Landlord Fines in Ontario: What Can Get You in Trouble with the LTB
Landlords aren’t only applicants at the LTB. Tenants can file against you, and the consequences can include rent abatements, compensation, administrative fines and even prosecution. Here is what creates liability and what it can cost.
Key points
- Tenant applications (T1, T2, T5) can lead to rebates, abatements and compensation.
- The LTB can order administrative fines up to the Small Claims Court limit, currently $50,000.
- Prosecutions for offences can lead to fines of up to $100,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations.
- Fines are usually reserved for blatant disregard of the law.
Most landlords never face a tenant application. Those who do usually didn’t know they were breaking a rule. Knowing the rules is the best protection.
Two different kinds of fines
| LTB administrative fine | Offence prosecution | |
|---|---|---|
| Who decides | An LTB adjudicator, on a tenant application | The Ontario Court of Justice, after an investigation |
| Maximum | Up to the Small Claims Court limit, currently $50,000 | $100,000 for individuals, $500,000 for corporations (since July 1, 2026) |
The LTB normally only orders a fine when a landlord has shown blatant disregard for the law and other remedies won’t deter it.
Illegal rent and charges
Raising rent without 90 days’ written notice, more than once in 12 months, or above the guideline for a unit that isn’t exempt, can lead to a T1 and an order to repay. The same applies to illegal charges and deposits. See rent increases in Ontario.
Facing a tenant application? We defend landlords at the LTB.
Book a free 20-minute call →Entry, lockouts and harassment
A T2 can be filed for illegal entry, changing the locks without giving the tenant a key, withholding vital services, substantial interference or harassment. Remedies include rent abatements, compensation and, in serious cases, administrative fines. Mishandling a tenant’s belongings within 72 hours after a Sheriff eviction can also lead to a fine. See the 24-hour entry rule.
Bad-faith notices
If an N12 or N13 was served in bad faith, a former tenant can file a T5. The Board can order rent differences for a year, moving costs, up to 12 months’ rent in general compensation and an administrative fine. Since September 21, 2026, bad faith is presumed in more situations for own-use N12s. See bad-faith N12s.
How to stay out of trouble
- Give 24 hours’ written notice for entry, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- Never change the locks or cut services to pressure a tenant.
- Follow the rent increase rules exactly.
- Only serve an N12 or N13 when the plan is genuine.
- Put repair responses in writing.
Frequently asked questions
How much can the LTB fine a landlord?
Up to the Small Claims Court limit, currently $50,000.
What are the fines for an illegal lockout?
If prosecuted, up to $100,000 for an individual and $500,000 for a corporation. The LTB can also order abatements, compensation and fines.
When does the LTB order fines?
Usually when a landlord has shown blatant disregard for the law.
Can a tenant get money back for an illegal rent increase?
Yes, through a T1 application.
Who receives an LTB administrative fine?
The Minister of Finance, not the tenant.
About Bita Di Lisi
Bita is the lead paralegal at Stonegate Legal Services and is licensed by the Law Society of Ontario. She represents Ontario landlords at the Landlord and Tenant Board and teaches landlords and investors about notices, LTB timelines and the mistakes that cost months.
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