Why You Shouldn’t Represent Yourself at the LTB: Hearings Are Not Informal Conversations

Many landlords and tenants mistakenly believe that a Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) hearing is a relaxed, informal chat where they can simply tell their side of the story. This assumption often leads to serious missteps.

The truth? LTB hearings are legal proceedings governed by strict rules of evidence, legal standards, and procedural fairness. You’re not just having a conversation — you’re making legal arguments that can impact your housing, finances, or investment.

Here’s What You’re Expected to Do at an LTB Hearing:

• Present your evidence clearly and properly You can’t just show up with random documents or photos. They need to be relevant, admissible, and disclosed in advance.

  
  

• Speak to the legal issues The Board will not guide you. You must understand the Residential Tenancies Act, applicable LTB Rules, and know how to argue within that framework.

  
  

• Follow the principles of procedural fairness You’ll need to know when and how to raise objections, respond to evidence, question witnesses, and close your case.

Why Hire a Paralegal?

Paralegals are licensed professionals trained to advocate effectively in legal settings.

We attend LTB hearings regularly and understand exactly how to build and argue a case under pressure.

Most self-represented parties struggle with nerves, miss key points, or get overwhelmed by the process — and unfortunately, that often means losing the case.