TRREB calls for reform at the Landlord and Tenant Board

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) is calling for immediate action to address the massive backlog at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

As at February 2024, the LTB had over 53,000 unresolved cases. This backlog represents thousands of delayed hearings, unpaid rent, and prolonged hardships for landlords and tenants alike.

In a recent report, TRREB explored the significant structural inefficiencies at the LTB and how they contribute to Ontario’s broader housing challenges. They also proposed actionable solutions to deliver faster, fairer outcomes for all parties.

Here are the top recommendations:

1. Bring back in-person hearings

2. Form a dedicated backlog task force

3. Improve staff hiring, training, and retention

4. Update technology

There’s already been some movement. The Ontario government has acted on two of TRREB’s recommendations: relaxing penalties for minor application errors and streamlining case reassignments between adjudicators.

As Canada’s largest real estate board, TRREB brings a strong voice to the conversation. Combined with the advocacy of the property managers, landlords, and tenants who experience these challenges firsthand, there is hope for a more efficient LTB.

More LTB headlines

Landlords call for automatic eviction of non-payers – PayProp blog

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

Ontario landlords contemplating rental unit conversions amid regulatory logjam – Canadian Mortgage Professional