LTB Backlog in Ontario: What Landlords Need to Know Right Now
Hearing wait times at the Landlord and Tenant Board shape every decision a landlord makes, from which notice to serve to whether a negotiated exit is worth it. Here is how to plan around the wait.
Key points
- Wait times vary by application type and change over time.
- Every month of waiting can mean a month of lost rent.
- Some applications, such as an L3 based on an N11, are usually decided without a hearing.
- A correct notice the first time is the best way to avoid adding months.
We don’t quote wait times, because they change and vary by case. What matters is planning for the wait instead of being surprised by it.
Why the wait matters
If a tenant isn’t paying, the time between filing and a hearing can mean months of lost rent. If you need the unit for your family or a sale, the hearing date may decide whether your plans work. The LTB has made changes aimed at moving cases faster, including mostly virtual hearings and the Bill 60 changes that took effect in 2026, but planning for a wait is still essential.
Not every application waits the same
- L3 applications based on an N11 or a tenant’s own notice are usually decided without a hearing.
- L4 applications for breach of a conditional order or settlement are usually decided without a hearing.
- Most L1 and L2 applications need a hearing.
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Book a free 20-minute call →How it changes your strategy
- Serve the right notice correctly the first time. A dismissal means starting over and waiting again.
- File as early as the rules allow. An N12 or N13 application can be filed right after service.
- Weigh a negotiated move-out. See when cash-for-keys makes sense.
- Consider mediation, which can settle a case without a full hearing.
Managing the tenancy in the meantime
Keep maintaining the unit and responding to repair requests in writing. Give proper 24-hour notice for any entry. Keep a clean ledger. Anything you do while waiting can become evidence at the hearing.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the LTB wait right now?
It varies by application type and changes over time. Ask a representative for a current estimate for your type of case.
Do all applications need a hearing?
No. L3 and L4 applications are usually decided without one.
Can I file my N12 application before the termination date?
Yes. An L2 based on an N12 or N13 can be filed right after the notice is served.
Is mediation worth it?
It can settle a case without a full hearing, if both sides are willing.
What should I do while I wait?
Keep up repairs, follow entry rules and keep accurate records.
About Robert Di Lisi
Robert is a paralegal licensed by the Law Society of Ontario and co-founder of Stonegate Legal Services, a landlord-only firm. He leads client intake and speaks at landlord seminars across the GTA. Like the rest of the team, he is a landlord himself.
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