Paying Residential Rent During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Rent is still due as it always has been. However, provinces have taken temporary measures to assist with social / physical distancing.
Ontario Landlord & Tenant Board’s Response to COVID-19
COVID-19 Notice
Until further notice, the LTB is suspending the issuance of eviction orders and all hearings related to eviction applications — unless the matter relates to an urgent issue such as an illegal act or serious impairment of safety. For more information, please see the Ontario Landlord & Tenant Board’s news release.
COVID-19 Policy – Postponing Hearings
Tribunals Ontario is implementing a new policy to postpone in-person hearings and reschedule to a later date. Where feasible, alternative hearing options such as written and telephone hearings will be considered to minimize disruption to hearings across the organization. In addition, all front-line counter services are closed as of March 16 until further notice. For more information, please see the Ontario Landlord & Tenant Board’s news release.
Alberta Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) Response to COVID-19
RTDRS offices are no longer open to the public. RTDRS is conducting all hearings by telephone. Parties to a previously scheduled in-person hearing will be contacted about the change. Parties wishing to proactively provide their telephone number for an upcoming hearing are asked to call 403-297-8550 and leave a message with their name, case number and telephone number.
RTDRS continues to accept applications through the online eFiling service. Email rtdrs@gov.ab.ca or call 310-0000, then dial 780-644-3000, for information pertaining to the RTDRS.
Applications for possession or termination of the tenancy agreement will be given priority in the RTDRS hearing schedule. Non-urgent applications, such as for damages or return of the security deposit, are being received, but will not be scheduled for hearing while COVID-19 is being managed.
For more information, visit COVID-19 info for Albertans.
