If you ignore an L1 Hearing Notice from the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) in Ontario, you forfeit your right to defend yourself. The adjudicator will almost certainly issue an uncontested Eviction Order in your absence, and the Sheriff can legally lock you out of your home within a few weeks.
When you are struggling with unpaid rent, opening mail from the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) can be terrifying. Some tenants choose to ignore the envelopes entirely, hoping the problem will simply disappear or believing they can explain themselves to the landlord later. 📝
Ignoring a Notice of Hearing is the most dangerous mistake a renter can make in Ontario. An L1 Application is a formal legal proceeding to evict you and collect the rent arrears. The LTB does not pause the process just because you do not log in to the virtual hearing room.
This guide will explain the severe consequences of missing your hearing, how an uncontested Eviction Order works, and the emergency steps you must take to file a Motion to Set Aside if you missed the date due to a legitimate emergency. We will also outline when a local law firm is your only chance to save your tenancy.
Step-by-Step Process in Ontario
Whether your rental unit is in London, Hamilton, Toronto, or Sudbury, the LTB strictly follows procedural fairness. They give both sides a chance to speak. If you choose not to speak, they will make a decision based entirely on the landlord’s evidence. 📍
Understanding what happens behind the scenes when you default on a hearing can help you realize the urgency of the situation.
Step 1: The Hearing Proceeds Without You
If you fail to join the Zoom link or call into the teleconference at the scheduled time, the adjudicator will typically wait about 10 to 15 minutes. After that, they will proceed with the hearing “in absentia.” ❗
The landlord will testify that you owe rent and have not moved out. Because you are not there to object, provide receipts, or ask for a payment plan, the adjudicator will accept the landlord’s claims as undisputed facts.
Step 2: The Standard Eviction Order is Issued
Following the uncontested hearing, the adjudicator will quickly write a standard Eviction Order. This legal document terminates your tenancy and orders you to pay the full rent arrears, plus the landlord’s $186 filing fee.
The order will give you a final date to vacate the premises, often 11 days after the order is issued. If you do not leave by this date, the landlord gains the legal right to escalate the matter to the authorities.
Step 3: The Sheriff Enforces the Lockout
Once the deadline on the LTB order passes, the landlord will take the document to the local Court Enforcement Office. Only the Sheriff has the authority to physically remove you. 💪
The Sheriff will mail you a “Notice to Vacate” giving you a few final days to pack. On the specified day, the Sheriff will arrive, force you to leave the property, and allow the landlord to permanently change the locks. You will then only have 72 hours to retrieve your belongings.
Step 4: File a Motion to Set Aside (Emergency Step)
If you missed the hearing for a highly valid reason—such as being in a severe car accident, a medical emergency, or never receiving the notice due to a mail error—you can file an emergency “Request to Review” or a “Motion to Set Aside an Ex Parte Order.”
You must file this motion extremely quickly, typically within 10 to 30 days of the order being issued, depending on the specifics. Filing this motion can temporarily pause the Sheriff’s eviction until the LTB decides if you deserve a second chance at a hearing.
How Much Does it Cost in Ontario?
Ignoring an LTB hearing is financially disastrous. Not only will you lose your home, but the financial judgements against you will severely damage your credit score. 💰
Here is a breakdown of the costs resulting from a default eviction:
| Consequence / Action | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Who Pays? |
|---|---|---|
| Landlord’s LTB Filing Fee | $186 | Added to Tenant’s debt |
| Rent Arrears Judgement | Full amount owed | Tenant (Subject to wage garnishment) |
| Sheriff Enforcement Fee | Approx. $315+ | Added to Tenant’s debt |
| Lawyer to File Motion to Set Aside | $1,000 – $3,000+ | Tenant pays out of pocket |
Once the LTB issues an order for the money you owe, the landlord can register that order with the Small Claims Court. This allows them to legally garnish your paycheques or freeze your bank accounts until the debt is fully paid.
How Long Does the Process Take?
If you ignore the hearing, the eviction timeline accelerates dramatically compared to a contested case. The adjudicator will usually issue the written Eviction Order within 14 to 30 days of the missed hearing. ⏱
The order will specify a move-out date, typically 11 days after the document is signed.
If you fail to leave, scheduling the Sheriff generally takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on your municipality. Therefore, you could find yourself locked out on the street within 6 weeks of the hearing you chose to skip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I didn’t get the email with the Zoom link?
It is your responsibility to follow up with the LTB if you know an application was filed against you. If you genuinely never received the Notice of Hearing or the link, you must file a Request to Review immediately, arguing that you were denied your fundamental right to participate.
Can the landlord change the locks the day after the hearing?
No. Even if you miss the hearing, the landlord must wait for the official Eviction Order to be issued by the adjudicator, wait for the move-out deadline to pass, and then hire the Sheriff. Self-eviction by the landlord is always illegal in Ontario.
What if I paid the rent the morning of the missed hearing?
If you paid all the rent and the landlord’s $186 filing fee, but still missed the hearing, the landlord might have failed to inform the adjudicator of the payment. You must file a motion to void the order immediately, providing your bank receipts as proof that the arrears were cleared.
Can I ask the LTB to reschedule my hearing beforehand?
Yes. If you know in advance that you have a medical procedure or an unavoidable conflict, you can submit an urgent Request for Adjournment to the LTB. You must get the landlord’s consent if possible, and the LTB must approve the delay. Do not just assume it is rescheduled.
Should I hire a law firm if an eviction order was already issued?
Absolutely. If an Eviction Order has been issued because you missed the hearing, you are completely out of time for a DIY approach. A local paralegal or law firm is critical to file an emergency stay of eviction and properly draft a complex Motion to Set Aside.
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