Ontario Landlord Health and Safety Standards Explained

Many tenants in Ontario are unsure what their landlord legally must do to keep a rental safe and healthy. Whether you're renting an apartment in Toronto, a house in Ottawa, or anywhere in between, Ontario's laws set out clear health and safety standards for rental housing. Knowing these standards can help protect you and your family, and ensure you get prompt action if your unit is ever unsafe.

Who Sets and Enforces Health & Safety Standards?

Ontario's rental housing is regulated by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), using the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1]. This law states that landlords are responsible for keeping rental properties in a good state of repair, meeting both municipal property standards and provincial health and safety rules.

What Are the Basic Health & Safety Requirements?

Ontario landlords must:

• Keep all vital services (like heat, water, hot water, and electricity) in good working order
• Maintain adequate lighting, common areas, and exits for safety
• Ensure all doors, windows, and locks function properly
• Make sure the rental is free of pests, vermin, or unsafe conditions
• Address mold, leaks, and repair needs promptly
• Respect municipal property standards by-laws (which often set specific rules for things like clean hallways, snow removal, garbage disposal, and more)

If your landlord is not making repairs or keeping your unit safe, you have rights under Ontario law to seek solutions—and even to apply for compensation in some cases.

Common Health and Safety Issues

• Heat and Hydro: Landlords must supply heat from September 1 to June 15. The minimum indoor temperature is usually set by the city (often 21°C or higher).
• Pests and Mold: If pests or mold are present, landlords must take steps to resolve the problem quickly and thoroughly.
• Plumbing and Appliances: Washrooms, sinks, stoves, and fridges (if provided) must work properly.
• Locks and Security: Rental unit doors require a good working lock; landlords cannot change locks without giving the tenant the new key right away.

For more details on problems like these, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting or Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

Forms and How to Take Action

If your landlord fails to make necessary repairs after you've given written notice, you can:

• File a complaint with your local by-law or property standards department (varies by city)
• Apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for repairs or compensation using Form T6 – Tenant Application About Maintenance

Form T6 – Tenant Application About Maintenance (see official LTB forms): Use this if your landlord is not maintaining the unit, isn't providing vital services, or won't remove hazards. For example, if you report mold and your landlord doesn't repair it, you can apply with Form T6. You must describe the problems, provide your evidence, and pay a filing fee.

Summary: Common Steps for Reporting Safety Issues

• Document the problem (take photos, write dates and details)
• Contact your landlord in writing, requesting a repair with a reasonable deadline
• If nothing happens, escalate by calling municipal by-law/property standards, or applying to the LTB
• If you apply to the LTB, use Form T6 and include all evidence

This process helps you assert your rights while building a clear case if your complaint ends up at the Landlord and Tenant Board.

What If My Health or Safety Is at Immediate Risk?

In urgent cases (like no heat in winter, flooding, or unsafe wiring) contact your city’s by-law enforcement office or property standards department right away. In some municipalities, 3-1-1 can connect you to the right department. For emergencies like fire or carbon monoxide leaks, always call 9-1-1 first.

Staying Informed About Your Rights

Under the law, you have the right to a safe, well-maintained home. For a summary of your provincial rights, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Remember, if you’re apartment hunting or want to compare rental options, you can find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

1. Who is responsible for making repairs if my rental needs them?
   In almost all cases, your landlord must make and pay for repairs needed to meet health and safety standards, unless you or your guests caused the damage.
2. What should I do if my landlord ignores my request for repairs?
   Give written notice of the problem. If there's still no action, contact your local municipal property standards or file a Form T6 with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
3. Can I withhold rent if my apartment is unsafe?
   No—never stop paying rent. Instead, use official channels for complaints and apply to the LTB for a solution.
4. Are landlords required to provide pest control?
   Yes. The landlord must deal with pest infestations to keep the unit healthy and habitable.
5. What happens if repairs are urgent?
   If you're in immediate danger, call emergency services. For urgent repairs, contact by-law/property standards and let your landlord know right away in writing.

Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• Landlords must keep your rental unit safe, healthy, and in good repair—this is the law.
• Document all issues and report them in writing; escalate if you don’t get results.
• You have formal rights to repairs under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, and you can apply to the LTB for help if needed.

Knowing your rights and the proper steps keeps you protected—and helps everyone enjoy safer, healthier rental homes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (Ontario): Landlord and Tenant Board Official Site
• LTB Forms List (including Form T6): LTB Forms and Applications
• Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing – Rental Housing: Rental Housing in Ontario
• Local By-law/Property Standards: Dial 3-1-1 in most cities for property standards and safety complaints
• Tenant Hotline and Advocacy: Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO)

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, Ontario. Full text of the law.
2. Landlord and Tenant Board, Tribunals Ontario. Official tribunal information.
3. Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Rental Housing Resource.

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy