If you are a landlord in Ontario, you have likely heard the horror stories: owners waiting 12 months for a hearing while their non-paying tenant lives rent-free.
While the "dark days" of 2022-2023 are largely behind us, the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is still playing catch-up. As we head further into 2026, the timelines have shifted. Some streams are moving faster, while others remain stuck in a bottleneck.
At GTALandlord.ca, we track these timelines daily. Here is the realistic breakdown of how long you will currently wait for justice—and how to speed up the process.
The Current Wait Times (Estimates for 2026)
Note: These are averages based on recent trends. Your specific case may move faster or slower depending on the adjudicator availability and case complexity.
1. The "Fast" Lane: Non-Payment of Rent (L1)
Status: Improved Significantly
Estimated Wait: 3 to 5 Months The LTB has prioritized L1 applications to address the financial bleeding of small landlords. While "3 months" doesn't feel fast when you are paying a mortgage without rent, it is a massive improvement over the 8-10 month waits of previous years.
2. The "Slow" Lane: Personal Use & Conduct (L2)
Status: Lagging
Estimated Wait: 5 to 8 Months Applications for N12s (Landlord’s Own Use) or N5s (Interference/Damage) are taking longer. These hearings often require more time for evidence and cross-examination, meaning fewer can be scheduled per day.
3. The "Traffic Jam": Tenant Applications (T2/T6)
Status: heavily Backlogged
Estimated Wait: 9 to 12+ Months If a tenant files against you for maintenance issues or harassment, expect a long wait. Because these don't typically involve immediate loss of housing, they are often deprioritized compared to evictions.
Why Is It Still Taking So Long?
Despite hiring more adjudicators, the LTB is fighting a backlog of over 30,000 cases.
The "Digital Shift": The move to the Tribunals Ontario Portal (TOP) has streamlined filing, but the learning curve has caused administrative hiccups.
Adjournments: This is the killer. If you finally get a hearing date and the tenant claims they didn't get the Zoom link or need legal counsel, the adjudicator may "adjourn" (postpone) the hearing. In 2026, an adjournment can push your case back another 3-4 months.
3 Ways to Speed Up Your Case
You cannot force the LTB to work faster, but you can prevent your case from being thrown to the back of the line.
1. Use the Portal (TOP) Correctly
Paper applications are dead. If you aren't using the Tribunals Ontario Portal to file your L1 or L2, you are voluntarily slowing yourself down. The system allows you to see the status of your file in real-time and negotiate with tenants directly through the platform.
2. Consider Mediation
On your hearing day, you will be offered a chance to speak with a Dispute Resolution Officer (DRO).
The Perk: If you and the tenant can agree on a move-out date or payment plan, you can get a Consent Order right then and there. No waiting for a judge, no risk of adjournment.
The Strategy: Sometimes offering "Cash for Keys" via mediation is cheaper than waiting another 4 months for an eviction order.
3. The "One-Shot" Rule: Don't Mess Up the Notice
The #1 cause of delay isn't the LTB—it's typos. If you wait 5 months for a hearing, only for the adjudicator to notice you misspelled the tenant's last name or forgot to sign the N12, your case will be dismissed. You do not get to "fix" it. You must start over at Day 0.
Don't Wait in the Wrong Line
Navigating the LTB requires patience and precision. One small error on an N4 form can cost you thousands of dollars in lost rent.
Worried about your paperwork? At GTALandlord.ca, we ensure your notices are flawless before they are served, giving you the best chance at a smooth, speedy hearing.
Contact Us Today to discuss your tenant issues.
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