Windsor Landlord Tenant Board — Wait Times, Office & Process

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is the quasi-judicial tribunal that resolves rental disputes in Ontario, including all eviction applications in Windsor. For landlords in the Southwestern Ontario / Essex County area, understanding how the LTB works, where your case will be heard, and how long the process takes is essential for protecting your investment. Windsor's LTB office has historically shorter wait times than most Ontario cities. However, the influx of workers for EV and bridge construction has created new challenges: short-term corporate rentals, overcrowding, and unfamiliarity with Ontario tenancy laws among relocated tenants.

This guide provides Windsor landlords with a practical understanding of the LTB process — from filing your application to presenting your case at the hearing. Whether you are filing an L1 for non-payment of rent or an L2 for cause-based eviction, this information will help you navigate the system efficiently.

LTB Office Serving Windsor

Windsor landlord-tenant cases are processed through the Windsor (Suite 710, 400 City Hall Square East). This is the regional office responsible for scheduling hearings, processing applications, and issuing orders for properties located in Windsor and the surrounding Southwestern Ontario / Essex County area.

While applications can be filed online through the Tribunals Ontario portal (tribunalsontario.ca), having the correct regional office information is important because:

• In-person document filing may be required for certain application types
• Hearing locations for in-person proceedings are assigned based on regional office
• Regional caseload directly affects your wait time for a hearing date
• Local adjudicators may have familiarity with Windsor-specific issues and bylaws

Current LTB Wait Times in Windsor

As of 2026, the wait time for an LTB hearing in Windsor is approximately 4-7 months. This represents the time from filing your application to receiving a hearing date. The LTB has been working to reduce its backlog following the pandemic, but demand continues to outpace the tribunal's capacity in most Ontario regions.

Factors that affect wait times for Windsor landlords include:

• Application type: L1 (non-payment) applications are sometimes prioritized and may receive earlier hearing dates than L2 (cause-based) applications
• Regional caseload: Windsor's LTB office has historically shorter wait times than most Ontario cities. However, the influx of workers for EV and bridge construction has created new challenges: short-term corporate rentals, overcrowding, and unfamiliarity with Ontario tenancy laws among relocated tenants
• Hearing format: Virtual hearings have increased the LTB's throughput compared to in-person-only scheduling
• Adjournments: If your hearing is adjourned (postponed), the rescheduled date could be an additional 2-4 months away

LTB Application Types and Fees

The following table outlines the most common LTB applications that Windsor landlords file, along with their purposes and current fees:

How to File an LTB Application for a Windsor Property

Filing your LTB application correctly is critical. Errors on the application can result in dismissal, forcing you to restart the entire process and wait another 4-7 months for a new hearing date. Here is the step-by-step filing process:

Step 1: Ensure Your Notice Period Has Expired

You cannot file an LTB application until after the termination date on your notice has passed. For N4 notices, this is 14 days after service. For N12 notices, this is 60 days minimum. Filing prematurely will result in dismissal. See our step-by-step eviction guide for Windsor for detailed notice period information.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Fill out the L1 or L2 application completely. Include the exact address of your Windsor property, the tenant's legal name as it appears on the lease, the details of the notice served, and the remedy you are seeking (eviction, rent arrears, or both).

Step 3: Attach Supporting Documents

Include a copy of the notice served, the Certificate of Service, the lease agreement, and a rent ledger. For L2 applications, include evidence supporting your specific ground for eviction.

Step 4: Submit and Pay the Filing Fee

Applications can be submitted online through the Tribunals Ontario portal or by mail/in-person at the Windsor (Suite 710, 400 City Hall Square East). The filing fee of $208 is payable by credit card (online), cheque, or money order.

Step 5: Serve the Application on the Tenant

After filing, you must serve a copy of the application and the Notice of Hearing on the tenant. This must be done within the timeframe specified by the LTB (usually 5 days before the hearing).

What to Expect at Your Windsor LTB Hearing

LTB hearings for Windsor properties are conducted by an adjudicator who will hear both sides and make a binding decision. Here is what Windsor landlords should expect:

• Format: Most hearings are now conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams video conference. In-person hearings may be available at the Windsor (Suite 710, 400 City Hall Square East) for complex cases.
• Duration: Simple L1 hearings typically last 15-30 minutes. Complex L2 hearings can take several hours or require multiple hearing dates.
• Evidence Presentation: Bring all documentation organized chronologically. The adjudicator expects clear, factual testimony supported by documentary evidence.
• Tenant Defence: Tenants may raise section 82 issues (maintenance deficiencies) at L1 hearings, potentially reducing your arrears award or delaying eviction.
• Adjudicator Discretion: Under section 83 of the RTA, adjudicators can delay, impose conditions on, or refuse eviction orders even when the landlord proves their case. This discretion considers whether eviction would cause undue hardship to the tenant.

Tips for Windsor Landlords at LTB Hearings

• Be punctual and professional: Log in to virtual hearings or arrive at the Windsor (Suite 710, 400 City Hall Square East) at least 15 minutes early.
• Organize your evidence: Prepare a document brief with tabs for each piece of evidence, numbered and in chronological order.
• Stick to facts: Adjudicators respond to factual, documented testimony. Emotional arguments are counterproductive.
• Know your numbers: For L1 hearings, have an accurate, up-to-date rent ledger showing exactly what is owed. Include per diem calculations for rent that continues to accrue.
• Oppose unnecessary adjournments: If the tenant requests an adjournment, be prepared to explain why they have had adequate time to prepare. Each adjournment can add months to your timeline.
• Consider professional representation: An experienced representative knows the local adjudicators, common defences, and how to present cases efficiently. This is particularly valuable in Windsor where the stakes are high given local rent levels.

After the Hearing — Enforcing Your Order in Windsor

If the LTB grants your eviction order, the tenant typically has 11 days to vacate (though the order may specify a different timeline). If the tenant does not leave voluntarily, you file the order with the Court Enforcement Office (Sheriff) in Windsor. The Sheriff will schedule an enforcement date and attend the property to carry out the eviction.

Important: You must never attempt to enforce an eviction order yourself. Even with a valid LTB order, only the Sheriff can physically enforce it. Self-enforcement is illegal and can result in the LTB setting aside your order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the LTB office for Windsor?

Windsor landlord-tenant cases are heard at the Windsor (Suite 710, 400 City Hall Square East). Applications can be filed online through the Tribunals Ontario portal or in person. Most hearings are now conducted virtually via video conference.

How long are LTB wait times in Windsor?

Current LTB wait times for Windsor cases are approximately 4-7 months from filing an application to receiving a hearing date. Wait times vary by application type, with L1 non-payment applications sometimes scheduled faster than L2 applications.

How much does it cost to file an LTB application in Windsor?

The LTB filing fee for most eviction applications is $208. Additional costs may include process serving ($75-$150), professional representation ($500-$4,000), and Sheriff enforcement ($400-$600).