As of 2026, landlords and tenants in London, Ontario can generally expect to wait between 4 to 8 months to secure a standard hearing date at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). Urgent matters, such as illegal acts or serious safety concerns, may be successfully expedited and heard within just a few weeks.
Waiting for a legal resolution can be an incredibly stressful experience, especially when it involves your primary home or a significant financial investment. Across Ontario, including here in London, the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) has experienced historical backlogs, leading to substantial delays. Whether you are a landlord trying to regain possession of your property or a tenant defending your rights, understanding the realistic timelines is crucial for your planning. This comprehensive guide details the scheduling process, the current wait times, and the steps you can take in our region.
Step-by-Step Process in London, Ontario
The LTB is the provincial tribunal that resolves all residential tenancy disputes in Ontario. Whether your property is located in London’s Wortley Village, Masonville, or the broader Middlesex region, the administrative steps remain identical.
Step 1: Submitting Your Application
Before you can even get in the queue for a hearing, you must formally file your application. Most Londoners use the Tribunals Ontario Portal to file standard forms like the L1 (for non-payment of rent) or L2 (for other landlord applications). Ensuring your initial application is 100% free of errors is critical; a simple mistake can cause your application to be dismissed months later. 📄
Step 2: Processing by the LTB
Once submitted, your application enters the LTB’s administrative queue. Staff must review the documents, confirm that the correct fee was paid, and officially issue a Notice of Hearing. Due to the high volume of cases across the province, just receiving this notice in the mail or via email can sometimes take several weeks.
Step 3: Filing a Request to Shorten Time (If Applicable)
If your situation involves an immediate danger to safety, illegal acts on the property, or severe, ongoing damage, you can file a formal “Request to Shorten Time”. You must provide compelling evidence to prove the urgency. If an adjudicator approves this request, your hearing in London could be scheduled in a matter of weeks rather than months.
Step 4: Attending the Virtual Hearing
Currently, the vast majority of LTB hearings for London residents are conducted virtually via the Zoom platform, or occasionally by telephone. This means you will not need to travel to a physical courthouse. On the day of your hearing, you will join a digital waiting room alongside several other local landlords and tenants.
How Much Does it Cost in London?
While waiting for your hearing, you should be aware of the financial costs associated with initiating the process. Filing an application requires a mandatory government fee. 💰
| Type of Application | Filing Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Most Landlord Applications (Online) | $186 (e.g., L1, L2, L3) |
| Most Landlord Applications (Paper) | $201 (If submitted physically) |
| Tenant Applications (Online or Paper) | $48 – $53 (e.g., T2, T6) |
| Request to Shorten Time | $0 (No additional fee required) |
Many landlords and tenants also choose to hire legal representation. A licensed paralegal in London typically charges between $800 and $1,500 CAD to handle the entire LTB process, which can provide invaluable peace of mind during the long wait.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Timelines at the LTB can fluctuate based on the specific type of application and the availability of adjudicators. As of early 2026, the approximate wait times for London residents are as follows:
- Non-Payment of Rent (L1): Generally takes 4 to 6 months to secure a hearing date.
- Other Terminations (L2 for N12/N13): Often takes 5 to 8 months, as these are typically more complex.
- Tenant Applications (T2/T6): Wait times can stretch to 8 to 12 months, though the LTB is continually working to reduce this backlog.
- Expedited / Urgent Matters: If your Request to Shorten Time is approved, a hearing is usually scheduled within 2 to 4 weeks.
It is important to remember that these timelines only reflect the wait for the hearing itself. If an order is issued and the tenant refuses to leave, scheduling the local Sheriff to enforce the eviction can add an additional 2 to 4 weeks to your total timeline. 📅
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I call the LTB to speed up my hearing date?
Unfortunately, calling the LTB call centre will not speed up your hearing. Customer service representatives do not have the authority to bump you up the queue. The only legal mechanism to expedite a hearing is by filing a formal Request to Shorten Time with supporting evidence.
Will my LTB hearing take place in person in London?
Under the current system, almost all LTB hearings are held “digital-first” via Zoom. In-person hearings are extremely rare and are generally only granted as an official accommodation under the Human Rights Code.
What should I do while waiting for my hearing?
While waiting, you should continuously document any new issues, save all communications, and organize your evidence in a clean, digital format. Do not harass the other party or attempt an illegal lockout, as this will severely harm your case at the hearing.
Can a paralegal get me an earlier date?
A paralegal or lawyer cannot magically skip the line, but their expertise ensures your paperwork is perfect, preventing frustrating delays or dismissals. They also know exactly how to effectively draft a Request to Shorten Time if your case legally qualifies for an urgent hearing.
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