Issues a Tenant Intends to Raise at a Rent Arrears Hearing in Ontario

This form is related to tenant issues, and it is designed for tenants to provide detailed information about issues they intend to raise at a rent arrears hearing. It outlines the procedure for filing complaints related to maintenance issues or Tenant’s Rights when facing a rent arrears application by a landlord. The form requires tenants to describe each issue thoroughly, specify when the issue started, when the landlord was notified, and whether the issue has been resolved. It also asks for the tenant’s desired resolution from the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), emphasizing the importance of submitting this information along with any supporting documents, photos, or evidence at least 7 days before the hearing. It advises obtaining legal advice for form completion and provides an example for filling out the issue description and related details.

When filling out the form, follow these steps to ensure that you provide all the required information accurately and thoroughly:

1. Understand the Purpose of the Form

This form is used if your landlord has filed a rent arrears application against you. It allows you to raise any issues that could have been the subject of a Tenant’s Application before the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), such as maintenance issues or violations of Tenant’s Rights.

2. Provide Your Information

• Your Name: Enter your full name as it appears in the lease agreement or any official communication with the landlord or the LTB.
• File Number: If you have been assigned a file number by the LTB for your hearing, enter it here.

3. Describe the Issue(s)

• Clearly describe each issue you intend to raise at the hearing. For example, if there’s a maintenance problem like a leaking roof, specify it clearly.
• Use additional pages if necessary but ensure you maintain a clear structure similar to the provided fields.

4. When Did the Issue Start?

• For each issue, specify the exact date when you first noticed the problem. Use the format dd/mm/yyyy.

5. When Did You Notify the Landlord?

• Record the date you first informed your landlord of the issue, using the same date format. This is crucial as it shows you have attempted to resolve the issue through the proper channels.

6. Is the Issue Resolved?

• Indicate with a “Yes” or “No” whether the issue has been resolved. If “No,” you will proceed to detail what resolution you seek.

7. What Would You Like the Board to Order?

• Specify what action you want the LTB to order as a remedy for your issue. Be specific about any repairs, compensations, or other resolutions you are seeking.

8. Attach Evidence

• Attach all relevant documents, pictures, and other evidence supporting your claims. Ensure you submit these documents no later than 7 days before the hearing, as per the instructions.
• If you have photos or documents, note that they should ideally be in Portable Network Graphic (PNG) format, though the specific format requirements might vary.

9. Submit the Form

• The completed form must be given to both the landlord (or their representative) and the LTB as soon as possible but no later than 7 days before the hearing.
• Ensure you also provide a copy of all evidence you intend to rely on at the hearing following the same timeline.

10. Legal Advice

• Consider obtaining legal advice to help complete this form effectively, especially if you are unsure about how to describe your issues or the specific orders to request from the Board.

By following these steps, you will have properly filled out the form and prepared yourself to raise your issues effectively at the rent arrears hearing.