How Hiring a Private Investigator Can Help with Landlord–Tenant Disputes in Ontario

Landlord–tenant disputes in Ontario can become complex and emotionally charged. When conflicts escalate and a matter proceeds to a hearing before the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), both landlords and tenants must present credible evidence to support their claims. In many cases, the outcome of a hearing depends heavily on the quality and reliability of the evidence presented.

Hiring a professional private investigator can play a critical role in gathering that evidence. At Aventus Investigations, our private investigators are trained to legally collect information, document activities, and uncover facts that may otherwise be difficult to prove. This evidence can significantly strengthen a case before the LTB.

Below are several ways our investigators at Aventus Investigations can assist with landlord–tenant disputes in Ontario.

Surveillance to Document Lease Violations

One of the most common issues in landlord–tenant disputes involve alleged lease violations. These may include:

• Unauthorized occupants living in the unit
• Illegal short-term rentals (such as Airbnb use)
• Operating a business from a residential property
• Excessive visitors or suspicious activity

Our private investigators can conduct discreet surveillance to document patterns of activity at the property. Through photographs, video recordings, and detailed observation logs, our investigators can provide objective evidence showing who is entering or leaving the unit and how the property is being used.

This type of documentation can be extremely valuable when presenting a case to the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Evidence of Subletting or Unauthorized Occupants

Landlords sometimes suspect that tenants are illegally subletting their unit or allowing additional people to live there who are not listed on the lease. Proving this can be difficult without professional documentation.

Our private investigators can help confirm:

• Whether new occupants are residing at the property
• The frequency and duration of individuals staying in the unit
• Patterns indicating long-term residence

Our investigators may also gather open-source information such as online rental listings or social media posts advertising the property for sublet. When combined with surveillance findings, this evidence can strongly support an application to the LTB.

Conducting a Skip Trace to Locate a Tenant

Landlords pursuing a Landlord and Tenant Board hearing for unpaid rent must locate the tenant who has “skipped out” for proper service. Our private investigators can assist in:

• Obtaining a current address for the tenant
• Conducting surveillance to document the tenant at the address
• Developing employment information
• Gathering verifiable contact information

These findings provide the landlord with evidence of the tenant’s whereabouts, helping meet LTB requirements and avoiding procedural roadblocks.

Witness Statements and Evidence Collection

Our professional investigators are skilled at interviewing witnesses and collecting statements that may be relevant to a dispute.

This can include speaking with:

• Neighbours
• Building staff
• Property managers
• Other tenants

Witness statements may confirm issues such as excessive noise, suspicious activity, unauthorized occupants, or ongoing disturbances. Properly documented statements can be included in evidence packages for LTB hearings.

Professional Evidence Presentation

One of the major advantages of hiring a private investigator is the professional documentation they provide.

Our investigations will produce:

• Detailed surveillance reports
• Timestamped photographs and video evidence
• Witness statements
• Investigative summaries

These materials can be organized into a clear evidence package that may be submitted during an LTB hearing. Well-structured documentation can make it easier for adjudicators to understand the facts of the case.

Ensuring Evidence Is Collected Legally

Evidence presented at the Landlord and Tenant Board must be obtained lawfully. Private investigators in Ontario are licensed and trained to conduct investigations within the limits of privacy laws and provincial regulations.

This ensures that the evidence gathered can be used without risking legal complications or dismissal.

Final Thoughts

Landlord–tenant disputes often come down to evidence. Without clear documentation, it can be challenging to prove lease violations or property misuse during a hearing.

Our licensed private investigators can help gather the facts, document activities, and provide professional evidence that supports your position before the Landlord and Tenant Board. Whether through surveillance, digital investigations, or witness interviews, investigative services can be a valuable resource when preparing for an LTB case.

If you are dealing with a difficult landlord–tenant dispute in Ontario, Aventus Investigations Inc. will help you obtain the evidence needed to protect your property and your legal interests.