Landlord–Tenant Disputes in Ontario Small Claims Court
File or defend financial claims up to $50,000 when the LTB no longer applies
When the LTB limitation period has passed or the matter no longer falls within LTB jurisdiction, landlords and tenants may still have a legal pathway through Ontario Small Claims Court for financial claims up to $50,000. These disputes often involve unpaid rent, property damage, security deposit disagreements, or breached payment agreements, where responsibility and loss can be proven with clear documentation.
Clients choose Cordaie because we provide
LSO-licensed paralegal advocates who organize the evidence, draft the claim or defence, track deadlines, and advocate at settlement conferences, motions, or trial when appropriate. With
flat-fee pricing quoted in advance (before HST) and disbursements charged at cost, you get structured, Ontario-wide support that helps restore momentum in disputes where communication has broken down or clarity is missing.
✔ Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario
✔ Flat-Fee Pricing — No Hidden Costs
✔ Serving Clients Across Ontario
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“We used Damian for a Small Claims Court issue, and he resolved it before it even went to trial. We have complete confidence in Cordaie Paralegal.”
— Shane R., Former Client
What is a Landlord-Tenant Dispute in Ontario Small Claims Court?
When disagreements over rent, deposits, or property damage turn into unfair out-of-pocket costs, landlords and tenants need clarity on the right court — not more runaround. In Ontario, a landlord-tenant dispute can be filed in Small Claims Court when the issue is strictly about financial loss and falls within the $50,000 limit, excluding interest and legal costs. This pathway is used when the LTB can no longer hear the matter due to the statutory limitation period, or when the remedy you’re seeking is monetary only.
Clients choose licensed paralegal support at this stage because these claims must clearly prove the agreement, responsibility for the damage or debt, and the documented financial impact.
Small Claims Court cannot rule on eviction or tenancy status, but it can help you pursue compensation for losses such as unpaid rent, unreturned deposits, or provable property repair or replacement costs.
With the right evidence and proper filing in the correct Ontario jurisdiction, your case starts stronger—and moves forward with more leverage, not delays.
LTB or Small Claims Court? Know Where to File and Avoid Costly Missteps
In Ontario, disputes must go to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) when the core issue involves eviction, termination of tenancy, rent control, maintenance orders, or interpretation of the Residential Tenancies Act within the LTB’s limitation period. The LTB can make rulings about tenant or landlord obligations under the Act, but it cannot award more than $50,000 in compensation and cannot hear matters that fall outside its statutory deadlines.
A case can be filed in Ontario Small Claims Court when the dispute is strictly about financial loss — such as unpaid rent, property damage, or unreturned deposits — and the LTB no longer has jurisdiction due to the limitation timeline, or the type of remedy sought is monetary only.
Small Claims Court can hear claims up to $50,000, excluding interest and legal costs, and focuses on proving responsibility, the agreement or breach, and the financial impact.
What You Can Claim in Ontario Small Claims Court (Remedies Available)
Ontario Small Claims Court can award financial compensation when another party’s actions or a breached agreement cause measurable loss. While the court cannot decide eviction, tenancy status, or non-monetary family law or criminal outcomes, it can help you pursue or defend claims involving direct, provable monetary damages up to $50,000 (excluding interest and legal costs).
Filing the right remedy in the right Ontario jurisdiction gives your case a stronger, more efficient start.
Clients often bring claims for repair or replacement costs, unpaid amounts under a contract, unreturned deposits or retainers, loss of property value, and reasonable steps taken to prevent further damage or loss (mitigation costs).
What matters most is that the remedy reflects documented financial impact, supported by evidence and issued through a proper, organized filing.
We help Ontario clients understand their options early, so they move forward with strategy, not guesswork.
Evidence That Strengthens Your Ontario Small Claims Filing
To support your landlord-tenant claim in Ontario Small Claims Court, strong, well-organized evidence is essential.
Helpful documentation may include:
- Signed lease or tenancy agreement, showing terms and obligations
- Rent statements or ledgers, and proof of payment or non-payment
- Photos or video of the property’s condition before and after the damage or loss
- Repair invoices, estimates, quotes, or bills related to fixing or replacing property
- Notices provided to the other side, such as inspection, repair, or payment requests
- Written communications (emails, letters, or messages) showing the agreement or dispute history
- LTB orders or decisions, if you are enforcing a judgment
- Witness statements from contractors, neighbours, or others with direct knowledge
- Move-in/move-out inspection reports or dated condition records
The strength of your case depends on proving responsibility, the agreement, the breach, and the financial impact — not assumptions or frustration.
We help you assess your evidence early, organize it strategically, and ensure your claim or defence is filed in the correct Ontario Small Claims Court jurisdiction from the start.
HOW IT WORKS
Ontario Small Claims Court Process — Step by Step
Navigating Small Claims Court in Ontario doesn’t have to be confusing. Here is the clear path from filing to collecting — in plain English, with no legal jargon. Whether you’re suing for unpaid work or defending a claim, this guide shows what happens next and where a licensed paralegal fits in.
Ready to start your case the right way?
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Step 1: Prepare and File the Claim
We start by gathering your facts, calculating the amount owed (up to $50,000), and drafting your Plaintiff’s Claim. We file it electronically or in-person and pay the court fee. We double-check everything — names, numbers, facts — so your claim isn’t rejected for errors.
