How Tenants in Ontario Can Document Landlord Retaliation

Special Tenancy Situations Ontario published: June 19, 2025 Flag of Ontario

Facing landlord retaliation is a difficult situation for many Ontario tenants. If you’ve raised a complaint or asserted your rights, some landlords may try to respond with negative actions—often called "revenge" actions or retaliation. Knowing how to properly document and respond to these events can go a long way in protecting your tenancy and peace of mind.

What Is Landlord Retaliation?

Landlord retaliation happens when a landlord takes negative actions against a tenant for exercising legal rights, such as complaining about repairs, health hazards, or asking for required maintenance. Common retaliation types include:

  • Sudden rent increases after complaints
  • Unwarranted eviction notices
  • Refusing repairs or access to amenities
  • Threats, harassment, or privacy violations

In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 ensures tenants are protected from these unfair practices.[1]

Know Your Rights as a Tenant in Ontario

As a tenant, you have the right to request repairs, file complaints about unsafe conditions, and speak up if your rights are being violated—all without fear of retaliation. The Tenant Rights in Ontario page covers your basic protections.

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) oversees disputes and complaints regarding rental housing in Ontario. If you believe your landlord is retaliating, their system is designed to help you seek a fair outcome.[2]

How to Recognize and Document Revenge Actions

Evidence is crucial when standing up to retaliation. Here’s how to collect and organize proof:

  • Keep a Journal: Record incidents, dates, times, and people involved. Note what happened after you made a complaint or request.
  • Save Communications: Keep copies of emails, texts, repair requests, and letters between you and your landlord.
  • Take Photos/Videos: Document property conditions—especially if your landlord refuses needed repairs or maintenance.
  • Witness Statements: Ask neighbours or others who witnessed retaliation to provide written or recorded accounts.
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Organizing your documentation helps show a timeline and reveal patterns of unfair treatment.

Official Forms for Reporting Retaliation

Ontario tenants can formally raise concerns using specific forms through the Landlord and Tenant Board:

  • Form T2: Application About Tenant Rights – Use if you believe the landlord has harassed you, withheld vital services, or taken retaliatory steps. Download T2 form here.
    Practical Example: If your landlord increases your rent after you file a maintenance complaint, fill out Form T2 outlining the timing and attach your supporting evidence.
  • Form T6: Tenant Application About Maintenance – Use if landlord fails to fix something essential after you request a repair (which could lead to retaliation). Download T6 form here.
    Practical Example: If you reported a leaking roof and then your landlord stops responding or threatens eviction, complete Form T6 and attach proof of your requests.

Visit the Landlord and Tenant Board’s official forms page for more details.

Tip: File forms as soon as possible after the incident—delays can weaken your case.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Retaliation

Quick action protects your rights. Here are steps to follow:

  • Document incidents immediately—keep all evidence organized
  • Respond in writing to any eviction notice, rent increase, or threat
  • Speak with a legal clinic or tenant advocacy group for advice
  • Submit the appropriate application (T2 or T6) with the LTB if you feel your rights are being violated

Common Examples of Landlord Retaliation in Ontario

  • Serving an eviction notice right after a complaint about heating
  • Sudden, unjustified rent increase after you report a repair issue
  • Discontinuing parking or laundry access in response to a dispute
  • Withholding repairs after you contacted the city about safety issues (Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting)

Every case is different, but showing a clear connection between your legal action and the landlord’s response makes your claim stronger.

What Solutions Can the LTB Provide?

The Landlord and Tenant Board can:

  • Order the landlord to stop retaliatory actions
  • Require repairs or restoration of services
  • Compensate you for damages or losses

The LTB follows the rules set out in Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act regarding retaliation and tenant protection.[1]

Practical Tips for Tenants

Remember that you don’t have to deal with these issues alone. Many community groups and government agencies are ready to support you.

FAQ: Ontario Tenants and Landlord Retaliation

  1. What is the legal definition of landlord retaliation in Ontario?
    Retaliation refers to negative actions (like rent increases or eviction threats) a landlord takes because a tenant asserts their legal rights.
  2. What evidence do I need to prove retaliation?
    Gather communications, a written journal, photos, witness letters, and any official notices showing a link between your actions and your landlord’s response.
  3. How do I file a complaint if my landlord retaliates?
    Document incidents, complete Form T2 or T6, and submit them to the Landlord and Tenant Board with your evidence.
  4. Can a landlord legally evict me for making a complaint?
    No. The Residential Tenancies Act prohibits eviction for exercising tenant rights. Evictions must follow legal reasons only.
  5. Where can I learn more about my rights as an Ontario tenant?
    Visit the Tenant Rights in Ontario page for a full overview.

Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

  • Document everything—retaliation claims need strong evidence
  • Use official forms (like T2 and T6) to protect your rights
  • Seek support early—don't handle complex disputes alone

Staying informed, organized, and proactive makes it easier to stand up to unfair treatment. For a summary of your rights, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 – Government of Ontario
  2. Landlord and Tenant Board – Tribunals Ontario

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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