FORM L7 – Application to Transfer a Care Home Tenant

Jurisdiction: Country: Canada | Province or State: Ontario

What is a FORM L7 – Application to Transfer a Care Home Tenant?

Form L7 is the Landlord and Tenant Board’s application for care homes. It lets a care home landlord ask the Board for permission to move a tenant to a different room or unit within the same care home. You use it when the tenant does not consent to the move, or when you cannot obtain consent. The application is about location only, not ending the tenancy.

A “care home” is a rental setting where the landlord provides care services and meals as part of the tenancy. Think of retirement homes or similar residences where services such as assistance with bathing, dressing, medication, or meals are part of the arrangement. These tenancies are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, and have special rules. The L7 supports those rules by offering a legal path to transfer a tenant when care needs or safety require it.

Who typically uses this form? Care home landlords and operators use it. Property managers for care homes also file the form on the landlord’s behalf. A tenant does not file an L7. But a tenant, or their substitute decision-maker, will receive the application and can respond to it.

Why would you need this form? You need this form when a tenant must move to another room for health, safety, or care reasons, but you do not have consent. For example, the tenant’s care needs may increase, and a higher-support wing is safer. Or the tenant may now use a mobility device, and the current room is not accessible. The tenant may disagree or feel attached to their current room. The L7 lets you ask the Board to approve the move after weighing the evidence.

Typical usage scenarios include:

• A tenant with progressing dementia now wanders and exits unsafely. You want to transfer them to a secure floor with controlled access.
• A tenant recovers after surgery and can live in a less intensive care unit. You propose a room on a standard floor to fit their changed care plan.
• A tenant now needs bariatric equipment. The current room cannot safely accommodate it. A larger room with reinforced fixtures is proposed.
• A tenant needs closer supervision after falls. You propose a room near the nursing station for better monitoring.
• You need to cohort residents during an infectious outbreak, and the proposed transfer aligns with clinical advice.
• A tenant’s roommate changes, and behavioural incompatibility creates risk. You propose a single room or a new roommate match.

In all cases, your goal is to align the tenant’s room with their assessed care needs, while respecting their rights. The L7 is the procedural tool to do that when informal agreement is not possible.

When Would You Use a FORM L7 – Application to Transfer a Care Home Tenant?

You use an L7 only for transfers within the same care home. It is not for moving a tenant to a different building. It is not for ending a tenancy or collecting arrears. It does not change rent or service fees. It deals with the location of the rented room in the same care home.

You file an L7 after you have tried to get consent and failed. Usually, you discuss the need to move with the tenant. You explain the reasons and the benefits. You offer options, if any exist. You ask for consent. If the tenant refuses, or lacks capacity and their decision-maker refuses, you consider an L7. You should have objective support for the move. Health professional assessments and care plans help show why the transfer is necessary.

Typical users are care home landlords and managers. They act when clinical changes make the current room unsuitable. They also act when safety risks appear. Tenants and families often have strong feelings about moves. They may fear disruption. They may mistrust the change. The Board process exists to decide disputes fairly.

Use the L7 when:

• The tenant’s health needs change and the current room no longer fits.
• The tenant’s behaviour puts them or others at risk in the current location.
• Specialized equipment cannot be installed or used safely in the current room.
• A different wing offers needed supports not available where the tenant is.
• Accessibility requirements evolve and the proposed room meets them better.

Do not use an L7 to solve other problems. For example, do not try to move a tenant because of interpersonal conflicts you can manage another way. Do not use it to relocate a tenant to prepare a room for renovation unless tied to care needs. Do not use it to address non-payment of care services. Different forms and processes exist for those issues.

In practice, you use the L7 when you have explored reasonable alternatives. You considered extra supports in the current room and found them inadequate. You looked for less disruptive solutions and none were workable. You documented these steps. That record will matter at the hearing.

Legal Characteristics of the FORM L7 – Application to Transfer a Care Home Tenant

The L7 is an application under Ontario’s residential tenancy law. It asks the Landlord and Tenant Board to issue an order. The Board’s order is legally binding. If the Board allows the transfer, the order will set a move date and any conditions. Both landlord and tenant must follow the order.

What ensures enforceability? First, the Board is a statutory tribunal with authority over residential tenancies. Second, the Board’s rules set out how applications are filed, served, and decided. Third, the Board can make orders after considering evidence and submissions. If someone does not comply with an order, the law provides enforcement mechanisms. For a transfer order, the Board can attach terms and deadlines. If the tenant still refuses to move after an order, you can seek further relief from the Board. The Board can consider remedies up to and including termination, but only if legal standards are met. You cannot force entry or self-help the move. You must stay within the Board’s process.

