Maintenance & Repairs in Canada

Learn about your rights as a tenant in Canada regarding Maintenance & Repairs. Understand landlord responsibilities, how to request repairs, and how to resolve disputes effectively to protect your rental home and your legal rights.

Top 5 Most Maintenance & Repairs Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for repairs in an Alberta rental home?
Landlords must keep the property and proper systems in good repair; tenants must maintain cleanliness and not cause damage.
How do I report a maintenance issue to my landlord?
Report in writing (email or letter). Keep a copy for your records.
How soon must my landlord do repairs after I report a problem?
Landlords must address repairs "within a reasonable time," usually within days for urgent issues like no heat or water.
What can I do if my landlord ignores repair requests?
If unresolved, you may apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) or court for an order.
Can I withhold rent if repairs are not made?
No, you must continue paying rent. Withholding rent can lead to eviction.

Top 5 Most Maintenance & Repairs Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for repairs in a rental unit?
Landlords must repair and maintain the rental property and meet health, safety, and housing standards.
What should I do if my landlord ignores my repair request?
Send a written request. If no action, apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for dispute resolution.
Are tenants responsible for minor repairs?
Tenants must repair damage they cause or from negligence, not regular wear and tear.
How do I properly request a repair?
Give written notice to the landlord describing the issue and requesting repairs.
What is considered an emergency repair?
Repairs needed to fix health/safety risks or prevent property damage, like burst pipes or no heat in winter.

Top 5 Most Maintenance & Repairs Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs in my rental unit?
Landlords must keep the unit in good repair and comply with health and safety standards.
What should I do if something needs repair in my apartment?
Notify your landlord in writing of the repair needed, keeping a copy for your records.
How much time does my landlord have to make repairs?
Repairs should be done as soon as reasonably possible, with urgent matters addressed quickly.
What is considered an urgent repair?
Urgent repairs include loss of heat in winter, major leaks, no running water, or broken locks.
Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn't make repairs?
No, you must continue paying rent. Instead, file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Branch.

Top 5 Most Maintenance & Repairs Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for repairs in a rental unit in New Brunswick?
Landlords must keep the rental unit in good repair and comply with health, safety, and housing standards.
What should I do if something needs to be fixed in my apartment?
Notify your landlord in writing as soon as you notice a repair issue.
How do I notify my landlord about needed repairs?
Provide written notice by email, letter, or text, keeping a copy for your records.
Is there a specific form for requesting repairs?
No special form is required. Written notice is enough, but be specific and detailed.
What if my landlord ignores my repair request?
You can file a complaint with the Office of Residential Tenancies: New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

Top 5 Most Maintenance & Repairs Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for repairs in my rental unit?
Landlords must keep the rental unit in good repair and comply with health, safety, and housing standards.
What should I do if something needs repair?
Notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible, describing the problem clearly.
How fast must the landlord respond to urgent repairs?
Landlords should respond to urgent repairs (like heat or water loss) as soon as possible, generally within 24 hours.
Can I make the repairs myself and deduct the cost from my rent?
Not without the landlord’s consent. If urgent repairs are ignored, apply to the Residential Tenancies Section first.
What is considered an emergency repair?
Repairs related to essential services such as heating, water, or electricity are considered emergencies.

Top 5 Most Maintenance & Repairs Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for repairs in my rental unit?
Landlords must maintain the unit in good repair and comply with health and safety laws.
What is the official legislation for tenant rights in the Northwest Territories?
The Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories) is the main law covering your rights.
Which tribunal handles tenant–landlord issues in the Northwest Territories?
The Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) manages disputes.
What should I do if my landlord is not making necessary repairs?
Notify your landlord in writing. If unresolved, apply to the RTO using the Application to the Rental Officer (Form N).
What is "reasonable time" for making repairs?
Urgent repairs should be made quickly; other repairs within a reasonable period, depending on severity.

