Many tenants in Ontario face similar challenges—rent increases, repairs and maintenance issues, or concerns around building safety. Acting together with other tenants can provide more power and protection when addressing these concerns, which is what Ontario law recognizes as “protected collective actions.” This article explains what collective action means for tenants, legal protections in Ontario, and how to safely assert your rights as a group, with practical guidance and links to official resources.

What Is Collective Action for Tenants?

Collective action means tenants joining together to address shared concerns—such as requesting urgent repairs, objecting to rent increases, or advocating for better living conditions. This could involve organizing tenant meetings, starting a tenants’ association, submitting petitions, or filing joint complaints to your landlord or the provincial tribunal.

• Petitioning your landlord for repairs or improvements
• Organizing group complaints about building maintenance
• Collectively challenging rent increases or eviction notices
• Forming or joining a tenants’ association or committee

Your Legal Rights: Protection for Collective Action

In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) guarantees tenants the right to join or form tenant associations and participate in collective actions without fear of retaliation, such as eviction or harassment. Section 233 of the RTA specifically prohibits landlords from punishing tenants for organizing or expressing collective concerns.^[1]

What Is Retaliation?

Retaliation is any negative action a landlord takes—like threatening eviction, raising rent, or reducing services—because a tenant exercised their legal rights (including participating in collective actions). Such retaliation is strictly forbidden under Ontario law.

If you participate in a group complaint or join a tenants’ association, your landlord cannot legally evict you or otherwise penalize you for doing so.

Forms for Group Complaints and Tenant Actions

Depending on the issue, tenants may use official forms through the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) of Ontario. Collective action doesn't require a special form—but some common situations and their forms include:

• Form T6 – Tenant Application about Maintenance: Use this form if you and other tenants are experiencing unresolved repair or maintenance issues. Each tenant can submit their own Form T6, or a group may coordinate filing applications about the same issues. Download Form T6 (PDF). This form asks for details on the shared problems.
  Example: Multiple tenants at the same building coordinate to submit Form T6 for chronic heat or plumbing problems.
• Form T1 – Tenant Application for a Rebate: If a landlord charges illegal rent or fails to provide services, groups of tenants can each file Form T1 or include each other as affected parties. Download Form T1 (PDF).
  Example: A group of tenants files T1 forms after discovering their landlord has collected more than allowed for utilities.

After you complete a form, submit it to the LTB and pay the application fee. Tenants may also request a fee waiver if needed—see the Fee Waiver Request (Form LTB Intake).

How to File a Group Complaint or Take Collective Action

The process for collective action may vary depending on your building and issue, but common steps include:

• Talk with other tenants and clarify the issue(s)
• Document concerns: Gather photos, repair requests, or other evidence
• Send a joint letter or petition to your landlord, clearly stating your group concerns
• If not resolved, consider filing applications together with the LTB using forms like T6 or T1
• Keep a record of all communication for your protection

Practical Protections: What Landlords Cannot Do

Landlords cannot evict you, threaten you, or raise your rent simply because you worked with other tenants to address a complaint or joined an association. The LTB can dismiss eviction applications that appear to be acts of retaliation.

For deeper insight into your general obligations and rights during collective actions or everyday tenancy, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Examples of Protected Collective Actions

• Holding meetings in common areas to discuss repair or safety issues (with advance notice and no disturbance)
• Jointly submitting maintenance requests or complaints
• Speaking to media or government officials as a group about building problems

Ontario tenants also have specific rights to safe and healthy housing. For details, read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Key protections for tenants in Ontario are summarized at Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Looking for a new place or want to connect with other tenants in your area? Browse apartments for rent in Canada on Houseme and build your tenant community.

FAQs: Tenant Collective Action in Ontario

1. Can my landlord evict me for joining a tenant association?
   No. The law protects your right to collectively organize, and eviction for this reason is not allowed.
2. What should I do if my landlord threatens me for participating in group action?
   Document any threats and consider submitting a complaint to the LTB using Form T2, which covers tenant applications about landlord harassment or illegal entry.
3. Do I have to join a tenant association to get protection?
   No. Any collective action—including meetings or joint complaints—receives legal protection, regardless of association membership.
4. How can I file a group complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board?
   Multiple tenants can each file individual applications (like T6 or T1) about the same issue, referencing the group action within the forms or as enclosures.
5. What if my repair problem is only in my unit?
   You can still act on your own by submitting the appropriate form. For help with general repair issues, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Ontario tenants have the right to act together to address housing concerns
• The law protects you from retaliation for organizing or joining group actions
• Use official LTB forms for complaints; keep thorough records of all group efforts

If challenges arise, seek support from tenant resources and stay informed about your rights and responsibilities.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) of Ontario: Applications, forms, and dispute resolution
• Ontario Tenant Hotline: 1-416-921-9494 (Toronto area) or 1-888-332-3234
• Community Legal Clinics: Find one near you at Legal Aid Ontario
• Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing: Tenant and landlord resources

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1. [1] See Section 233 of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Government of Ontario)
2. Official Forms and information: LTB Forms and Applications
3. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) of Ontario: LTB Home Page
4. Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing: Renting in Ontario: Your Rights

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