Electrical Safety & Repair Rules for Ontario Rentals

Living in a rental means understanding who must repair hazards and how to keep your home electrically safe. This guide explains what Ontario tenants should know about electrical safety, emergency repairs, and landlord responsibilities under provincial rules. You'll learn how to identify urgent electrical problems, when to report them, the steps to request repairs, and what official forms or tribunals can help if issues are not fixed. It also covers simple precautions tenants can take to reduce risks while protecting your rights. Practical examples and action steps make it easier to act promptly and with confidence whether you rent an apartment, condo, or house.

Electrical hazards and tenant safety

Electrical problems can be dangerous. Know the common warning signs and act quickly to protect yourself and others in your rental.

• Sparks, burning smells, visible scorch marks around outlets or switches.
• Repeated tripping of circuit breakers, unexplained power loss in rooms, or hot-to-touch outlets.
• Exposed wiring, water near electrical panels or outlets, or shocks when touching switches or appliances.

Who is responsible for repairs?

Under Ontario rules the landlord is generally required to maintain the rental unit and its electrical systems so they are in a good state of repair and fit for habitation. Tenants should report issues promptly in writing and avoid doing work that creates safety risks or liability. If a repair is caused by tenant damage, the tenant may be responsible for the cost, but normal wear and system failures are the landlord27s responsibility under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.^[2]

What to do immediately for urgent electrical problems

If you detect a hazardous electrical problem, prioritize safety and documentation before repair actions.

• Repair: Turn off the circuit at the breaker if it is safe to do so and remove people from harm27s way.
• Contact: Call your landlord or property manager right away and describe the hazard; follow up in writing when you can.
• Document: Take dated photos or videos and keep copies of messages, emails, or receipts related to the issue.

Reporting, forms, and tribunal help

If the landlord does not respond or a repair is delayed, tenants may need to escalate. You can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for orders related to repairs, or contact municipal building services if there is a safety or code breach.^[1] Before applying, gather your documentation, copies of written requests, photos, and any receipts for interim repair costs.

For practical guidance about emergency and non-emergency repairs, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities and Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities for step-by-step expectations and examples.

Simple safety steps tenants can take

• Repair: Use only certified electricians for any work; do not bypass safety devices like breakers or fuses.
• Safety: Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in wet areas and avoid overloading extension cords or power bars.
• Evidence: Keep a file with dated photos, messages to the landlord, and any receipts for temporary fixes.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must maintain electrical systems so units are safe and habitable.
• Document hazards, report in writing, and keep copies of all communication.
• If repairs are not made, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board or contact municipal building services.

FAQ

When is an electrical issue an emergency?

Sparks, burning smells, exposed wires, loss of power or repeated breaker trips are emergencies; call emergency services if there is immediate danger and notify your landlord right away.

Who pays for electrical repairs in Ontario rentals?

Generally the landlord must maintain electrical systems under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, while tenants pay for damage they caused. Always document and report issues in writing.

What if my landlord does not fix an urgent electrical problem?

Document the issue, send a written request, and if not addressed you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board or contact your municipality27s building services for unsafe conditions.^[1]

How-To

1. Document the problem: take photos, record breaker behavior, and save timestamps and messages.
2. Notify the landlord in writing within 24 hours where safe to do so, and keep a copy of the notice.
3. If the issue is not fixed, file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board with your documentation.
4. Prepare evidence and attend any hearing or meeting, bringing photos, receipts, and copies of communications.

Help and Support / Resources

• Landlord and Tenant Board
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
• Ontario: Rental housing rights and responsibilities

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1. [1] Landlord and Tenant Board
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario e-Laws)
3. [3] Landlord and Tenant Board: Forms and fees

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