# Will my landlord have to send me the paperwork if they file a claim against me?

- Jurisdiction: Canada
- Practice area: Tenancy Law
- Published: 2026-11-05
- Last updated: 2026-11-05
- Canonical: https://lawasked.com/ca/tenancy-law/will-my-landlord-send-me-paperwork-if-they

## Question

I live in a small apartment in Ontario and I am quite worried about my current living situation. My landlord, who is a very difficult person, has been complaining about the noise from my flat for several months now. Last Tuesday, the 14th of May, he told me quite aggressively that he is going to file a formal claim to have me evicted because he claims I am causing a nuisance. I have already tried to speak with him calmly to explain that I have been mindful of my neighbours, but he refused to listen and just walked away. I haven't received any official letters or any sort of formal notice in the post since that conversation. If he actually goes through with this programme of legal action and submits his application to the housing board, am I entitled to receive a full copy of everything he has submitted against me? I want to know if the authorities are required to send me the documents he used to make his claim so I can prepare my defence, or if they can just make a decision without me ever seeing his side of the story first.

## Summary

Yes, if your landlord files a formal application with the housing board, the Board is required to provide you with a copy of that application. This ensures you can see the claims being made against you so you can prepare your defense.

## Analysis

If your landlord follows through on his threat to file a formal claim to evict you for nuisance, the legal process is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act. Under the law, the Board has a specific duty regarding applications. The Act states that the Board shall "Give the parties other than the applicant a copy of the application within the time set out in the Rules" [1]. This means that once the landlord (the applicant) submits his claim, the Board is responsible for sending a copy of that application to you (the other party). 

This rule is designed to prevent exactly what you are worried about: a decision being made without you seeing the evidence or the landlord's side of the story. By receiving the application, you will be able to see the specific details of the nuisance claims he is making. Additionally, the Board may "give the prescribed parties such documents or information as may be prescribed" [1]. This means you may also receive other relevant documents used to support his claim, depending on the specific rules of the Board.

However, please note that this requirement to provide notice does not apply to "an application that can be made without notice" [1]. While most eviction proceedings require notice, you should be aware of this exception. 

In your specific situation, since the landlord has only spoken to you aggressively and has not yet filed anything, you have not yet reached the stage where the Board is required to send you paperwork. If he does file an application for an order terminating your tenancy [2], the Board's duty to notify you will trigger. 

State, provincial, or local laws may add further rules regarding housing and tenant rights; you should check with local tenant advocacy groups or the Landlord and Tenant Board.

## Statutory citations

- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario), S.O. 2006, c. 17, s. 188 - Notice by Board [in force] (https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/06r17#BK188)
  > The Board shall do the following with respect to an application made to the Board: 1. Give the parties other than the applicant a copy of the application within the time set out in the Rules.
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario), S.O. 2006, c. 17, s. 69 - Application by landlord [in force] (https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/06r17#BK69)
  > A landlord may apply to the Board for an order terminating a tenancy and evicting the tenant

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