Legal Help for Maintenance Disputes: Ontario Tenant Guide

If you’re a tenant in Ontario and your landlord isn’t handling maintenance or repairs, it can be frustrating and stressful. Fortunately, Ontario law clearly protects your right to a safe, well-maintained home—and provides clear ways to seek legal help if your landlord won’t act. This guide explains your options, the official complaint process, and how to access legal support for maintenance and repairs disputes in Ontario.

Your Rights: Maintenance and Repairs Under Ontario Law

Both landlords and tenants have responsibilities for repairs, but landlords are required by law to keep your rental unit in good repair, fit for habitation, and up to health, safety, and housing standards. This includes:

• Plumbing, heating, and electrical systems (including emergency repairs)
• Doors, windows, floors, and appliances included in the rental
• Pest control and maintaining common areas

Your right to a well-maintained, safe rental is described in Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1].

What to Do When Repairs Aren’t Completed

Before seeking legal support, try the following approach:

• Notify your landlord of the specific problem in writing (email or letter)
• Keep copies of your correspondence and note any response
• Allow your landlord a reasonable opportunity to resolve the issue

Where to Turn: Ontario’s Tribunal for Tenant Disputes

In Ontario, the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) handles maintenance and repairs disputes between tenants and landlords. The LTB can order repairs, rent abatements, or other remedies if your landlord fails to meet their obligations.

Key Official Forms for Tenants

• Tenant Application about Maintenance (Form T6):
  When to use: If your landlord hasn’t performed necessary repairs after you’ve asked them.
  How to use: Submit the T6: Application about Maintenance to the LTB. For example, if your heating hasn’t worked for weeks and your landlord ignores your requests, file this form to begin the complaint process.
  Where to find: Download from the LTB’s official forms page.
• Request for French-Language Services (Form L2-F):
  When to use: If you wish to participate in Board proceedings in French.

Be sure to fill out all information carefully, attach evidence (like photos, repair requests, and correspondence) and submit the forms with the required fee.

Steps for Getting Legal Support in Maintenance Disputes

Here’s how you can seek help if your landlord ignores needed repairs:

• Step 1: Request Repairs in Writing
  Send a detailed written request to your landlord describing the issue and request repairs. Keep copies for your records.
• Step 2: Document Everything
  Take photos, note dates of requests, and save messages exchanged.
• Step 3: Apply to the LTB
  If there’s no response, complete and submit Form T6 to the LTB. You can do this online, by mail, or in person.
• Step 4: Attend the Hearing
  The LTB notifies both you and your landlord of a hearing date. Bring all your evidence and be ready to explain your case clearly. Consider getting legal advice from a community legal clinic or tenant support group.

Tenants in Ontario may also address Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities for urgent situations that pose an immediate risk. If you have health and safety concerns, explore Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Common Pitfalls and Tenant Tips

• Never stop paying rent, even if repairs are overdue. Withholding rent can lead to eviction.
• Use official forms—verbal complaints alone aren’t enough for legal action.
• Seek assistance from tenant organizations if you’re unsure of your rights or need help preparing for your hearing.
• For a summary of tenant rights and responsibilities, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Tenants don’t have to accept unsafe or unlivable conditions. Ontario’s laws and the LTB provide effective routes to address repair issues.

Looking for a better-maintained rental? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme suited to your needs.

FAQ: Tenant Legal Support for Repairs in Ontario

1. What can I do if my landlord refuses to fix something?
   Start by making your request in writing. If your landlord still doesn’t act, gather evidence and apply to the LTB using Form T6.
2. Can my landlord evict me for reporting maintenance problems?
   No, Ontario law protects you from “retaliatory eviction” for filing legitimate maintenance claims.
3. Will the Landlord and Tenant Board force my landlord to fix the problem?
   If the LTB agrees your landlord breached their obligations, they can order repairs, rent reductions, or compensation.
4. Do I have to keep paying rent even if repairs aren’t done?
   Yes. Always pay your rent in full and on time. Non-payment can lead to eviction, even if you have outstanding repair concerns.
5. What evidence should I include with my maintenance complaint?
   Submit photos, written requests, copies of messages, and any expert reports when applying to the LTB.

How To: File a Tenant Application for Maintenance (T6) in Ontario

1. How do I start my application for unresolved repairs?
   Gather your evidence, fill out Form T6, and attach copies of any written requests and photos of the issue.
2. Where do I submit the T6 application?
   Submit it online, by mail, or in person at the Landlord and Tenant Board. The LTB’s website guides you through the process.
3. Do I need to attend a hearing?
   Yes. Attend the scheduled hearing and bring all documentation. You’ll get a chance to explain your side before a decision is made.
4. What if I need legal help?
   Contact your local community legal clinic or tenant advocacy service for free advice and help preparing your application.

Key Takeaways

• Ontario tenants have the right to a well-maintained, safe rental under the law.
• Apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board using Form T6 if your landlord won’t address serious repair issues.
• Document all requests and keep copies of evidence to strengthen your case.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) — Info, forms, how to file a complaint and attend hearings
• Ontario Community Legal Clinics — Free legal advice and tenant support
• Ontario Government: Renting and Your Rights — Official guide to tenant rights, laws and contacts
• Tenant Rights in Ontario

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
2. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Ontario
3. LTB Tenant Application Forms

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