How long does an eviction take in Ontario?
In Ontario, a standard non-payment eviction through the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) typically takes 3–6 months from filing to the tenant vacating. The process: serve the N4 notice (14 days), file the L1 application ($201), wait for a hearing (currently 2–5 months backlog), receive an order (11-day window for tenant to pay), wait for enforcement by the Sheriff (4–8 weeks after order). Emergency hearings are rare and require extraordinary circumstances.
Can a landlord self-represent at an eviction hearing in Canada?
Yes. In Ontario, landlords frequently self-represent at LTB hearings. However, the process has become more complex with recent reforms and virtual hearings. A paralegal (licensed by the Law Society of Ontario) can represent landlords at the LTB for significantly less than a lawyer. In BC, the RTB hearing process is designed for self-representation. Quebec and Alberta have similar structures.
What happens if a tenant doesn't leave after an eviction order?
In Ontario, after the LTB issues an eviction order and the tenant hasn't voluntarily left, the landlord must request enforcement through the Court Enforcement Office (Sheriff). The Sheriff provides an eviction date (typically 3–6 weeks later) and physically removes the tenant and their belongings. The landlord cannot change locks, cut utilities, or remove belongings without the Sheriff — doing so is an illegal eviction and exposes the landlord to significant liability.