Landlord advocacy group pushes for action as LTB delays drag on

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) backlog is common knowledge at this point, but the delays are far from over. One advocacy group is speaking out and trying to push real change through the system.

As of June 26, 2024, the Ontario ombudsman reported 36,000 cases still waiting over 90 days to be scheduled. LTB spokesperson Veronica Spada says hearing waiting times have improved – down from 8-10 months in 2023 to about three months now.

But many mom-and-pop landlords report they're still waiting a year or more, losing thousands in unpaid rent and dealing with property damage done by tenants.

That’s why Small Ownership Landlords Ontario (SOLO), a grassroots advocacy group, took their concerns directly to Bradford council.

Chair Kevin Costain and Vice-Chair Rose Marie shared real stories from landlords across Ontario, highlighting the human and financial toll of the LTB’s delays. They also proposed a series of solutions, including:

• Fast-tracking non-payment eviction cases

• Separate processes for small vs. large landlords

• Letting landlords fix minor application errors without restarting the process

The last suggestion has been approved by the province, but SOLO says it’s unclear when the change will be enforced.

SOLO and Ward 4 Councillor Joseph Giordano have urged landlords and property managers dealing with LTB delays to contact their MPPs and join the push for reform.

More LTB headlines

Landlords fed up with LTB take matters into their own hands – PayProp blog  

These Ottawa landlords say they've fallen victim to the same 'professional' tenants – CBC

Local legal clinic offering to mediate landlord-tenant disputes – BradfordToday