{"id":46907,"date":"2023-04-14T12:55:58","date_gmt":"2023-04-14T16:55:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cleo.on.ca\/en\/publications\/fightev\/what-you-can-do-hearing"},"modified":"2025-01-14T09:22:24","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T14:22:24","slug":"what-you-can-do-hearing","status":"publish","type":"publications-page","link":"https:\/\/www.cleo.on.ca\/en\/publications-page\/what-you-can-do-hearing","title":{"rendered":"What you can do before the hearing"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whatever you decide to do, make sure to get more information and legal help. See the Key Point<\/a> box.<\/p>\n

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If you speak French<\/strong>, you might have the right to get services from the LTB in French or to have your hearing in French. To ask for this, you should tell the LTB in writing as soon as possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Stop the application by paying what your landlord says you owe<\/h2>\n

If your landlord has applied to evict you because you owe rent, you can stop the eviction if you pay what your landlord says you owe, before the hearing. The form your landlord gave you (usually a Form L1) should have details about the amount you have to pay to stop the application. Usually this includes the fee your landlord paid to the LTB and charges for any bounced or NSF cheques.<\/p>\n

You can pay the full amount to your landlord or to the LTB. Get a receipt. Send the receipt to your landlord and the LTB at least 7 days<\/strong> before your hearing. And have the receipt at your hearing.<\/p>\n

Get help paying the rent<\/h3>\n

If you can usually pay your rent but are having a problem right now, you might be able to get help.<\/p>\n

Some communities have rent banks that lend people money to help pay their rent. Rent banks do not charge any fees or interest for these loans.<\/p>\n

If you owe a small amount of rent, you might be able to get help from a homelessness prevention programs.<\/p>\n

Call 211 or check 211ontario.ca<\/a> to find programs in your area.<\/p>\n

If you get assistance from the Ontario Disability Support Program or Ontario Works, ask your worker about how to get help paying your rent.<\/p>\n

Make an agreement with your landlord<\/h2>\n

You can try to make an agreement with your landlord to stop or delay the eviction. This is sometimes called a settlement agreement<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The LTB has employees called mediators who can help you and your landlord reach an agreement. LTB mediators are also called Dispute Resolution Officers (DROs). A mediator might phone you before your hearing or speak to you on the day of your hearing. In some cases, it is up to you or your landlord to ask the LTB for a mediator if you want one.<\/p>\n

You do not have to go to mediation. You and your landlord can try to work out an agreement with a mediator’s help or without it. Either way, you can bring a lawyer or someone else to help you, such as a family member, a friend, or a social worker.<\/p>\n

You do not have to make an agreement with your landlord. But sometimes making an agreement with your landlord is the best thing. For example, if you owe rent but cannot pay it before the hearing, an agreement might include a payment plan that gives you more time.<\/p>\n

Be very careful about signing an agreement, especially in mediation. If you sign a mediated agreement<\/strong> but then do not follow it, your landlord might be able to apply for an eviction order without giving you any notice and without you having a hearing.<\/p>\n

Before you sign any settlement agreement, try to get legal advice, and make sure the agreement:<\/p>\n