A tenant is facing eviction proceedings after allegedly failing to pay rent for nearly a year to her current landlord, Ramanjeet Singh. The case highlights the challenges landlords face in Ontario when dealing with non-paying tenants, as only the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) has the authority to evict.
Repeat Offender?
Singh claims the tenant owes him just over $23,000 in unpaid rent and utilities for his Brampton townhouse, which she occupied after paying a last month’s deposit in April 2025. He applied to the LTB for an eviction order in September and a hearing is scheduled for April 9, 2026. Singh stated, “I can’t sleep at night, my health is affected. I don’t recognize how I’m going to feed my kids.” He is now considering selling the property and ending his involvement in rentals.
What we have is not the first time this tenant has faced eviction. In April 2023, Tim Rye rented a two-bedroom condo in Toronto to the woman for approximately $4,500 a month. Rye says she paid a three-month deposit but then stopped making rent payments. He eventually secured an eviction order, but was awarded only $35,000 by the LTB—the maximum amount the board could order—despite calculating his losses at $59,000, including back rent, damages, and stolen furniture.
Both Singh and Rye expressed regret over not thoroughly vetting the tenant before agreeing to a lease. Ajay Grewal, a lawyer specializing in landlord-tenant disputes, recommends landlords utilize professional screening agencies and resources like the Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII) or Openroom to research prospective tenants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the Landlord and Tenant Board?
The Landlord and Tenant Board resolves disputes between landlords and tenants and can issue eviction orders, according to Tribunals Ontario.
How long does an eviction hearing typically take?
As of September 2025, the average wait time for an LTB hearing is between three to seven months, though some urgent matters may be addressed more quickly.
Can a landlord collect money owed by a former tenant?
Landlords can apply to the LTB to collect money owed by a former tenant by filling out an L10 form, also known as the Application to Collect Money the Former Tenant Owes.
As the rental market continues to evolve, what steps can landlords and tenants take to ensure fair and transparent rental agreements?
