Ontario weighs upfront payment requirement in LTB disputes

Ontario’s Bill 60 may soon change how tenants bring concerns forward at the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Tenants with complaints of overdue rent may be required to pay half of the amount claimed by their landlord before they can raise other concerns – like maintenance or safety issues – during a hearing. The legislation states that payment could either go directly to the landlord or be held by the LTB.

It’s unclear what happens if the tenant is later found not to owe anything. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has not said whether tenants would have a way to recover those funds.

The change is part of Bill 60, which received royal assent in November, though the province has not announced when this particular payment rule will take effect.

Critics argue the new rule creates a financial barrier and makes it harder for tenants to have their voices heard.

Those in favor say the rule encourages accountability and helps restore landlord confidence in the tribunal system.