Landlord and Tenant Board hearing

8:30am, arrived Hamilton and parked. This route going into city was smooth as everyone was trying to get out.

8:45am, arrived the provincial government complex, where the landlord and tenant board locates.

9am, Registeration started by matching the file # with two digit seq#. Attendees uses this seq# to sign on the attendence sheet. On the same desk, L1 update sheet is available. Then the crowd gradually moved into the hearing room and waited for the official hearing to start @ 9:30am.

9:30am, board member welcomed everyone and introduced himself. The mediator explained the mediation rules and asked if anyone in the room would like to solve the case in private discussion to get a deal. At least 1/3 of attendees left. The board member then proceeded by calling the case # for both applicant and reciceipent to come upfront for formal hearing. It's typical that the board member asked each party represent themselves in order and then made a court decision. These landlords and tenants who reached a deal, came back with mediator and informed the board member whenever there was a gap. Board member made sure all parties understand their rights and responsibilities then closed the case.

10am, representative posted a sheet outside of court room and suggested expedite hearing next door for these cases without highlighted where only 1 party signed in. Half left the room this time. I guess 99% are landlords. Another board member introduced herself and started processing the file by calling each case #. Questions being asked: how much the tenant owed, including application fee, whether the tenant still occupies the property, if tenant has been notified, what's reason for eviction and etc. A notice with 11 days to move out the property is mailed to both parties.