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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.

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.

Author

  • Headshot of Jolanta Chrzaszcz

    Jolanta is the founder of JC Paralegal and a licensed paralegal in Ontario. Before starting her practice, she spent more than seven years working alongside lawyers in top law firms, gaining extensive experience in litigation strategy, case management, and tribunal procedures.

    Her path into the legal field began with her own pursuit of justice, successfully self-litigating in Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice between 2011 and 2015. That journey inspired her mission: to help others navigate the legal system with the support and preparation she once needed.

    Jolanta holds a Bachelor’s degree, a Business Diploma, a Law Clerk Diploma, an Immigration Consultant Diploma, and a Paralegal Diploma. She is licensed by the Law Society of Ontario (P1) and is committed to providing accessible, effective legal advocacy for her clients.

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