Proper lighting in apartment building hallways, entrances, and parking lots isn't just about convenience—it’s an important safety and health issue for Ontario tenants. The province has specific regulations ensuring landlords maintain adequate lighting in shared and outdoor spaces. Here’s what every tenant should know about your rights, landlord obligations, and what to do if lighting issues put your safety at risk.

Why Proper Lighting Matters for Tenants

Ontario’s rental laws require landlords to maintain safe and healthy living conditions. Good lighting in common areas like corridors, lobbies, stairwells, and parking areas helps prevent accidents, discourages crime, and ensures tenants can move safely in their buildings at all hours.

What Are the Ontario Lighting Standards?

Lighting requirements are mainly set by municipal property standards by-laws, but several provincial rules apply. At a minimum, most Ontario municipalities—including Toronto and Ottawa—require that:

• Indoor common areas (hallways, stairs, entrances, laundry rooms) are lit at all times to a specified brightness (often 50–100 lux or as defined locally)
• Outdoor areas such as walkways and parking lots must also have sufficient lighting for visibility and safety
• Emergency lighting (for use during power failures) must be present in designated exit routes

If you notice lighting that is broken, too dim, or missing entirely, your landlord is responsible for fixing it as part of their duty to maintain the building in livable condition.

Relevant Legislation

The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 sets out the basics, requiring landlords to repair and maintain rental units and all common areas. Your local city's property standards by-law may set additional details and exact lighting requirements.

Who Handles Lighting Maintenance?

Landlords must keep all lighting required by law in good working order, promptly replacing burned-out bulbs or repairing fixtures. Tenants should promptly report any broken or unsafe lighting in common areas or parking lots to their landlord or property manager.

Tenants’ Rights and Landlords’ Responsibilities

• Landlords cannot ignore lighting issues in shared spaces if it affects safety
• Tenants have the right to enjoy safe common areas—this includes proper lighting
• Failure to maintain lighting may be considered a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006

If unsafe or inadequate lighting continues after you’ve reported it, you can seek help. Detailed steps to address your landlord’s failure to repair lighting in common areas are found in the section below.

How to Address Lighting Problems: Steps for Tenants

What should you do if the landlord isn’t maintaining proper lighting in common areas or parking areas?

• Document the problem: Note the exact location, issue (e.g., "parking lot light by main entrance out for a week"), and take photos if possible.
• Notify your landlord in writing: Send a dated written repair request. Keep a copy for your records.
• If no action is taken, you can file a maintenance complaint:

The Proper Form: Tenant Application about Maintenance (Form T6)

• Form Name: Tenant Application about Maintenance (Form T6)
• Purpose: Used to apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) if your landlord is not meeting maintenance obligations such as improper lighting in common or parking areas.
• How to Use: Fill out Form T6 describing the problem, include dates and evidence, and submit it to the LTB. You may request an order for repairs and/or compensation.
• Official Form T6 and instructions

Which Tribunal Handles Lighting Complaints in Ontario?

If your landlord does not resolve lighting issues, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) of Ontario. The LTB will consider whether your landlord failed to meet their obligations and can order repairs or compensation for you.

For more on the general rights and obligations of both parties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Why Lighting Is a Health and Safety Matter

Poorly lit hallways, entryways, and parking lots create a risk of injury from tripping, slips, or even crime. Both the law and most local property standards treat these issues as health and safety violations. Learn more details in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

If you’re looking for secure and well-maintained rental homes, Browse apartments for rent in Canada with building details and photos.

For a full overview of your rights and duties regarding maintenance and repairs, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is responsible for replacing light bulbs in common areas?
   The landlord is responsible for maintaining lighting in all common areas, including replacing bulbs regularly to meet safety standards.
2. Can a landlord refuse to fix broken parking lot lights?
   No. Landlords must ensure outdoor lighting is functional as part of their duty to protect tenant safety and meet property standards by-law requirements.
3. What if a lighting repair request is ignored?
   Document the issue and your communications. If it’s not resolved, you can file a maintenance complaint using Form T6 with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
4. Is there financial compensation if poor lighting causes harm?
   If you experience loss or injury due to your landlord’s failure to repair lighting, you may be able to seek compensation through the LTB as part of your claim.

Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• Your landlord must maintain safe, working lighting in building common areas and parking lots.
• Always report lighting issues promptly in writing and keep records.
• If neglected, you have the right to seek orders and compensation through the LTB using Form T6.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario – File complaints and access application forms
• Ontario Government Tenant Rights Information
• Local municipal property standards department – For urgent or health/safety code violations
• Tenant support organizations in Ontario, such as local legal clinics

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (SO 2006, c 17)
2. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), official tenant complaint process and forms
3. Municipal Property Standards By-laws (check your city for details)

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