As part of its ongoing efforts to improve service, and as the result of recently passed legislation, the Board is amending some of its forms and processes. The changes, when finalized, will be introduced in 2013. The Board will use this website to update you on these initiatives and will be looking for your feedback during the process, so check back here often to see what’s new.
Amendments to the RTA
Bill 140, amending the Residential Tenancies Act, will provide that LTB wll serve the Notice of Hearing (NOH) package on the parties, except in limited circumstances, when LTB Rules will delegate that responsibility to parties. Although these amendments have not yet proclaimed into law, the Board is preparing for implementation by working on updating its current Rules and procedures and making some changes to the application forms.
L1/L9 Hearing Day Improvements
Last fall, the Board introduced the L1/L9 Hearing Day. The Board is working on some additional improvements that will lead to a more efficient hearing day process.
- As a result of client feedback, the Board is simplifying the L1/L9 status update form that landlords must complete and submit on the hearing day. The revised version will eliminate some of the repetitive information in the current form.
- The Board is also developing a form that the parties can use when they want the Member to issue a consent order for their L1 or L9 application. This means that the terms agreed to will be given to the Member in writing.
E-Filing is on the Horizon
The Board is working on an e-filing option that will offer secure and simple filing and will allow you to file applications online quickly, at any time and from anywhere. The e-filing system will help ensure accurate filings by including prompts, such as explaining fields and noting missed information, to guide the user in filling out the form.
Above Guideline Increase (AGI)/A4 Process Changes
The Board is also working on improving the AGI and A4 application process and is considering the following:
- Having a hearing officer resolve the applications that are proceeding by written hearing.
- For AGIs with capital expenditures, holding pre-hearing conferences to give the parties an opportunity to settle the application early – this may be a more efficient way of dealing with these applications as currently a high percentage of these cases are resolved by consent orders.