Ontario Tenant Rent Dispute Support
Challenge overcharges, arrears claims, and unlawful rent demands
Rent disputes with landlords can escalate fast — whether it’s illegal rent increases, improper arrears claims, unlawful charges, or unclear lease terms. In Ontario, the outcome often comes down to procedure, evidence, and knowing what the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) considers reasonable.
Our Ontario licensed paralegals help tenants:
- Understand their rights under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)
- Identify filing risks or landlord notice defects
- Gather and organize evidence for maximum credibility
- Choose the correct LTB defence or dispute pathway
- Stand represented by professionals who know LTB adjudication standards
✔ Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario
✔ Flat-Fee Pricing — No Hidden Costs
✔ Serving Tenants Across Ontario
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“Damian understands landlord and tenant law very professionally and effectively.” — J-1 Foodie, Former Client
Why Most Rent Disputes Escalate and How to Avoid It
Common Landlord Tactics — and What Tenants Often Overlook
Understanding these patterns can prevent loss, stress, and disputes.
| What Landlords Often Do | What Tenants Often Miss | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Demand rent or fees without proof | Don’t ask for receipts or written proof | Without documentation, it’s your word vs theirs |
| Send illegal eviction notices or threats | Miss deadlines or fail to respond properly | You can lose by default if you don’t act |
| Miscalculate rent arrears (penalties, interest) | Don’t understand the actual rules of RTA / LTB forms | Can cost hundreds or thousands extra |
Don’t Let Deadlines Cost You Your Home
Our licensed Ontario paralegals can file and represent you before the LTB.
How Rent Dispute Cases are Resolved in Ontario
- Attempt Resolution Outside Court / LTB
- File an Application with the LTB
- Mediation or Dispute Resolution
- Hearing
- Decision / Order
Need Help Filing Your LTB Forms Or Understanding Your Rights?
Avoid Dismissals, Delays, and Unfair Outcomes With Licensed Ontario Paralegals Who Prepare, File, and Represent Tenants at the LTB
What You Should Do Immediately if You Face a Dispute
- Document everything: Rent receipts, lease, written notices, emails or texts, photos.
- Send a clear written notice to your landlord: Outline what you believe you owe vs what you believe they’re wrongly charging.
- Save proof of rent payments: Bank statements, e‑transfers
- Confirm correct forms were filed: Check whether your landlord filed the correct LTB forms and used proper notice / process.
- Don’t wait: There are deadlines for applying to LTB - missing one can hurt your case.
- Get legal help: A licensed paralegal with experience in rent disputes can make the difference between winning or losing.
Common Rent Dispute Scenarios
If you believe you paid an illegal amount:
- Being charged for utilities not in your lease
- Landlord asks for late payment fees that aren’t legal under RTA
- Eviction notice for “non‑payment” when there is a disagreement over amounts owed
- Landlord trying to collect rent arrears long after the tenant returned deposit or moved out (or after legal time limits)
- Disputes over maintenance fees, damage claims included in rent bills
- Rent increase, you generally have one year from when the rent was first increased illegally to file with the the LTB for a rebate or correction
If the landlord increased illegally and you didn’t challenge it within that window, your options may diminish.
Risk of Doing It Alone
- Losing by default if not properly served, or if you miss deadlines
- Paying more rent, fees, or penalties than you owe
- Damage to renting history or ability to rent elsewhere
- Legal notices, eviction orders you didn’t know how to respond to
- Wasted time, stress, and possibly court enforceable costs
How We Help You Win Your Rent Dispute
When you choose Cordaie Paralegal Services, you get:
- A detailed case review: We analyze your lease, your landlord’s notices, what was demanded
- Proper application and form prep: We file with LTB, assure your case is built cleanly
- Representation at hearings: We advocate for you so you don’t have to
- Fast turnaround: We aim to get you answers and relief quickly
- Transparent pricing: No surprises — we tell you what fees are upfront
Why Choose Cordaie Paralegal Services?
- Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario
- Paralegals authorized to represent landlords at the LTB
- Hundreds of landlord matters handled
- Flat-fee pricing — no billing surprises
- Professional, efficient, and trusted across Ontario
FAQs About Rent Disputes in Ontario
Dealing with a rent dispute can feel overwhelming — especially when laws and LTB procedures are hard to navigate.
At Cordaie Paralegal Services, we’ve helped countless tenants across Ontario resolve disputes involving rent increases, eviction notices, maintenance issues, and more.
Here, you’ll find clear answers to the most common questions about rent disputes, your rights under the RTA, and how to protect yourself legally.