General legal considerations:

• Consent and capacity: A capable tenant can agree or refuse a proposed transfer. If the tenant lacks capacity to make decisions about accommodation, a legally authorized decision-maker may act. If consent is refused, the Board can decide. You should bring clear evidence about capacity and who is authorized to decide.
• Necessity and reasonableness: The Board looks at why the move is needed. Health and safety evidence carries weight. The Board considers the least disruptive option that still meets the need.
• Human rights: You must accommodate disability-related needs to the point of undue hardship. A transfer should serve accommodation, not undermine it. Be prepared to explain how the proposed move meets the tenant’s needs better than the status quo.
• Privacy: Health information should be limited to what is necessary. Obtain appropriate consent to share medical details. If you cannot get consent, consider anonymized or summary clinical opinions from regulated professionals, consistent with privacy rules.
• Service separation: Rent and care service fees are separate under care home rules. The L7 deals with room location, not fees. Do not mix issues in this application.
• Procedural fairness: Serve the documents properly. Give the tenant enough detail to understand the case. Bring your witnesses and evidence. Expect the tenant to present their own evidence.

Because the Board is deciding a change to a tenant’s home, it expects solid, objective justification. Vague concerns or convenience for the operator will not be enough. Credible assessments and concrete risks are persuasive. Show why the current room cannot meet the need and why the proposed room can.

How to Fill Out a FORM L7 – Application to Transfer a Care Home Tenant

Follow these steps to complete the L7 accurately and improve your chance of success.

1) Confirm you are the right applicant

• Ensure the property is a care home covered by residential tenancy law.
• Confirm you are the landlord or an authorized agent. If you are an agent, be ready to provide authority.
• Confirm the transfer is within the same care home. If it is to another building, do not use this form.

2) Gather your documents and information

• Current tenancy agreement and any care home service agreement.
• The Care Home Information Package given at move-in.
• Detailed description of the current room and the proposed room.
• Floor or unit numbers, and any special features (e.g., accessible bathroom, nurse call system).
• Health or functional assessments from qualified professionals supporting the need to move.
• Care plan notes that show why the current room is unsuitable.
• Incident reports that document safety risks, if relevant.
• Records of discussions with the tenant or family about the proposed transfer.
• Any written refusal of consent from the tenant or decision-maker.
• Contact details for witnesses, such as care staff or clinicians.

3) Complete the applicant information section

• Enter the full legal name of the landlord. If the landlord is a company, use the corporate name.
• Provide the mailing address, phone number, and email for contact.
• If an agent is filing, include the agent’s name and contact details.
• Indicate preferred method of contact, if the form asks.

4) Identify the tenant (respondent)

• List the full name of the tenant. Use the name on the tenancy agreement.
• If there are multiple tenants for the room, list all names.
• Include the tenant’s room number and full address of the care home.
• Add contact information for the tenant, if known.
• If the tenant has a substitute decision-maker, provide their name and relationship. Include contact details.

5) Describe the rental unit and care home

• Enter the municipal address of the care home.
• Identify the current room, including floor and any descriptors.
• Identify the proposed room in the same care home.
• Note key features of the proposed room that address the need (e.g., wider doorway, proximity to nurse station).

6) State the reasons for the transfer clearly

• Explain what has changed or why the current room is inadequate.
• Describe the tenant’s care needs relevant to the move. Keep it factual and respectful.
• Link each need to a feature of the proposed room that solves the problem.
• If there is a safety risk, describe it in concrete terms with dates and examples.
• Avoid general statements. Focus on objective facts and assessments.

Example: “The tenant experienced three nighttime falls in six weeks. The current room is 35 metres from the nurse station. The proposed room is adjacent to the station, allowing quicker response to alarms.”

7) Indicate consent status and history

• State whether you asked the tenant to consent to the transfer.
• If yes, state when you asked and how (meeting, letter).
• State whether the tenant consented, refused, or did not respond.
• If a decision-maker is involved, record the same details for them.
• Attach copies of letters or notes from discussions.

8) Attach supporting evidence (schedules)

Create labeled schedules for clarity. For example:

• Schedule A: Tenancy agreement and care home service agreement.
• Schedule B: Care plan and recent assessments by regulated health professionals.
• Schedule C: Incident reports and risk assessments, if any.
• Schedule D: Description of proposed room, with photos or floor plan if available.
• Schedule E: Correspondence with the tenant or decision-maker about the transfer.
• Schedule F: Any accommodation plan related to disability or accessibility.

Make sure each schedule is legible and organized. Reference each schedule in your reasons so the member can find it quickly.

