Living in a safe and well-maintained home is your right as a tenant in Ontario. If you’re facing maintenance problems, hazards, or unhealthy conditions in your rental unit, it’s essential to know how to address these issues and what rights you have under the law. This guide explains the process, key legislation, and helpful resources for Ontario tenants dealing with unsafe living conditions.

Recognizing Unsafe Living Conditions in Ontario Rentals

Unsafe or unhealthy living conditions can harm your health and well-being. Common examples include:

• Mould growth or persistent dampness
• Lack of heat, hot water, or electricity
• Broken windows or doors causing security risks
• Infestations of pests such as bedbugs or cockroaches
• Unsafe electrical, gas, or fire systems
• Structural hazards (collapsing ceilings, stairs in disrepair, etc.)

If you're unsure, review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for a more complete overview.

Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, landlords must keep rental properties in a good state of repair and comply with health, safety, housing, and maintenance standards at all times.^[1]

• Landlords can’t ask tenants to waive these rights or repair obligations.
• Tenants are responsible for keeping their unit clean and not causing damage.

For more on landlord and tenant duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What to Do If Your Rental Is Unsafe

Ontario tenants should follow these steps if an unsafe condition develops:

• Document the problem: Take photos, make notes, and collect evidence of the issue and when it started.
• Notify your landlord in writing: Email or deliver a letter clearly describing the problem and ask for prompt repair. Always keep a copy.
• Allow time for repairs: Landlords should respond and take reasonable steps to fix the issue promptly.

If Your Landlord Does Not Fix the Issue

• Contact your local municipal by-law office or property standards department for health or building code violations.
• If that does not resolve it, you may file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario (LTB).

Key Ontario Forms and How to Use Them

If your landlord does not address health or safety problems, you can formally apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). The main form is:

• T2: Application About Tenant Rights
  When to use: If your landlord fails to repair or maintain your rental, causing your home to become unsafe or unhealthy.
  How to use: Complete the T2: Application About Tenant Rights form online or in print. File it with the LTB, including your evidence (photos, records, correspondence).
  Example: If your unit has no heat and the landlord has ignored your written requests for repair, you can use the T2 form to seek an order for repairs and compensation.

Common Health and Safety Hazards: Special Considerations

Ontario’s rental laws cover many issues, but some need special attention:

• Pests and infestations: Landlords must deal with pests. See Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions for details.
• Emergency repairs: If a serious issue (flood, fire, carbon monoxide leak) occurs, alert your landlord immediately. Learn what qualifies as urgent in Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

What Can the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) Do?

The Landlord and Tenant Board can order landlords to:

• Repair or remedy the unsafe situation
• Compensate the tenant (such as rent reduction or damages)
• Allow a tenant to end the tenancy early in severe cases

If unsafe conditions force you to move out, visit Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit for advice on leaving your rental safely and legally.

For a province-wide legal overview, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Looking for a safer or healthier home? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme with helpful search features and up-to-date listings.

FAQ: Unsafe Rental Conditions in Ontario

1. What is considered an "unsafe living condition" in Ontario rentals?
   Unsafe conditions include hazards that threaten health or safety, such as no heat in winter, unaddressed mould, broken locks, or structural issues.
2. How long must I wait for my landlord to respond to a repair request?
   Landlords must address safety or urgent repair requests promptly. Delays may allow you to file a complaint or LTB application.
3. Can I call the city if my landlord refuses to fix an unsafe condition?
   Yes. Most Ontario cities have property standards or by-law officers who can investigate and order repairs if there are code violations.
4. Am I allowed to withhold rent until repairs are done?
   No. In Ontario, you must keep paying rent even if your unit is unsafe. Instead, file a complaint or an application with the LTB to resolve the issue.
5. Who enforces tenant rights for unsafe living conditions?
   The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) and local municipal officers enforce health, safety, and maintenance standards for rentals.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Document unsafe conditions and notify your landlord in writing
• Use the T2 form to apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board if the landlord does not act
• Do not withhold rent; seek legal solutions through the LTB or city by-law officers

Understanding your rights and acting quickly helps ensure your rental unit is both safe and comfortable.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – File applications, get forms, and find tenant rights information
• Ontario Government: Renting in Ontario – Provincial guidance on health, safety, and complaint processes
• Local property standards or municipal by-law departments – Contact your city or town hall for inspections and enforcement
• Community Legal Clinics – Provide free legal information and assistance to tenants

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
2. Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario
3. Ontario Government: Renting in Ontario

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