Living in Ontario means tenants have legal protections when a rental needs repairs. This article explains clear, practical steps renters can take to get urgent or routine maintenance addressed, how to document problems, when to contact your landlord, and when to escalate to the Landlord and Tenant Board. It covers how to make written requests, preserve evidence, and use official forms and timelines so you protect your rights without escalating conflict. The advice is aimed at everyday renters and avoids legal jargon, with links to government resources and sample actions you can take today. Follow these tenant-focused steps to get repairs done safely, fairly, and with documentation that supports any later claims.
What to do first
Start with clear, polite communication and written requests. Keep a record of every contact and the problem you reported. Written requests are the baseline proof the Board will expect if you later need to apply for help.
- Contact your landlord or property manager promptly, describe the problem, and request a timeline for repairs.
- Document the issue with dated photos or videos, and save receipts for any expenses you incur for temporary fixes.
- Send a written follow-up (email or signed letter) summarizing the problem and the date you first reported it.
When the repair is urgent
Urgent issues affect health or safety (no heat in winter, major water leaks, gas smell, electrical danger). Tell your landlord immediately and follow up in writing. If the landlord does not act quickly, you may have options under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 [1] and through the Landlord and Tenant Board [2].
- Report life-safety problems by phone and in writing, and arrange temporary safety measures if needed.
- If you pay for an emergency fix, keep receipts and ask your landlord about reimbursement before acting.
- If the landlord ignores urgent repairs, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order to have repairs done or for other remedies [2].
Routine repairs and timelines
For non-urgent maintenance, give your landlord reasonable time to respond and fix the issue. If repairs are delayed, a written reminder usually moves things forward. If reminders fail, the Landlord and Tenant Board handles unresolved disputes under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 [1].
- Keep a timeline of when you first reported the issue and each follow-up, including dates and what was said.
- Use clear, dated messages (email or letter) so there is an official paper trail.
- If the landlord is unresponsive, call or contact tenant assistance services listed below before applying to the Board.
Examples of useful internal resources
For guidance on different repair situations, see related tenant topics:
- Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities explains who typically pays and handles regular maintenance.
- Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities covers immediate safety actions and when to call emergency services.
- Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting outlines common hazards to watch for and report.
When to apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board
If the landlord refuses to fix serious problems or the delays are unreasonable, file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board. The Board can order repairs, reductions in rent, or other remedies. Visit the Board for instructions and official forms [2] and the full list of application forms [3].
- Gather your documentation: dated photos, copies of written requests, receipts, and a timeline of contacts.
- Complete the appropriate LTB application form and follow filing instructions on the Board website [3].
- Bring organized evidence to any hearing and consider asking a community legal clinic for help if you need it.
FAQ
- How long does a landlord have to make repairs?
- The Residential Tenancies Act requires landlords to maintain rental units in a good state of repair; reasonable timelines vary by severity, so report issues in writing and allow a reasonable period before escalating.
- Can I withhold rent if repairs are not done?
- Withholding rent is risky and not generally recommended; instead, document the problem and apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for remedies or an order for repairs.
- What if I have to pay for emergency repairs?
- Keep all receipts and ask the landlord for reimbursement in writing; if refused, you can seek an order from the Board to recover costs.
How-To
- Describe the problem clearly and send a dated written request to your landlord.
- Collect photos, videos, and receipts and keep a simple timeline of contacts and responses.
- If the landlord does not act within a reasonable time, complete the appropriate Landlord and Tenant Board application form and file it.
- Attend the hearing with organized evidence and a brief written timeline to present your case clearly.
Key Takeaways
- Document everything: photos, dates, and written requests protect your rights.
- Give landlords reasonable time to respond, but follow up in writing and escalate if needed.
- Use official Board forms and seek help from tenant services or clinics when the issue is unresolved.
Help and Support / Resources
- Renting in Ontario: Your Rights and Responsibilities
- Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)
- LTB Application Forms and Guides