9) Provide witness information

• List the names and roles of any witnesses who will speak at the hearing.
• Typical witnesses include a nurse, care coordinator, or building manager.
• Include a brief note on what each witness will address (e.g., “falls risk,” “equipment clearance”).

10) Confirm the legal basis in plain language

• The form may ask you to cite the care home provisions. If so, indicate that this is an application to transfer a care home tenant within the same care home due to care or safety needs.
• Keep it simple and consistent with your reasons.

11) Hearing and language needs

• If you or a witness need an interpreter or accessibility accommodation, indicate this.
• If you need a virtual or in-person format for specific reasons, explain briefly.

12) Filing fee

• Pay the required application fee. The form will state acceptable payment methods.
• If your organization has a payment account, follow your internal process.
• Keep proof of payment.

13) Signature and declaration

• Read the declaration carefully. You confirm the information is true to the best of your knowledge.
• Sign and date the form. If an agent signs, indicate their title and authority.
• If the form allows electronic signatures, follow the instructions.

14) Serve the application properly

• After filing, you must serve the tenant (and any listed decision-maker) with the application and any Notice of Hearing.
• Use an approved method of service.
• Keep a record of how and when you served the documents. You may need to complete a Certificate of Service.
• If the tenant has a representative, serve them as well.

15) Prepare for the hearing

• Organize your documents in the order you referenced them.
• Prepare a short summary of your case. Focus on why the move is necessary and how it benefits the tenant’s care or safety.
• Confirm your witnesses are available. Share hearing details and expected time.
• Anticipate the tenant’s concerns and prepare respectful responses. Show you considered less disruptive options.

16) What to avoid in your application

• Do not rely on convenience for the care home as a reason.
• Do not propose a room that is worse for the tenant’s disability needs.
• Do not withhold relevant information from the tenant.
• Do not include unrelated complaints, such as arrears or noise issues. Keep those separate.

17) Practical drafting tips

• Use plain language. A tribunal member should understand your case at a glance.
• Use dates, numbers, and facts. “Three incidents since May 1” is stronger than “several incidents.”
• Connect needs to features. Show a direct link between the problem and the solution.
• Explain why alternatives did not work. For example, “We installed motion sensors and added hourly checks. Falls continued.”

18) After the hearing

• If the Board grants the transfer, follow the order exactly. Communicate clearly with the tenant about timelines and moving arrangements.
• If the Board sets conditions, meet them. For example, provide grab bars or mattress sensors in the new room if ordered.
• If the application is dismissed, review the reasons. Consider whether adjustments in the current room can meet the need, or whether further evidence is required before any future application.

19) If the tenant does not move after an order

• Do not force entry or move belongings without consent or further authority.
• Seek guidance from the Board on next steps. You may need a follow-up application.
• Document all communication and attempts to comply with the order.

20) Keep the tenant at the centre

• Throughout the process, keep the tenant’s dignity and autonomy in view.
• Be clear, patient, and respectful in all communications.
• Offer practical moving help, like packing and orientation to the new floor.
• Ensure continuity of care during the transition.

Putting it all together: a sample outline for your narrative

• Who the tenant is in the tenancy context (name, room, length of stay).
• What has changed in their care needs with dates and objective findings.
• Why the current room cannot meet those needs, with examples.
• What the proposed room offers that solves the problem.
• What steps you tried to keep the tenant in place and why they were insufficient.
• What discussions you had about consent and the outcomes.
• What professional assessments support the move.
• Why the proposed move is the least disruptive effective option.

If you follow this structure, you give the Board what it needs to decide. You also show respect for the tenant’s rights while acting on your duty to provide safe, appropriate accommodation in a care home setting.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

Care home means a residence that provides accommodation plus care services. You will often see this term on the form to confirm the setting. It distinguishes your situation from a standard rental unit. The form assumes the tenant receives care or assistance as part of living there.

Transfer means moving a tenant from one room or unit to another. It can be within the same building or to another care setting, depending on the requested order. On the form, you explain why a transfer is needed and where the tenant would move.

Care services are supports like meals, bathing, dressing, or medication help. The form may ask about the services currently provided and what the tenant now needs. You show how the new room better matches those needs.

Support services agreement is the written arrangement for care services. It often lists services, schedules, and fees. You may attach this to the form. It helps the decision-maker see what has changed and why a transfer is appropriate.

Accommodation charge is the fee for the room or unit. It is separate from care service charges in many care homes. If those amounts would change after transfer, note that in your attachments. The form may ask you to clarify what the tenant pays now and later.

