Requesting the official audio recording of your Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) hearing in Ontario currently costs $16.15 CAD. You will need this recording to hire an Authorized Court Transcriptionist (ACT) if you plan to appeal the adjudicator’s decision to the Divisional Court.
When you participate in an eviction or maintenance hearing at the Landlord and Tenant Board in Ontario, the stakes are incredibly high. 🏘️ Whether you are a landlord in Thunder Bay or a tenant in London, it is important to know that the LTB officially records every single hearing. If the adjudicator makes a final decision that you believe is based on an “error of law,” your only recourse is to appeal the matter to a higher court.
Appealing an LTB order is not a simple internal review; it requires filing an appeal with the Divisional Court (a branch of the Superior Court of Justice). The Divisional Court judges will not just take your word for what happened. They require a certified written transcript of the hearing. To get that transcript, you must first purchase the official audio recording directly from the LTB.
Navigating the appeals process is extremely complex and legally demanding. ⚠️ It is highly recommended that you browse our directory to find an experienced Ontario landlord-tenant lawyer or paralegal. They can order the audio, manage the transcriptionist, and determine if you actually have valid legal grounds for a costly Divisional Court appeal.
Step-by-Step Process for Ordering LTB Audio in Ontario
Obtaining the audio and transforming it into a court-ready document requires following strict administrative steps. Here is how the process works.
Step 1: Gathering Your Hearing Details
Before making a request, you must have your exact case details ready. 📂 You will need your LTB File Number (e.g., TEL-12345-23), the exact date and time of the hearing, and the name of the adjudicator who presided over your virtual or in-person session.
Step 2: Submitting the Request Form
You must fill out the official LTB “Request for Audio Recording” form. This form can be emailed directly to the specific LTB regional office that handled your file, or submitted through the Tribunals Ontario Portal. Ensure you specify whether you are requesting the audio for personal reference or for an official Divisional Court appeal.
Step 3: Paying the Administrative Fee
The LTB charges a strict administrative fee to process the recording. 💳 As of 2026, the fee is exactly $16.15 CAD per recording (usually provided as a digital download link or on a USB/CD). You will need to provide credit card details or arrange a certified payment to Tribunals Ontario.
Step 4: Hiring an Authorized Court Transcriptionist (ACT)
The audio file itself is useless to the Divisional Court; they require paper transcripts. You cannot type the transcript yourself. You must hire an Authorized Court Transcriptionist certified by the Ministry of the Attorney General. You will forward the LTB audio file to them, and they will produce the certified, stamped transcript required by the judges.
Step 5: Filing the Appeal
Once you have your transcripts and your Notice of Appeal drafted by your legal counsel, you will file these documents with the Divisional Court. 📝 Filing this appeal generally “stays” (pauses) the LTB eviction order automatically until the higher court can review the case.
How Much Does it Cost in Ontario?
While the audio recording is cheap, the subsequent steps to appeal are very expensive. Be prepared for the following CAD costs:
- LTB Audio Recording: $16.15 CAD per request paid to Tribunals Ontario.
- ACT Transcription Fees: Authorized Court Transcriptionists charge regulated provincial rates under O. Reg. 145/22 (amending O. Reg. 94/14). For an electronic transcript, the fee is $6.30 to $11.75 CAD per page depending on the turnaround time ($6.30 for standard, $8.80 for 5 business days, and $11.75 for 24-hour rush service). For a paper format, rates are $7.10 to $12.55 CAD per page ($7.10 standard, $9.60 for 5 days, $12.55 for 24 hours). A minimum fee of $25 per order applies. A standard two-hour LTB hearing usually produces a 100-page transcript, costing between $630 and $1,175+ CAD.
- Divisional Court Filing Fees: Filing a Notice of Appeal costs $243 CAD under O. Reg. 293/92. Additionally, you must pay a mandatory provincial fee of $645 CAD to perfect the appeal, resulting in a total court fee of $888 CAD to advance the case.
- Appellate Lawyer Fees: Hiring a lawyer for a Divisional Court appeal typically costs between $5,000 and $15,000 CAD.
| Requirement | Who Performs It? | Accepted by Divisional Court? |
| Official LTB Audio | Tribunals Ontario Staff | No (Needs Transcription) |
| Typed by Landlord/Tenant | You (DIY) | Strictly Rejected |
| Certified Transcript | Authorized Court Transcriptionist | Yes (Mandatory) |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Time is of the essence, as appeal windows are incredibly short.
- Appeal Deadline: You typically have exactly 30 days from the date the LTB order is issued to file your appeal at the Divisional Court.
- Receiving the Audio: The LTB usually takes 10 to 30 days to process your request and send the audio file.
- Transcription Time: An ACT generally needs 2 to 4 weeks to produce the transcript, unless you pay premium rush fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I record the LTB hearing myself on my phone?
No. Under the rules of Tribunals Ontario, it is strictly prohibited to record, photograph, or broadcast an LTB hearing yourself. Doing so is an offence. Only the official recording provided by the LTB is legally valid.
Can I just play the audio file for the Divisional Court Judge?
No. Superior Court judges do not listen to audio files during an appeal. They strictly rely on the written, certified transcripts provided by an Authorized Court Transcriptionist.
Can I appeal simply because I think the adjudicator was unfair?
No. You cannot appeal an LTB decision to the Divisional Court simply because you disagree with the outcome or the facts. You can only appeal on a strict “Question of Law” (e.g., the adjudicator fundamentally misapplied the Residential Tenancies Act).
What if the LTB lost or failed to record the hearing?
If the LTB’s recording equipment fails and no audio exists, your lawyer can request a “hearing de novo” (a completely new hearing from scratch) because the lack of a record prevents your legal right to an appeal.
Leave a Reply