Step 2: Serve the Defendant
The court requires proper legal service of documents to the defendant(s). We arrange personal service, courier, or another court-approved method — and file the required Affidavit of Service.
⚠️Important: If service isn’t done right, the court can throw your case out. We make sure it’s bulletproof.
Wait for a Defence or File for Default
The defendant has 20 days to respond. If they do, we review and prepare for the next steps. If they don’t, we help you apply for a default judgment — quickly and properly.
Defendants often try to delay or avoid service. We stay on top of it so you don’t lose momentum.
Attend the Settlement Conference
A mandatory conference is held with a judge or deputy judge to explore settlement options. You must bring your documents and be prepared to discuss your case. We attend with you — or on your behalf.
Most cases settle here. We negotiate firmly and look for smart resolutions without trial.
Trial and Enforcement
If settlement fails, we go to trial. We organize your evidence, prepare witnesses, draft legal arguments, and represent you in court. This is where strong advocacy makes the difference.
If you win, the court issues a judgment. But collecting is another battle.
We help enforce it via:
- Wage garnishment
- Writs of seizure and sale
- Bank garnishment
- Debtor examinations
- And more
We turn your judgment into actual money — not just a piece of paper.
“Damian is a great professional and a kind man. We were privileged to have had him advocating on behalf of our interests. We utilized his services for a Small Claims Court issue, and he resolved it even before it went to trial. We have unwavering faith in Cordaie Paralegal and thank them for their services!”
Shane R., Former Client
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Why Ontario Chooses Cordaie for Small Claims Court Advocacy
When your money is on the line, you need more than information — you need someone who knows the rules, prepares the filings, and shows up ready to advocate. Ontario clients choose Cordaie because our team of Law Society of Ontario (LSO) licensed paralegals brings procedural knowledge, organized evidence preparation, and strategic court submissions to every Small Claims matter — without confusing hand-offs or hourly billing pressure.
We help you move forward the right way, supporting claim drafting, evidence organization, filing in the correct Ontario court jurisdiction, settlement conferences, motions, trial preparation, and enforcement guidance when applicable.
With flat-fee pricing quoted in advance (before HST) and disbursements billed at cost, you get a prepared advocate who keeps your case structured, credible, and moving—not delayed by avoidable filing errors or uncertainty.
Landlord-Tenant Dispute FAQs — Answers From Ontario Paralegals
Landlord-tenant disputes involving financial loss or property damage (outside LTB limitation periods) can raise urgent questions, especially when agreements are broken or repair and payment discussions break down. This FAQ section gives you clear, Ontario-specific answers — explained in simple language so you know what to expect and what comes next.
At Cordaie Paralegal Services, our team of LSO licensed paralegal advocates helps landlords and tenants assess their case early, prepare the filings accurately, and stay organized through each stage of Ontario Small Claims Court.
When you understand the process before you file or respond, you reduce delays, avoid dismissal risks, and move forward strategically—not procedurally overwhelmed.
1. Can I claim unpaid rent after a tenant leaves?
Yes — you can bring a Small Claims action for rent owing after vacancy, provided you have evidence.
⚠️Important: The Landlord and Tenant Board may have jurisdiction depending on statutory timelines.
If you’re unsure whether your matter still falls under the LTB — or qualifies for filing in Ontario Small Claims Court for financial loss up to $50,000—we can clarify it quickly.
Reach out for a free, confidential consultation with an LSO licensed paralegal advocate. We’ll assess your claim amount, timelines, and Ontario court jurisdiction so you can understand your options and take the right next step.
2. What about eviction or rent increase?
Those must go through the LTB first under the RTA, not Small Claims.
3. How long do I have to sue?
Generally you must file within 2 years of the breach or disconnected event.
4. What if I already have an LTB order?
You may need to convert or enforce that order via Small Claims to collect the money.
5. Can I claim interest or legal costs?
Yes — to the extent allowed under Small Claims rules, interest and reasonable costs may be added.
Small Claims Court Help for Landlords and Tenants Starts Here
When a landlord-tenant dispute becomes a financial issue, the details matter—claim value, evidence, limitation periods, and Ontario court jurisdiction can determine your best path forward. Many clients reach out feeling stuck, unsure, or unheard by the LTB due to timeline or remedy limits. Getting early direction from a LSO licensed paralegal advocate can help you avoid refiling, dismissal, or unnecessary delays.
Whether you're pursuing unpaid rent, property damage, unreturned deposits, or defending a claim that lacks merit, we help you start organized and file correctly in the right Ontario Small Claims Court jurisdiction. Most steps can be handled remotely, and your first conversation is always free, confidential, and focused on clarity and strategy — not pressure.
If you’re unsure whether your matter qualifies for Ontario Small Claims Court, we’ll assess it quickly and explain your options in simple terms, so you know what comes next and take action with confidence.
Ontario-Wide Small Claims Advocacy — Trusted Support In Every Region
We support clients across Ontario with LSO licensed paralegal advocacy for monetary Small Claims Court matters up to $50,000. From filing claims and preparing defences to settlement conferences, motions, and judgment enforcement guidance when applicable, our services are built to keep your case organized, compliant, and moving in the right Ontario court jurisdiction from the start.
Most steps can be handled remotely by phone or secure online document sharing, so you avoid unnecessary courthouse travel and procedural uncertainty. Clients choose Cordaie because we bring clarity, preparation, and in-court advocacy when appropriate — without hourly billing pressure or surprises.
