Civitas Law
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Toronto · Serving the GTA

Landlord and Tenant Lawyer in Toronto

Practical, fast-moving representation for landlords and tenants at the Landlord and Tenant Board and beyond, across Toronto and the GTA.

Book a consultationCall (647) 271-1646

30-minute consultation, $150 plus HST, paid when you book.

Landlord and tenant lawyer in Toronto reviewing a lease Landlord & Tenant
Overview

What a Toronto landlord and tenant lawyer handles

Landlord and tenant disputes move quickly and the rules are strict, so having clear guidance early can protect both your money and your home. We act for small landlords dealing with unpaid rent, damage, or difficult tenancies, and for tenants facing eviction, illegal rent increases, or unsafe living conditions.

Most residential matters in Ontario are decided by the Landlord and Tenant Board under the Residential Tenancies Act, which has its own forms, deadlines, and hearing process that differ sharply from ordinary court. We help you file or respond to the right application, prepare your evidence, and present your case with confidence.

How we help

Landlord and tenant matters we handle in Toronto

Direct access to your lawyer at every stage, with clear, honest advice about your options.

Non-payment of rent and N4 applications

We prepare and serve N4 notices, file the L1 application, and represent landlords at the hearing to recover rent arrears and possession where warranted.

Eviction hearings and enforcement at the Landlord and Tenant Board

We handle the full Board process from application to hearing, and coordinate enforcement through the Sheriff when an order for possession is granted.

N12 and N13 notices for personal use, sale, or renovation

We advise on the strict good-faith and compensation rules that apply when ending a tenancy for personal use, purchaser use, or major renovations.

Tenant defence against eviction

We defend tenants facing eviction, raise valid defences and maintenance issues, and seek payment plans or relief from eviction where appropriate.

Maintenance, repair, and rent abatement disputes

We bring or respond to T6 applications about repairs and living conditions, and pursue rent abatements where a unit has not been properly maintained.

Illegal rent increases and above-guideline applications

We review rent increase notices for compliance with the annual guideline and represent parties in above-guideline increase applications.

Ontario context

How Landlord and Tenant Board cases work in Ontario

Almost every residential tenancy in Ontario is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, and disputes are heard by the Landlord and Tenant Board rather than the regular courts. A landlord who wants to end a tenancy must serve the correct notice, such as an N4 for unpaid rent or an N12 for personal use, and then file the matching application within strict time limits before a hearing is scheduled.

Tenants have strong protections, including the right to dispute an eviction, the right to fix certain problems before being removed, and the right to raise maintenance or harassment issues at the hearing. Because the Board enforces its deadlines and forms carefully, a small error can delay a case by months, so we make sure each step is done correctly the first time.

FAQs

Questions Toronto clients ask about landlord & tenant

Plain-language answers to the questions we hear most. Every matter is different, so treat these as a starting point.

How long does it take to evict a tenant in Ontario?
Timelines vary, but between serving the correct notice, filing at the Landlord and Tenant Board, waiting for a hearing date, and then enforcement through the Sheriff if needed, the process commonly takes several months. Board backlogs can extend this further, so serving the right notice correctly the first time is the single best way to avoid added delay.
Can my landlord evict me without going to the Landlord and Tenant Board?
No. For almost all residential tenancies in Ontario, a landlord cannot lawfully force you out without an order from the Landlord and Tenant Board, even after serving a notice. Changing the locks or removing your belongings without an order is illegal, and you have the right to dispute the eviction at a hearing.
What is an N12 notice and when can a landlord use it?
An N12 is a notice to end a tenancy because the landlord, a purchaser, or a close family member intends to move into the unit. It must be given in good faith, the tenant is generally entitled to one month of compensation, and the Board can order penalties if the stated intention turns out not to be genuine.
How much can my rent be increased each year?
For most units, annual increases are capped by the provincial rent increase guideline and require proper written notice at least ninety days in advance. Some newer units are exempt from the guideline, and landlords can apply for an above-guideline increase in limited circumstances such as major capital work.
My unit needs repairs and my landlord will not fix them, what can I do?
You can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board using a T6 application to address maintenance and repair problems. The Board can order repairs, a rent abatement for the period the problem existed, and other remedies, so it helps to keep records, photos, and copies of every request you made.
Do I really need a lawyer or paralegal for a Board hearing?
You can represent yourself, but the Residential Tenancies Act, the forms, and the hearing process are detailed and the outcome can affect your home or a significant amount of money. Having representation helps you meet deadlines, prepare proper evidence, and respond effectively to the other side.
What does a landlord and tenant lawyer do in Ontario?
A landlord and tenant lawyer advises and represents landlords or tenants in disputes before the Landlord and Tenant Board, such as evictions, rent arrears, maintenance issues, and illegal rent increases. They prepare and file the correct notices and applications and represent clients at hearings under the Residential Tenancies Act.
What is the difference between the Landlord and Tenant Board and civil court in Ontario?
The Landlord and Tenant Board is a specialized tribunal that handles most residential tenancy disputes under the Residential Tenancies Act, using its own forms and hearing process, while civil court handles other disputes not covered by that legislation. Most eviction and rent matters must go through the Board first.
What is an N4 notice in Ontario?
An N4 is a notice a landlord gives a tenant for non-payment of rent, setting out the amount owed and a deadline to pay before the landlord can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order ending the tenancy. Paying the full amount owed within the notice period can stop the process.
Can a landlord raise rent above the guideline in Toronto?
Most rent increases are capped by the annual provincial guideline, but a landlord can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an above-guideline increase in limited circumstances, such as eligible capital work, an extraordinary increase in municipal taxes and charges, or new or higher costs for security services. The Board must approve the application before the higher increase applies.
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Straightforward legal advice from a Toronto lawyer.

30-minute consultation, $150 plus HST, paid when you book. Personal injury matters start with a free 10-minute case review with the lawyer. Consultations are confidential.

Book a consultationCall (647) 271-1646