Many tenants in Ontario face health or safety concerns in their rental homes, from persistent mould and pests to a lack of heat or water. If you’ve tried contacting your landlord and the problem isn’t resolved, Ontario law gives you the right to report these issues to Public Health. Knowing how to take action can help protect your health and ensure your landlord complies with all legal requirements.

When Should You Contact Public Health?

Ontario tenants can report a landlord to Public Health if their rental unit or building poses a risk to health, or if the property fails to meet basic maintenance standards. Common issues include:

• Mould growth or persistent dampness
• Pest infestations (mice, cockroaches, bed bugs, etc.)
• Lack of heat during cold seasons
• Unsafe drinking water or sewage leaks
• Unsanitary conditions (e.g., garbage pile-up, strong odours)

For a deeper understanding of health and safety problems, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Legal Responsibilities of Landlords

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, Ontario landlords must keep rental units in a reasonable state of repair and comply with health, safety, housing, and maintenance standards set by law¹. If these standards aren’t met, tenants can seek action through local authorities or the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

How to Report Unsafe or Unhealthy Conditions

Start by telling your landlord or property manager about the issue in writing. If there is no response or the problem isn’t fixed in a reasonable time, you may take these steps:

• Step 1: Contact your local Public Health Unit. Search for your region’s office here.
• Step 2: Submit a complaint, detailing the address, your contact info, and the nature of the health concern. Provide photos or prior communications if possible.
• Step 3: A health inspector will usually contact you for more information and may visit the property.
• Step 4: If violations are found, Public Health can order the landlord to make repairs or take remedial action. Serious cases may lead to fines or penalties.

Getting Issues Fixed After Reporting

If the problem is not resolved promptly after Public Health intervenes, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board. Forms you may use include:

• Form T6: Tenant Application about Maintenance – file this if repairs are not done after Public Health’s involvement. Download Form T6. For example, if mould persists after Public Health gives your landlord an order and nothing changes, use this form to seek rent reduction or repair orders from the LTB.

Which Authority Handles Complaints?

Public Health Units handle immediate health risks. For broader rental rights and unresolved maintenance issues, the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is Ontario’s official tribunal for residential tenancies.

Tip: Always document your correspondence and keep copies of photos, repair requests, and inspector reports. This is critical if you apply to the LTB.

Your Rights and Next Steps

As a tenant, you’re protected against retaliation for reporting health or safety standards (e.g., eviction threats for making a complaint). See complete rights on Tenant Rights in Ontario.

For common rental maintenance problems, such as unsanitary conditions, heating issues, or pests, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained. If pests are a concern, Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions offers helpful advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord evict me for reporting them to Public Health?
   No, it is against the law for a landlord to evict or threaten you because you made a health or safety complaint.
2. What happens after I file a health complaint?
   An inspector may visit, assess the issue, and order the landlord to fix violations. If problems persist, you can file with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
3. Who do I contact for emergency repairs?
   Contact your landlord first. For urgent health hazards, call your local Public Health Unit or municipal by-law office right away.
4. Can I ask for a rent reduction if conditions are bad?
   Yes, you may apply for a rent reduction through the Landlord and Tenant Board if serious health and safety issues are not resolved.
5. Where can I learn about my legal rights as a tenant?
   Learn the basics by reading Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Key Takeaways

• Document all health or safety concerns and notify your landlord first.
• If issues persist, make a formal complaint to your local Public Health Unit.
• Use Form T6 and contact the Landlord and Tenant Board if the health risk isn’t quickly resolved.

Staying informed and taking action helps ensure safe, healthy rental housing for everyone.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Ontario Government Tenant Information
• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Ontario (Forms, applications, and contact)
• List of Ontario Public Health Units
• 211 Ontario (Community support and legal clinics)

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1. See: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario) – Section 20, landlord maintenance and health requirements.
2. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) — official website.
3. Public Health Unit Listings — Ontario Ministry of Health.

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