Consent refers to the tenant’s agreement to the transfer. If the tenant agrees, include proof. If the tenant does not agree, the form allows you to seek an order authorizing the transfer. The decision-maker will look for evidence either way.

Representative means someone acting for the tenant or landlord. It could be a family member, a legal representative, or an attorney under a power of attorney. The form includes space to list representatives who will receive notices and attend the hearing.

Evidence is the information you attach to support the application. Typical evidence includes assessments, incident logs, care plans, and staff notes. The form will ask what you rely on. Make sure each document is clear and relevant.

Hearing is the meeting where a decision-maker reviews the application. It may be in person, by phone, or by video. After you file the form and serve it, the tribunal schedules a hearing. You will receive a Notice of Hearing with details.

Order is the written decision after the hearing. If the application is granted, the order will specify what happens and when. It may set a transfer date and any conditions. You must follow the order exactly.

FAQs

Do you need the tenant’s consent to request a transfer?

Consent helps, but it is not required. If the tenant agrees, include a signed statement or email confirming agreement. If the tenant does not agree, you can still apply. You must explain why the transfer is necessary. Provide evidence showing health, safety, or care needs. The decision-maker will weigh the facts at the hearing.

Do you have to propose a specific room or unit?

Yes. Be specific. Identify the proposed room or unit, and explain why it suits the tenant’s needs. Include key features like accessibility, proximity to care staff, bathroom access, or safety features. If more than one option exists, list the preferred choice and any backup. The decision-maker needs a practical plan, not a general request.

Do you need medical or professional assessments?

You should include any assessments that support the request. Examples include nursing assessments, occupational therapy notes, or a care plan. If the tenant’s needs have changed, show what changed and when. Use clear summaries. Avoid jargon. Tie each document to the reason a transfer is needed now.

Do you have to keep paying current charges while the application is pending?

Yes. The tenancy and service arrangements continue until an order or agreement changes them. You should not move the tenant early unless everyone agrees in writing. Keep billing as usual. If the order changes charges, apply those changes on the date specified in the order.

Can you request a faster hearing for urgent safety issues?

If there is an urgent risk, you can ask for priority scheduling. Use the form’s space for special requests, or include a letter. Clearly explain the risk and attach proof. Be specific about incidents, dates, and impacts. The tribunal decides whether to expedite the case.

Do you need to notify a legal representative or substitute decision-maker?

Yes. If the tenant has a legal representative, you must serve them with the application. List the representative on the form, including contact details. If you are unsure, check your records for any power of attorney or representation agreement. Keep proof of service for everyone you notify.

What if the tenant refuses to move after an order is issued?

You must follow the order’s steps and timelines. Try to coordinate the move with the tenant and any representative. If the tenant still refuses, contact the tribunal or enforcement office as allowed by the order. Keep detailed notes. Do not use self-help or force. Only act within the order’s terms.

Will the tenant’s rent or care charges change after a transfer?

They might. It depends on the new room type and service package. Be transparent in your application. Include a current breakdown and a proposed breakdown after transfer. If the order allows the transfer, update the tenancy and service agreements accordingly. Confirm changes in writing with the tenant.

Can you withdraw the application if everyone agrees to a transfer later?

Yes. If you reach a written agreement, you can withdraw the application. Alternatively, you can ask the tribunal to issue a consent order that reflects the agreement. Use the method the tribunal provides for withdrawals or consent orders. Keep a copy of the final agreement in the tenant’s file.

Do you have to attend the hearing?

Yes. The applicant or a representative should attend. Be ready to speak to the facts, answer questions, and explain why the transfer is necessary. Bring originals or clear copies of all evidence you filed. If you miss the hearing, your case may be dismissed or delayed.

Checklist: Before, During, and After

Before signing the form

• Confirm eligibility: The tenant lives in a care home and receives care services.
• Identify the proposed room or unit. Note size, location, and special features.
• Gather the current tenancy agreement and service agreement.
• Collect recent care assessments and care plans.
• Compile incident logs, safety reports, or staff notes tied to the transfer.
• Prepare a summary of the tenant’s current needs versus the proposed room’s supports.
• Confirm whether the tenant consents. If yes, obtain proof in writing.
• Identify any legal representative and gather contact information.
• Prepare a rent and service fee breakdown for current and proposed arrangements.
• Obtain floor plans or photos if they help explain accessibility or safety.
• Draft a clear timeline showing why the transfer is needed now.
• Identify interpreters or accessibility accommodations needed for the hearing.
• Check internal policies on moves and transitions within the care home.
• Confirm move logistics: packing help, equipment, and coordination with staff.

