In a recent interview with STOREYS, Veronica Spada, a representative from Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), disclosed a surge in L2 applications based on N12 eviction notices for Toronto addresses. The figures from January to September 2023 show 1,767 filed L2 applications. This starkly contrasts with the 1,312 applications throughout the entire year of 2022. Year-to-date data highlights an 80% increase in L2 applications based on N12s compared to the same period in 2022.

Spada refrained from detailing the quantity of applications considered in bad faith. However, there’s speculation among housing advocates that some of the N12 notices may hold a profit motive. This strategy takes advantage of the absence of rent control for units occupied after November 15, 2018, allowing landlords to hike rents limitlessly as tenants rotate.

Toronto boasts a highly profitable rental market, evidenced by the city’s average asking rent reaching $2,902 in September, according to the most recent national rent report. Even smaller spaces like studio apartments and roommate accommodations command high averages: $2,107 and $1,308, respectively.

Improvements in wait times have been noted by the LTB. Last year’s backlog, caused by a five-month moratorium on eviction hearings due to the pandemic, led to delays of up to two years for scheduling cases. Presently, most new and adjourned cases are being scheduled within seven to eight months, a considerable advancement from the prior lengthy delays.

The LTB attributed these improvements to significant government funding: $1.4M last year and an additional $6.5M in the spring. These infusions allowed the tribunal to hire more staff and increase adjudicators, currently numbering 59 full-time and 54 part-time adjudicators.

Despite these enhancements, Spada highlighted that the active case count at the LTB remains higher than ideal. The tribunal is receiving around 7,000 applications monthly in 2023, a significant increase from the 5,500 applications received per month in 2022. Additionally, there’s an increased proportion of complex applications that require more time to resolve.