents by number or date so the adjudicator can follow along.
Answer Landlord's Questions (Cross-Examination)
Your landlord (or their representative) will ask you questions. Stay calm, listen carefully, and answer directly. If a question is confusing, ask for clarification. If you don't know, say so.
Example landlord question: "Isn't it true you never told me about the heating issue directly?" Your answer: "I sent an email on December 1st requesting repair, and I followed up on December 10th."
Speaking Tips
- Speak clearly and at a normal pace
- Make eye contact with the adjudicator
- Be respectful, even if you're angry
- Stick to facts. Don't exaggerate or guess
- Avoid emotion-laden language ("my landlord is a terrible person")
- Use "I" statements ("I experienced this" not "this was done to me")
- If the adjudicator asks a question, answer it directly
When the Landlord Speaks
After you present, your landlord gets their turn. Listen carefully.
What to Do
- Listen without interrupting
- Take notes on key points they make (you may want to rebut)
- Note any false statements or contradictions
- Don't show emotion or frustration on your face
- Let them finish before you respond
Your Right to Respond
After the landlord testifies, you'll have a chance to ask them questions (cross-examine). Keep it focused:
Example: "You said you weren't aware of the heating issue, but I sent you an email on December 1st. Did you receive that email?" or "You're saying you called a contractor on December 5th. What was their response?"
If Landlord Lies
If your landlord makes false statements, calmly correct the record:
"The landlord said they never received notice of the repair. However, I have email documentation showing I sent a repair request on December 1st at 2:15 p.m. [Refer to evidence]."
Stay Professional
Even if the landlord's testimony upsets you, remain calm. The adjudicator will assess credibility. If your evidence is solid and you're professional, you'll be more believable.
The Decision
After both sides present, the hearing is over. Here's what happens next:
Oral Decision
The adjudicator may give an immediate verbal decision from the bench. They'll announce:
- Whether they found in your favor or the landlord's
- Key reasons (briefly)
- What remedy you're entitled to (if you win)
This is initial; a written decision with full reasons will follow.
Written Decision (1-4 weeks)
The LTB will mail you a formal written decision. This includes:
- Facts found
- Applicable law (RTA sections, case law)
- The adjudicator's analysis
- The order (what the landlord must do, if any)
- Signature and seal
If You Win
The order will specify what happens next:
- For rent abatement: Landlord pays you within 30 days
- For repairs: Landlord must complete by a certain date
- For compensation: Landlord pays you for harassment or other damages
If You Lose
The adjudicator found in the landlord's favor. But you have options:
- Review the decision carefully to understand why
- Consult a paralegal about appealing (limited grounds for appeal)
- Consider next steps (e.g., if the issue continues, you can file again)
After the Hearing
- Save the written decision once you receive it
- If you won money, follow up to ensure payment (landlord must pay within the specified deadline)
- If repairs were ordered, monitor compliance and follow up if landlord doesn't comply
- Keep all documentation for tax or legal purposes
Key Takeaways
- Prepare thoroughly the day before; you'll feel more confident
- Bring all evidence, organized and copied
- Dress professionally and arrive early
- Speak clearly, answer honestly, and stick to facts
- Listen to your landlord without interrupting
- The adjudicator will assess credibility; yours rests on preparation and professionalism
- The decision will be written and mailed within weeks
- If you win, follow up to ensure compliance