Form T6: Ontario’s Tenant Maintenance Application Explained

Living in a well-maintained and safe rental unit is your right as a tenant in Ontario. If you’ve reported a problem with repairs, maintenance, or health and safety and your landlord hasn’t taken action, you may need to file Form T6 with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). This article explains what Form T6 is for, when to use it, and how Ontario tenants can protect their rights under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.

What Is Form T6 and When Should Tenants Use It?

Form T6, officially called the Tenant Application about Maintenance, is a legal form for Ontario tenants to apply to the LTB when their landlord fails to carry out maintenance, repairs, or health and safety responsibilities. Typical issues covered include:

• Broken heaters in winter
• Pest infestations, mould, or poor sanitation
• Leaking plumbing or roof
• Unsafe conditions like faulty wiring
• Failure to meet health, safety, housing, or maintenance standards outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006

If you have repeatedly asked your landlord for repairs and nothing has been done, Form T6 may be your next step. Always keep a record of your requests and your landlord’s responses.

What Tenants Can Request Through a T6 Application

When filing a T6, you can ask the LTB to order your landlord to:

• Make necessary repairs or maintenance
• Reimburse you for any out-of-pocket repairs or costs caused by neglect
• Compensate you for loss of enjoyment or for belongings damaged or lost
• Prevent rent increases until maintenance is completed

It is important to understand your Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained before applying, as both parties have specific duties under Ontario’s law.

How to Complete and File Form T6 in Ontario

The process is designed to help tenants receive fair hearings and timely solutions to unresolved maintenance issues.

Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Form T6

• Obtain Form T6: Download from the LTB official forms page (look for “T6: Tenant Application about Maintenance”).
• Complete the Form: Clearly describe the problems, when they began, what requests you made for repairs, and the landlord’s response (save all documentation).
• Gather Evidence: Take photos, keep copies of emails/letters to your landlord, invoices, or city inspection reports.
• Submit the Form: File online through the LTB e-file system, by mail, or in person at an LTB office. A filing fee is required.
• Wait for a Hearing: The LTB will schedule a hearing where both you and your landlord can present your cases.

Be as clear and detailed as possible for a smoother application.

What Happens After Filing?

The LTB will notify you by mail/email with your hearing date. You must attend (virtually or in person), bring all evidence, and be ready to answer questions. The LTB can order your landlord to fix the problems, pay you compensation, or both.

Understanding Your Rights: Maintenance, Health, and Safety

Landlords are required by law to maintain the rental unit in a good state of repair and comply with health and safety standards. Tenants facing persistent problems with repairs or unsafe conditions can also read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for additional guidance.

For issues such as routine or emergency repairs, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Ontario tenants and landlords are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, which outlines all basic tenant protections, including safe and well-maintained housing.

Related Tenant Rights and Facts

Want to know more about your protections beyond repairs? See Tenant Rights in Ontario — a helpful overview of renting laws, rights, responsibilities, and more.

For those considering a move, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for the latest listings and secure a home that meets your needs.

1. What is Form T6 and what can it help with?
   Form T6 is the Tenant Application about Maintenance used by Ontario tenants to address serious repair, health, or safety problems the landlord hasn’t fixed. It lets tenants ask the Landlord and Tenant Board to order repairs or provide compensation.
2. Do I need proof before filing a T6 application?
   Yes. You should collect any records like emails, repair requests, photos of the issue, or a copy of city inspection orders before you file Form T6.
3. Is there a fee to submit a T6 application?
   Yes, there’s a modest fee payable to the LTB when filing. Low-income tenants may request a fee waiver.
4. How long does it take for the LTB to decide a T6 application?
   The LTB strives to schedule hearings quickly, but times can vary. Prepare all information so you’re ready when the hearing is set.
5. Where do I file Form T6, and can it be done online?
   Form T6 can be filed online through the LTB e-file system, by mail, or at an LTB office in person. Visit the Landlord and Tenant Board website for details.

Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• Form T6 empowers tenants to address unresolved repair and maintenance issues.
• The Landlord and Tenant Board can order repairs and compensation if your landlord fails to act.
• Keep good records, act promptly, and know your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): File forms, access rules, and get application support.
• Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing: Tenant rights information and sample forms.
• Ontario Community Legal Clinics: Free legal information for eligible tenants.
• Tenant Rights in Ontario: Quick facts, rights, and answers for renters.

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1. See the Landlord and Tenant Board for official forms and application info.
2. Provincial law: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
3. Ontario government rental advice: Renting in Ontario – Your Rights.

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