Ottawa Tenant Guide: Retaliatory Evictions

In Ottawa, Ontario tenants who suspect a landlord is using eviction or harassment in retaliation for complaints or exercise of rights should act promptly. This guide explains key steps to document conduct, file an application with the provincial tribunal, and report by-law issues to city enforcement. It focuses on practical procedures, who enforces remedies, and how to preserve evidence when a notice or unsafe condition appears.

Penalties & Enforcement

Retaliatory eviction and harassment of tenants are addressed under provincial rules and resolved through the Landlord and Tenant Board or the courts. The primary statutory instrument is the Residential Tenancies Act; see the official text for statutory scope and definitions: Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)^[1]. The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) processes applications and can order remedies; see the LTB information and application portal: Landlord and Tenant Board^[2]. City of Ottawa By-law and Regulatory Services may handle related harassment or property standards complaints: City of Ottawa - By-law and Regulatory Services^[3].

• Orders and remedies: the tribunal may order that an eviction stop, require compensation, or make other remedial orders; specific monetary amounts are not specified on the cited pages.
• Monetary penalties: municipal by-law fines for unrelated offences are administered by the city; fines for retaliatory eviction specifically are not specified on the cited pages.
• Escalation and repeat offences: the tribunal and courts can address continuing breaches or patterns of harassment; ranges for escalating fines or penalties are not specified on the cited pages.
• Enforcers and complaint pathways: tenants may apply to the LTB and may also contact City of Ottawa By-law services for property-standards or harassment-related investigations.
• Appeals and review: tribunal decisions may be subject to judicial review or appeal processes; exact time limits or procedural deadlines are not specified on the cited pages.

Applications & Forms

To start a formal process, tenants generally apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board via Tribunals Ontario. Specific form numbers or fees are provided on the LTB site and application portal; if a municipal complaint is needed for property standards or harassment, use the City of Ottawa by-law complaint pages. If a specific published form number or fee is required, it is not specified on the cited pages.

FAQ

Can my landlord evict me for complaining about repairs?

No. If you believe an eviction or notice was issued as retaliation for complaining about repairs or exercising a legal right, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board to challenge the eviction and seek remedies.

How do I prove retaliation?

Collect dated communications, repair requests, witness names, photos, and any notices received. Evidence showing timing, motive, and prior complaints strengthens an application to the tribunal.

Do I also report to the City of Ottawa?

Yes, report by-law issues like unsafe conditions or harassment to City of Ottawa By-law and Regulatory Services while pursuing tribunal remedies if the conduct falls under municipal enforcement.

How-To

1. Document the issue: save emails, texts, photos, repair requests, and any eviction notices with dates and times.
2. Raise the issue in writing with the landlord and request remediation; keep a copy of your written request.
3. File an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board using the LTB portal to allege retaliatory eviction or harassment.
4. Report related safety or property-standards concerns to City of Ottawa By-law and Regulatory Services if applicable.
5. Seek legal advice or community legal clinic assistance before and during hearings to prepare evidence and understand remedies.

Key Takeaways

• Act quickly: document and apply to the tribunal as soon as retaliation is suspected.
• Use both provincial tribunal remedies and municipal complaint channels as appropriate.
• Contact official agencies early: LTB and City of Ottawa by-law services provide the formal routes to resolve disputes.

Help and Support / Resources

• Landlord and Tenant Board - Tribunals Ontario
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 - Ontario e-Laws
• City of Ottawa - By-law and Regulatory Services
• Legal Aid Ontario

1. [1] Ontario e-Laws - Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
2. [2] Tribunals Ontario - Landlord and Tenant Board
3. [3] City of Ottawa - By-law and Regulatory Services