During signing

• Use the correct legal names for the tenant and the applicant.
• List the full address of the care home and the current unit.
• Provide the exact details of the proposed unit.
• State the transfer reason clearly. Avoid vague language.
• Reference each attached document in the form.
• Confirm you included all attachments. Number your pages.
• Complete the section about tenant consent. Attach proof if available.
• Include contact details for any representative.
• Request a faster hearing only if you have solid reasons and evidence.
• Read the declaration. Ensure everything is true and complete.
• Sign and date the form. Print your name and role clearly.
• Review the form against the instructions one last time.

After signing

• Make a full copy of the entire package for your records.
• File the application using an accepted method. Pay any required fee.
• Serve the tenant and any representative with the filed package.
• Keep proof of service for each person served.
• Calendar the hearing date and any deadlines in the notice.
• Prepare a concise hearing brief. Include an index and page numbers.
• Line up witnesses if needed, such as a nurse or care coordinator.
• Arrange interpretation or accessibility services ahead of time.
• Keep communications professional. Confirm any agreements in writing.
• Prepare a move plan that respects the tenant’s dignity and privacy.
• Do not move the tenant unless there is an agreement or an order.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t forget to explain “why now.”

• Mistake: Filing without a clear, time-sensitive reason.
• Consequence: The decision-maker may see no urgency or necessity and dismiss the request.
• Fix: Show specific incidents, changes in care needs, and dates.

Don’t submit vague or unsupported claims.

• Mistake: Saying “for safety” without evidence.
• Consequence: Weak evidence leads to delays or denial.
• Fix: Attach assessments, logs, and photos if relevant. Tie each to the risk.

Don’t ignore the tenant’s voice.

• Mistake: Failing to note consent, or not serving a representative.
• Consequence: Procedural issues can derail the case or cause adjournments.
• Fix: Serve all required parties and include proof. If no consent, explain efforts made.

Don’t mismatch the proposed room with the tenant’s needs.

• Mistake: Proposing a room that lacks required accessibility or supervision.
• Consequence: The tribunal questions suitability and may refuse the transfer.
• Fix: Map needs to features. Be precise about how the new room meets each need.

Don’t skip organization.

• Mistake: Missing pages, unnumbered attachments, or inconsistent facts.
• Consequence: Confusion, credibility damage, and delays.
• Fix: Use a document index and consistent labels. Cross-reference in the form.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form

1) File the application

• Submit the completed form with attachments.
• Pay any required filing fee.
• Keep a stamped or electronic confirmation of filing.

2) Serve the other parties

• Serve the tenant and any representative with the filed package.
• Use a permitted service method.
• Complete a proof of service for each person served.
• Store copies of all proofs of service.

3) Prepare for the hearing

• Draft a short summary of your case, highlighting key facts and dates.
• Organize evidence into a bundle with an index.
• Highlight critical passages in assessments.
• Prepare witness statements or speaking notes.
• Anticipate questions and prepare clear, factual answers.

4) Consider settlement

• Reach out to the tenant or representative to discuss a voluntary move.
• If you agree, document the terms in writing.
• Decide whether to withdraw or ask for a consent order.

5) Attend the hearing

• Arrive early and test any technology if the hearing is remote.
• Have all documents ready to share.
• Speak to the evidence, not assumptions.
• Stay calm and respectful, even if the discussion is difficult.

6) Review the order

• Read the order carefully. Note deadlines and conditions.
• Calendar key dates, including the transfer date.
• If something is unclear, seek guidance from the tribunal.

7) Implement the transfer

• Confirm the move date with the tenant and any representative.
• Assign staff to support packing and safe transfer.
• Prepare the new room with any needed equipment.
• Update the care plan to reflect the new location.
• Provide a written summary of new charges, if any.

8) Update documents and records

• Sign an updated tenancy and service agreement if required.
• Issue new fee schedules or billing changes in writing.
• Update internal systems with the new room and care plan.
• Store the order, application, and evidence in the tenant’s file.

9) Manage belongings and logistics

• Inventory the tenant’s belongings before the move.
• Label items and ensure nothing is lost in transit.
• Arrange safe handling for medications and mobility devices.
• Provide a simple orientation to the new space.

10) Handle changes or amendments

• If facts change before the hearing, file an amendment.
• If you resolve the matter, withdraw or file a consent order request.
• If the order cannot be followed as written, contact the tribunal quickly.

11) Monitor and follow up

• Check in with the tenant after the move.
• Confirm the new setting meets the intended needs.
• Document any adjustments to the care plan.

12) Keep a compliance trail

• • Maintain copies of all communications, notices, and receipts.
  • Record how you met each requirement of the order.
  • This protects you if questions arise later.