Guide to Filing a Rent Reduction Application with Form T3 in Ontario (English / French)

Understanding the Landlord and Tenant Board Form T3: Tenant Application for a Rent Reduction

If you are a tenant in Ontario and believe that your rent should be reduced, the Form T3 is your official tool to request this from the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). This form is designed to assess whether your rent can be lowered due to changes in services or municipal taxes affecting your rental unit. Here’s what you need to know about the purpose, eligibility, and process of submitting this form.

Purpose and When to Use Form T3

The Form T3 allows tenants to formally request a rent reduction based on specific circumstances:

• Reduction or discontinuation of a service or facility that was previously provided to your unit or the entire residential complex.
• Decrease in municipal taxes and charges for the property you rent.

This form is applicable when such changes occur within the last 12 months, and you believe they warrant a rent adjustment. It is a crucial step if you want the Board to evaluate whether your current rent aligns with the new circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria for Filing Form T3

To be eligible to file this application, you must meet the following conditions:

• You are a tenant of a rental unit in Ontario.
• Either a service or facility has been reduced or stopped, or municipal taxes have decreased, within the past year.
• You have documented evidence of these changes, such as notices from your landlord or municipal tax statements.

It’s important to note that this form does not cover general rent increases or disputes unrelated to services or taxes. The Board will consider whether the changes directly impact the value or quality of your rental unit.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out Form T3

Part 1: General Information

Start by providing details about your rental unit, including:

• The address of the rental property.
• Your personal contact information and those of any co-tenants.
• The landlord’s name and address.
• Any related applications concerning the same rental unit that are pending resolution.

Part 2: Reasons for the Application

Next, you will select the reason for your rent reduction request:

1. If your landlord has reduced or discontinued a service or facility, specify the service and the date it changed. You will also need to detail your rent payments over the past 12 months.
2. If municipal taxes have decreased, provide the relevant calendar years and attach proof of tax amounts for both the year the decrease took effect and the previous year.

Part 3: Signatures and Representation

Finally, sign the form or have your authorized representative sign on your behalf. If someone else is representing you, include their contact information. Additionally, if you require accommodations or language assistance for the hearing, complete the Request for French-Language Services or Accommodation form included at the end of the application.

Filing the Application and Fees

Once completed, submit all pages of the form to the Landlord and Tenant Board. Ensure you include the applicable fee of $53 for the first rental unit, with additional units costing $5 each, up to a maximum of $450. Payments can be made via money order, certified cheque, or credit card if mailing or couriering your application. Online payments are also accepted, with a receipt to be emailed to the Board.

The Board will review your application and send you a Notice of Hearing with details about the date and location. It’s essential to keep all documentation related to your claim, as the Board may request additional evidence during the process.

Additional Support and Contact Information

If you need assistance filling out the form or require special accommodations during the hearing, contact the Landlord and Tenant Board at:

• 416-645-8080
• 1-888-332-3234 (toll-free)
• tribunalsontario.ca/ltb

Understanding and properly completing the Form T3 can help tenants in Ontario seek fair rent adjustments based on recent changes affecting their housing. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and submit all required documentation to support your application.