Eviction Moratorium in Ontario: Extreme Weather Rights

Tenants and renters in Ontario sometimes face eviction notices during extreme weather events—heat waves, storms, or blizzards—that raise urgent safety and habitability concerns. This guide explains when temporary protections like eviction moratoriums may apply, what basic renter rights exist under provincial law, and how to act quickly to protect your safety and tenancy. You will find clear steps for documenting conditions, requesting emergency repairs, filing official applications, and contacting the Landlord and Tenant Board for help. The goal is to give practical, plain-language options you can use immediately if a landlord pursues eviction during dangerous weather.

Your rights during extreme weather in Ontario

Ontario tenants have rights to a safe, habitable home under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[2]. If extreme weather makes your unit unsafe (loss of heat in winter, no hot water, flooding, or unsafe electrical conditions), landlords are generally required to repair and maintain basic services. The Landlord and Tenant Board is the tribunal that handles eviction disputes and emergency applications^[1].

Immediate steps to take

• Contact your landlord right away to report the hazard and request emergency repairs in writing.
• Document the condition with dated photos or video and keep copies of messages and receipts.
• If repairs are urgent and the landlord does not act, ask about emergency repair services or municipal bylaw options.

When an eviction notice arrives during extreme weather

If you receive a notice to end tenancy while an extreme weather event affects habitability, do not ignore it. You can:

• Request clarification in writing and ask the landlord to delay eviction steps until repairs or safety concerns are resolved.
• Gather evidence showing how weather affected the rental unit and any steps you took to stay safe.
• Consider filing an application or attending a hearing with the Landlord and Tenant Board if the landlord proceeds with eviction.

Official forms you may need

Official forms are available from the Landlord and Tenant Board and Tribunals Ontario. Common documents include notices to end a tenancy and applications to the Board for urgent orders. Use the forms page to find the exact form you need and follow filing instructions^[3].

• Notice to End a Tenancy (e.g., notices for non-payment or other grounds) — used to tell a tenant a landlord wants to end the tenancy; give this in writing and keep a copy.
• Application to the Landlord and Tenant Board — used by landlords or tenants to start a hearing; follow instructions on the Board site for urgent or emergency applications.

When to seek emergency accommodation or municipal help

If your unit is unsafe and repairs cannot be completed quickly, ask the landlord for temporary accommodation or help with hotel costs. If the landlord refuses and conditions are dangerous, contact municipal emergency services or public health. Keep written records of any refusal or offers; this helps at a later hearing.

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FAQ

Can a landlord evict me during a declared extreme weather event?

Eviction can proceed legally if the landlord follows proper notice and Board processes, but tenants may raise habitability and safety concerns at the hearing and ask the Board to delay enforcement.

What evidence helps my case if habitability is affected by weather?

Photos, videos, dated messages to the landlord, repair requests, receipts for emergency accommodations, and witness statements all help show the impact and timeline.

Where do I file an emergency application?

You file applications with the Landlord and Tenant Board; check the Board's forms and urgent filing guidelines before submitting.

How-To

1. Document the hazard: take photos or video, note dates and times, and save any communication with your landlord.
2. Notify your landlord in writing requesting emergency repairs and keep a copy of the request.
3. If repairs are not made, contact the Landlord and Tenant Board for advice on filing an urgent application.
4. Consider temporary accommodation if your unit is unsafe and keep receipts to support any later claim for reimbursement.

Help and Support / Resources

• Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario)
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
• Landlord and Tenant Board forms and filing instructions

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1. [1] Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario)
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
3. [3] Landlord and Tenant Board forms and filing instructions