September 22 paralegal digest: new LTB rules and practice updates

LTB: changes effective September 21

N4 notices given from September 21 have a seven-day notice period. For arrears applications filed from that date, tenants seeking to raise other issues must pay half the claimed arrears directly to the landlord at least seven days before the hearing; disclosure requirements also apply.

The new persistent-late-payment test includes rent received over seven days late on at least three occasions in six months; the operational update also identifies exceptions and other circumstances.

For landlord’s own-use N12 notices served from September 21, at least 120 days’ notice removes the compensation/alternative-unit requirement. Failure to occupy within 60 days of the termination date stated in the notice carries a rebuttable bad-faith presumption. Neither change applies to purchaser’s own use.

For renovation-related N13 cases, tenants exercising their right to return must receive completion information, updates and 60 days to reoccupy. Non-compliance creates a rebuttable presumption that the landlord failed to honour that right.

Without landlord consent, a delay must not be unfair to the landlord or other tenants; compelling reasons are additionally required except in N12/N13 cases. Use updated forms: previous versions cease to be accepted November 30.

LSO directory: earlier regulatory update

Law Times reported on June 30 that the modernized directory includes regulatory history, practice restrictions and active trusteeships, with additional transparency fields scheduled for September 1. Its report identifies disclosure of findings of guilt, other regulated professions and certain intended interlocutory proceedings. This is background, not a new September 22 announcement.

AI and professional conduct: July tribunal order

The July 16 order in Mary Hyun-Sook Lee’s matter imposed a six-month suspension starting July 17. Findings included reliance on non-existent or irrelevant AI-generated authorities, misleading a court and dishonesty with the Law Society. The practical lesson is to verify authorities and be candid about errors; the order does not establish an automatic penalty for using AI.

2026 licensing fees: budget background

Law Times’ December 1, 2025 budget report lists a $1,037 annual paralegal fee, reduced to $1,007 by a $30 Compensation Fund credit, and a $1,460 examination fee for the 2026–2027 licensing year. These are older budget figures, not new September charges; consult the LSO’s applicable fee schedule and invoice for taxes and individual adjustments.

Small Claims Court: current practice reminder

The court confirms a $50,000 monetary limit for civil claims for money or return of personal property. Filing instructions distinguish Toronto from other locations. The general online portal does not accept Form 20D requests for writs of seizure and sale of land; its instructions direct those requests to mail or in-person filing. Check the applicable court’s route and current forms.

GO Transit and UP Express: penalties effective September 8

Metrolinx confirms escalating fare-evasion penalties: $200 for a first offence, $300 for a second and $400 for a third, then $500 for a fourth. A fifth offence brings a Provincial Offence Notice with a $600 set fine; a sixth or subsequent offence brings a summons and a possible fine up to $1,000 on conviction.

Scope and source dates

This September 22 digest covers Ontario paralegal practice. The September 21 LTB update is the fresh development; other items retain their original dates. Immigration news is tracked separately.