Tenants in Ontario often face difficult issues, from repairs not being done to health and safety concerns. Many wonder: can your landlord evict you simply for reaching out to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) or city by-law or building inspectors? This guide breaks down your rights, legal protections, and practical steps to take.

Legal Protections Against Retaliatory Eviction

In Ontario, retaliatory eviction—when a landlord tries to evict you just because you asserted your rights, such as contacting the Landlord and Tenant Board or a city inspector—is strictly prohibited under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.^[1] Landlords cannot legally evict tenants for:

• Filing a complaint with the LTB
• Calling a city inspector to report unsafe or unhealthy housing conditions
• Requesting repairs or enforcement of your legal rights

Instead, evictions can only occur for legitimate reasons set out in the Act, such as non-payment of rent, substantial damage, or personal use of the unit.

Your Right to Request Inspections and File Complaints

Ontario tenants have the right to report health, safety, or maintenance issues. If you believe your unit is unsafe or in need of serious repair, you can:

• Contact your local city or municipal by-law/building/property standards department
• File an application with the LTB if your landlord doesn't address important repair or maintenance issues

In many cases, specific forms must be used for these complaints. For example:

• Application About Maintenance (Form T6): Use this form to apply to the LTB if your landlord hasn't properly maintained your rental unit. Get Form T6 from the LTB website.

This procedure is fully legal and protected. For more info on what health and safety issues can trigger action, explore Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Understanding What Counts as Retaliation

A "retaliatory eviction" is any attempt to end your tenancy or treat you unfairly because you tried to enforce your rights. Examples of retaliation include:

• Serving you an eviction notice soon after your complaint
• Threatening to raise rent, withhold services, or harass you after you call city inspectors
• Making it difficult for you to renew or continue your lease for no legitimate reason

If you believe you are facing retaliation, you can apply to the LTB for remedies under the Act. See Tenant Rights in Ontario for an overview of protections.

What to Do if You Receive an Eviction Notice After Contacting Authorities

If you receive an N5 (Notice to End your Tenancy for Interfering with Others, Damage, or Overcrowding), an N6, or another eviction notice after you have contacted the LTB or city inspectors, you have the right to:

• Challenge the notice by refusing to move out
• Present your situation at an LTB hearing and explain that the notice was served as retaliation

Landlords must prove a legal reason for eviction. Simply calling inspectors or the LTB is not enough for them to succeed at the Board.

Filing Complaints About Landlord Harassment or Retaliation

If you believe your landlord is harassing you, removing services, or otherwise retaliating, you can file:

• Tenant Application About Maintenance (Form T6): To address repair or maintenance retaliation. Form T6 – Application and Info
• Tenant Application for a Remedy (Form T2): For harassment or interference with your rights. Form T2 – Application and Info

Applications are filed with the LTB and may result in compensation or penalties against the landlord.

Proof and Documentation: How Tenants Can Protect Themselves

Always consider:

• Keeping emails and written notes from all conversations
• Saving copies of official complaints and notices served
• Taking photos of any repair issues or unsafe conditions

Documentation helps show the true motive if you believe you're being evicted in retaliation. For help with ongoing rental issues, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Ontario law protects your right to speak up about unsafe conditions or unresolved problems without fear of losing your home.

Quick Recap: Can You Be Evicted for Reporting Problems?

In summary:

• Tenants in Ontario are legally protected against eviction for contacting the LTB or city inspectors
• Landlords can only evict for approved reasons under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
• If you suspect retaliation, you can challenge the eviction and file a complaint

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FAQ: Eviction and Tenant Rights in Ontario

1. Can my landlord evict me if I report them to city inspectors?
   No. Ontario laws forbid landlords from evicting tenants simply for contacting city officials or inspectors about repair, health, or safety issues.
2. What should I do if I get an eviction notice after filing a complaint?
   Do not move out. Attend your LTB hearing, explain the timing and context, and supply documents that support your case.
3. Are there official forms for responding to landlord retaliation or harassment?
   Yes. You may use Form T2 (for harassment/interference) or Form T6 (for maintenance issues).
4. Do I need proof to show retaliation?
   Keeping records, emails, and photos will greatly help demonstrate retaliation if the case goes to the LTB.
5. Where can I learn more about my rights as a tenant in Ontario?
   See Tenant Rights in Ontario for a full overview of protections and rules.

Key Takeaways

• It is unlawful for Ontario landlords to evict you in retaliation for contacting the LTB or city inspectors.
• File complaints using the correct forms and keep careful records.
• The Landlord and Tenant Board protects tenant rights and will dismiss unfair eviction attempts.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): File applications, respond to eviction notices, or get information.
• Ontario Rental Housing Guide: Official information on tenant rights and obligations.
• Legal Aid Ontario: Free legal help for tenants who qualify – Visit Legal Aid Ontario

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario laws)
2. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Ontario
3. Rental Housing Rights and Responsibilities – Ontario

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