Ontario Tenant Maintenance and Repair Rights Explained

Every tenant deserves a home that is safe, well-maintained, and in good repair. In Ontario, the law gives renters strong rights and clear protections when it comes to maintenance and repairs. This article explains your key rights, what your landlord must do, how to deal with urgent or routine repairs, and practical steps for getting problems fixed. Whether you're facing a leaky faucet or a major safety hazard, understanding these rules helps you live securely and confidently in your rental.

Your Rights to Repairs and Maintenance in Ontario

Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 gives all tenants the right to a rental unit that is safe, sound, and in good repair—no matter what your lease says or what you pay for rent. Landlords are required to take care of maintenance and repairs, and they cannot charge tenants for major fixes due to normal wear and tear.

• Landlords must keep the rental property up to Ontario’s health, safety, housing, and building standards.
• Common areas (like hallways, laundry rooms, lobbies) must also be maintained.
• Appliances included in your rental agreement must be repaired if they break down (unless you caused the damage deliberately or through neglect).

If your rental unit or building has serious problems such as mold, unsafe wiring, pests, or broken heating, it may also violate Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting standards. This can trigger urgent action from your landlord and sometimes government inspectors.

What Are Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities?

It’s important to understand which repairs or upkeep you, as a tenant, are responsible for. While owners must handle most repairs, tenants have to keep their homes reasonably clean, avoid damaging the property, and report problems quickly. See Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for a full breakdown.

What If Repairs Are Not Being Done?

If your landlord ignores or delays repairs, follow these steps:

• Document the problem (take photos, note dates and times, keep copies of correspondence).
• Formally notify your landlord in writing and request a timeline for repairs.
• Keep copies of all messages sent and any responses.

When to Use Official Forms — Tenant Application About Maintenance (Form T6)

If the problem is not resolved, tenants can file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) of Ontario. You would use Form T6: Tenant Application About Maintenance if your landlord is failing to repair or maintain the unit. For example, if you reported broken heating, gave your landlord notice, and it’s still not fixed, filling out the T6 form can start a legal process to compel repairs or receive a rent abatement.

• Download Form T6 from the LTB
• Include your evidence (photos, written requests, inspection reports) and submit the form according to LTB rules.

You may also report serious health and safety issues to your municipality, which can order your landlord to make repairs.

Emergency vs. Routine Repairs

Emergencies (like loss of heat in winter, sewage backups, flooding, or unsafe structural damage) require immediate action. For these, contact your landlord right away by phone and in writing. If they do not respond in a reasonable time, you may be able to arrange urgent repairs and seek reimbursement, or involve city inspectors—see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Routine repairs (leaky faucets, damaged doors, minor appliance issues) should be addressed in writing. If not fixed within a reasonable time, follow up via letter or email and keep a record for your protection. More routine guidance can also be found at Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

What If Your Health or Safety Is at Risk?

If you believe there’s a risk to your health or safety, notify your landlord immediately. If there’s no adequate response, you may also contact your local city by-law office, health unit, or housing standards department for an inspection. These agencies can order emergency repairs to protect tenants.

If you feel the rental no longer meets basic living standards, review the detailed rights and protections at Tenant Rights in Ontario. For those seeking a fresh start or better living conditions, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for safe, comfortable housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is responsible for repairs in an Ontario rental?
   Landlords are legally responsible for most maintenance and repairs, including appliances and common areas, as outlined by Ontario’s tenancy law. Tenants must keep the unit clean, report problems promptly, and cover damage they cause.
2. What should I do if my landlord is not fixing major problems?
   Document issues and requests in writing. If there's no action, file Form T6 with the Landlord and Tenant Board. For urgent health or safety repairs, call your city, health unit, or a provincial tenant advocacy service.
3. Can my landlord raise my rent if I complain about repairs?
   No. It is illegal for a landlord to retaliate by raising rent, evicting, or threatening a tenant for requesting repairs or enforcing their legal rights.
4. How quickly do emergency repairs need to be completed?
   Emergency repairs like heating, flooding, or unsafe conditions should be addressed as soon as possible—often within 24 hours.
5. What forms do I need to submit a repair complaint to the LTB?
   Use Form T6: Tenant Application About Maintenance. Download and complete it from the Landlord and Tenant Board’s official website.

How to Apply to the LTB for Maintenance or Repairs

1. Notify your landlord in writing
   Clearly describe the problem and ask for a repair timeline. Always keep a copy.
2. Gather evidence
   Take photos, save written communications, and keep records of all contacts.
3. If repairs are not completed, download and fill out Form T6
   You can get the form at LTB Forms & Applications.
4. Submit the application
   File your Form T6 with the LTB online, by mail, or in person, supporting it with your documentation.
5. Attend your LTB hearing
   Present your evidence and explain the situation if a hearing is scheduled.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (Ontario): File complaints, find forms, and learn about your rights.
• Ontario Tenants’ Rights Hotline: 416-921-9494 or 1-888-991-3376
• City of Toronto RentSafeTO: RentSafeTO Program
• Ontario Community Legal Clinics: Find Your Local Legal Clinic

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 – Government of Ontario
2. Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario
3. LTB Forms and Applications (Form T6)
4. RentSafeTO: For Tenants
5. Tenant Rights in Ontario

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