Common Maintenance & Repair Mistakes Tenants Should Avoid in Ontario

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Ontario, understanding how to handle maintenance and repairs is essential. Many tenants run into preventable problems—from not reporting issues soon enough, to paying out of pocket for repairs they weren’t responsible for. This guide can help you avoid common pitfalls, protect your rights, and deal with repairs confidently under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.

Why Proper Maintenance & Repairs Matter

Handling repair issues the right way isn’t just about keeping your living space comfortable. Maintenance impacts your health, safety, rental history, and even your wallet. The law in Ontario is clear: landlords must keep rental units in good repair, while tenants are expected to notify them promptly of any problems.

Top Maintenance and Repair Mistakes Tenants Make

Here are the most common errors—and how you can avoid them:

• Not reporting problems in writing: Telling your landlord in person or by phone isn’t enough. Always put repair requests in writing and keep copies for your records.
Always put repair requests in writing and keep copies for your records; a written log helps prove when you reported the problem and what was asked.
• Delaying notification: Waiting too long to alert your landlord can make a small problem much worse—and may affect your rights.
Delays can worsen damage and may affect your rights. Note dates and follow up in writing to keep a clear timeline.
• Attempting unauthorized repairs: Don’t pay for repairs yourself unless it’s an emergency and your landlord can’t be reached. Otherwise, you may not be reimbursed.
Don’t pay for or perform repairs yourself unless it’s an emergency and you can’t reach the landlord; otherwise you may not be reimbursed.
• Not documenting property condition: Take photos or videos (with timestamps) before you move in and whenever you notice a maintenance issue.
Before move-in (and whenever you notice a new issue), take timestamped photos or videos to document condition for future reference.

• Failing to follow up: If your landlord doesn’t respond to your written request, follow up in writing and track your attempts.
Keep all communications, notices, and receipts organized; if you end up filing with the LTB, a clear timeline supports your claim.
• Not understanding your responsibilities: You are responsible for keeping the rental unit clean and for any damage you or guests cause—this is explained in the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained guide.

Ontario’s Process for Reporting and Resolving Repairs

In Ontario, the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) oversees landlord–tenant matters, including repairs (Landlord and Tenant Board). Here’s what you should do if a repair is needed:

• Send a written notice to your landlord describing the problem.
• Keep records of all communications and responses.
• If the repair is not completed, you may apply to the LTB for an order requiring the landlord to fix it, or even a rent abatement.

Learn more about your rights as a tenant on the Tenant Rights in Ontario page.

Forms Tenants May Need

• T2: Application About Tenant Rights – Use this form to make a claim if your landlord isn’t fulfilling their maintenance obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. For example, you can use the T2 if your landlord hasn’t addressed failed heating in winter, despite several written requests. Download the T2 Form from the LTB website.

Health and Safety Issues

Certain maintenance failures, like no heat, water, or problems with fire safety, may also be a violation of health and safety standards. See more about these critical concerns in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

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FAQ: Maintenance & Repairs for Ontario Tenants

1. Should I pay for repairs and deduct the cost from my rent?
   Generally, no. Unless it’s an emergency, tenants are not permitted to withhold rent or deduct repair costs without LTB approval. Always seek written permission and use the proper channels.
2. What counts as an emergency repair?
   Emergencies are issues that threaten health and safety or cause property damage, such as broken heating during winter or a burst pipe.
3. How do I apply to the LTB about a maintenance issue?
   Use the T2 Application About Tenant Rights, attach your evidence, and submit it to the LTB. Detailed steps are below.
4. Can my landlord increase rent instead of fixing things?
   No. Landlords cannot increase rent to pay for basic repairs; rent increases must follow the law and proper notice requirements.
5. What if my landlord retaliates for requesting repairs?
   Retaliation is illegal under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. If this happens, collect evidence and seek help—see the resources below.

How To: File a Maintenance Complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)

1. How do I document a needed repair?
   Write a dated description of the issue, take clear photos or videos, and keep a copy.
2. How do I properly notify my landlord?
   Send a written notice (email or letter), describe the issue clearly, and request a timeline for the repair.
3. What if the landlord doesn't respond or fix the issue?
   After 1-2 written requests with no action, gather all your evidence and consider filing a T2 Application About Tenant Rights to the LTB.
4. How do I submit the T2 application?
   Download the T2 from the official LTB website, fill it out completely, attach copies of your communication and evidence, and file it online, by mail, or in-person at the LTB.
5. Can I get a rent abatement or compensation?
   Yes, in some cases the LTB may order a rent reduction or compensation if your landlord failed to repair the unit after proper notice.

Key Takeaways

• Always record and report maintenance problems in writing, with clear documentation.
• Do not pay for or arrange repairs unless legally required.
• If your landlord does not take action, apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board using the correct form and process.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Information and application forms for Ontario tenant–landlord issues.
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Full legislation text and updates.
• CLEO (Community Legal Education Ontario): Tenant guides and legal information.
• Tenant Rights in Ontario: Essential legal facts and contacts by province.

1. Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
2. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), Ontario
3. LTB Official Forms – Applications and Guides