Top 5 Most Maintenance & Repairs Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for repairs in my rental unit?
Landlords must maintain the unit in good repair, fit for habitation and comply with health and safety laws.
How do I request repairs from my landlord?
Notify your landlord in writing, keeping a dated copy for your records.
What if my landlord ignores my repair request?
If repairs aren’t made, you may apply to the Residential Tenancies Program for an order.
Can I withhold rent if repairs aren’t done?
No, you must not withhold rent. Instead, file an application through Residential Tenancies.
How can I prove I requested repairs?
Keep copies of written requests, emails, and any communication about the repair issue.

Top 5 Most Maintenance & Repairs Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for repairs in my rental unit?
Landlords are responsible for maintaining the rental unit in a good state of repair and fit for habitation under the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act.
What should I do if something breaks in my unit?
Notify your landlord in writing right away, describing the problem and asking for repairs.
How soon does the landlord have to fix urgent repairs?
Landlords must complete urgent repairs as soon as possible to restore the unit to a safe, livable condition.
What is considered an emergency repair?
Emergency repairs include no heat in winter, no water, unsafe electrical, or anything endangering health or safety.
Can I repair something myself and deduct the cost from my rent?
Only if you have written consent from the landlord, or if it's an emergency, you've tried to contact them, and keep your receipts.

Top 5 Most Maintenance & Repairs Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for repairs in Ontario rentals?
Landlords must keep rental units in good repair and meet health, safety, and housing standards at all times.
What should I do if my landlord won’t fix something important?
Give your landlord written notice. If not fixed, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) using Form T6.
How quickly must a landlord respond to repair requests?
There is no set timeframe, but urgent repairs (like heat or water) must be addressed quickly for health and safety.
Can I withhold rent if repairs aren’t done?
No. Always keep paying rent. Instead, file a complaint with the LTB if repairs aren’t completed.
What repairs is my landlord required to make?
Landlords must fix things that make the unit unsafe or violate health, safety, or housing codes and keep everything in good working order.

Top 5 Most Maintenance & Repairs Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for repairs in my rental unit?
Landlords are legally responsible for keeping rental units in a good state of repair and meeting health, safety, and housing standards.
How do I request a repair from my landlord?
Notify your landlord in writing about the needed repair. Keep a copy for your records.
What can I do if my landlord ignores my repair request?
You can apply to the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) for an order to require repairs. Use Form 2 - Application by Tenant. IRAC Forms
What is the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC)?
IRAC is the tribunal that handles residential tenancy disputes in PEI. Visit IRAC
Which law covers landlord and tenant repair responsibilities in PEI?
The Residential Tenancy Act (PEI) and the corresponding Residential Tenancy Act Regulations.

Top 5 Most Maintenance & Repairs Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for repairs in a Quebec rental?
Landlords must maintain the property in good habitable condition; tenants must keep it clean and notify about problems.
What repairs must my landlord do?
Landlords must fix anything that affects safety, health, or normal use, like heating, plumbing, and appliances.
What repairs are tenants responsible for?
Tenants are responsible for repairing damage they cause and doing regular cleaning.
How do I request a repair from my landlord?
Notify your landlord in writing (email or letter), clearly stating the problem and requested repair.
What if my landlord ignores my repair request?
If the landlord does not act, you can file a complaint at the Tribunal administratif du logement (Rental Board).

Top 5 Most Maintenance & Repairs Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for repairs in my rental unit?
Landlords must keep the unit in good repair and comply with health, safety, and housing standards.
What should I do if something needs repair?
Inform your landlord in writing about the needed repair as soon as possible.
How do I request a repair from my landlord?
Submit a written request (email or letter) describing the issue and when you discovered it.
How quickly must my landlord make repairs?
Repairs must be made within a reasonable time, depending on the urgency of the problem.
Can I withhold rent if repairs are not done?
No, you must continue paying rent. Withholding rent could lead to eviction.

Top 5 Most Maintenance & Repairs Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for repairs in my rental unit?
Landlords must maintain the rental unit in good repair and comply with health and safety standards.
What repairs must the landlord make?
Landlords must fix anything that affects health, safety, or housing standards, including heat, plumbing, and locks.
Do I have to pay for repairs?
Tenants only pay for repairs if they or their guests caused the damage.
How do I ask my landlord to make a repair?
Notify your landlord in writing, describing the problem and requesting repairs.
What if my landlord refuses to do repairs?
You can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for an order to have repairs done.

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