Looking For Guidance Built Around Your Situation?
Get a free, professional case review from Ontario-licensed paralegals who know LTB evidence standards, notice requirements, and hearing procedure.
Clear direction. Fewer setbacks. Faster progress.
Start with a free case review today.
1. What qualifies as a rent dispute in Ontario?
A rent dispute occurs when a tenant and landlord disagree over rent amounts, increases, payments, maintenance deductions, or eviction notices under the RTA.
It can also include issues like illegal charges, harassment, or withheld deposits.
2. Can my landlord evict me if I’m disputing rent?
No. A landlord cannot legally evict you just for disputing rent or filing an application with the LTB.
They must follow proper legal notice and procedure.
⚠️Important: If they skip steps or use threats, it may be an illegal eviction.
3. How long do I have to file a rent dispute with the LTB?
You generally have one year from when the issue occurred (for example, an illegal rent increase or overpayment) to file your application.
Some issues, like eviction defenses, have much shorter deadlines, depending on the notice type.
4. What evidence should I gather for a rent dispute?
Keep copies of:
- Rent receipts or e-transfer records
- Lease agreement and renewal notices
- Any communication with your landlord (texts, emails, letters)
- Photos or videos of property issues
- Copies of any LTB forms or eviction notices
⚠️Important: Documentation can make or break your case.
5. Can I stop an eviction if I’m behind on rent?
Yes — but you must act quickly. You can often file a Tenant Application or a Motion to Set Aside an Eviction Order.
A legal representative can request a stay of eviction or negotiate payment terms.
6. What if my landlord increased my rent illegally?
If the landlord increased rent without proper notice, or above the annual rent increase guideline, you can apply to the LTB for a rent rebate.
You typically have one year to challenge it.
7. What happens during an LTB hearing?
An adjudicator listens to both sides, reviews evidence, and issues a binding order.
Usually, if both parties consent to it, medication is offered. This is an ideal alternative to a hearing, as you may resolve your issues faster.
8. Do I need a paralegal or lawyer for a rent dispute?
While you can represent yourself, a Ontario licensed paralegal can help ensure forms are correct, deadlines are met, and evidence is presented effectively — which greatly improves your chances of success.
9. Can my landlord charge late fees or extra penalties?
No. The RTA does not allow landlords to charge late fees or penalties beyond the rent itself, unless clearly permitted by law.
Any such charges can be disputed.
10. What if my landlord isn’t making repairs or maintenance?
You can file a T6 Application for “Maintenance or Repairs” with the LTB.
The Board can order repairs, rent reductions, or even compensation.
11. How long does it take to resolve a rent dispute?
Timelines vary, but most LTB cases take 2–6 months from application to decision.
Having complete forms and evidence ready can help speed it up.
12. What happens if I ignore a landlord’s notice?
If you don’t respond or attend your LTB hearing, the landlord can win by default — resulting in eviction or loss of your claim.
Always respond promptly or get legal help right away.
13. Can I recover overpaid rent or illegal charges?
Yes. If you paid more than legally required, or your landlord charged illegal deposits, you can request a refund through an LTB application (often within one year).
14. What are my rights if my landlord harasses or threatens me?
Harassment, intimidation, or threats from a landlord violate the RTA.
You can report it to the LTB or local authorities, and file an application for Tenant Rights.
15. How can a paralegal help with my rent dispute?
A paralegal can:
- File the right LTB forms
- Represent you in hearings
- Negotiate with the landlord
- Ensure your rights under the RTA are protected
- Prevent costly procedural mistakes
“Damian Cordaie is, by far, the best paralegal to have on your side. He helped me with a L&T issue, and I am truly happy with how everything was handled. Damian understands and wields the laws when it comes to L&T, very professionally and effectively. He has the best response times I’ve seen when it comes to legal professionals. He does not gate keep information nor network contacts to truly provide the most quality and meaningful support and assistance. Damian, I tip my hat to you and your team. May God bless you and your firm!”
J-1 Foodie, Former Client
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Serving All Ontario Tenants
We provide remote legal services across the entire province — and in-person representation where needed.
- Toronto & GTA, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Kitchener-Waterloo. Durham Region, Windsor, Barrie & Simcoe County, Northern Ontario
Wherever your rental unit is, we’ve got your back.
Your Next Step —
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If you’re in a rent dispute in Ontario, you have rights, but you need to act.
Contact Cordaie Paralegal Services right now for a free consultation.
We’ll:
- Review your situation
- Tell you what your landlord can’t legally do
- Build a plan to dispute it — recover what you’re owed or stop the eviction
