Ontario Tenant Maintenance & Repairs Checklist

As a tenant in Ontario, understanding your rights and responsibilities for rental maintenance and repairs helps you keep a safe, healthy, and comfortable home. This checklist will guide you on what to expect, what to do if things go wrong, and how to work with your landlord to solve issues quickly. It draws on current Ontario laws, covers key forms, and includes helpful resources—whether you're renting an apartment, house, or condo.

What Are Maintenance and Repair Rights for Ontario Tenants?

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, landlords must maintain rental homes in good repair and follow all health, safety, and housing standards (even if your lease says otherwise). Tenants are responsible for keeping homes reasonably clean and not causing damage on purpose or through negligence.^[1]

• Landlords must address urgent issues such as plumbing leaks, lack of heat, or mold.
• Tenants should report problems as soon as possible—ideally in writing.
• If you need to move in soon, review the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants for a thorough move-in check.

Ontario Rental Maintenance & Repairs Checklist

Use this list to spot common issues and track steps for resolving them:

Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing

• Is the furnace, heater, or air conditioner working? Ontario law requires landlords to maintain minimum heat (usually 20°C from September to June).
• Do all hot/cold water taps and toilets work? Are there any leaks or water stains?
• Does your rental have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms?

Electrical and Appliances

• Are all lights, outlets, and circuit breakers working safely?
• Are provided appliances (stove, fridge, etc.) functioning and maintained?

Structural, Windows, and Doors

• Are walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors in good shape (no mold, cracks, or broken locks)?
• Are windows and exterior doors secure?

Cleanliness and Pests

• Is your home free from pests, like bedbugs or rodents? If not, landlords usually must arrange extermination. See Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.
• Is garbage properly stored and collected?

If you notice a health or safety concern, be sure to review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

How to Request Repairs in Ontario

Start by notifying your landlord in writing with the time, date, and details of the problem. If urgent (like no heat in winter), call as well—but always follow up in writing. Here’s what to do if things don't get fixed:

• Send a second written repair request if the first is ignored.
• Document delays and your attempts to communicate.
• If unsafe or illegal, contact your local bylaw office or municipal property standards.

Taking the Next Step: Making a Maintenance Application

If major issues aren't resolved, tenants can apply to Ontario's Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

• Form T6: Tenant Application about Maintenance
  When to use: If your landlord doesn't address necessary repairs, affecting health or safety.
  Example: Mold issues ignored by the landlord for weeks. You can apply for orders to fix it, rent abatements, and sometimes compensation.
  Where to get it: Landlord and Tenant Board official forms page.

Learn more about tenant and landlord duties in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What If Repairs or Maintenance Aren’t Done?

If a landlord doesn't meet their repair obligations and it impacts your living conditions:

• You can ask the city for an inspection—inspectors can order the landlord to fix problems.
• Do not withhold rent. This could lead to eviction. (Always seek advice first.)
• If there's an emergency risk (like loss of heat in winter), see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Staying Proactive: Before, During, After Your Lease

• At move-in: Document the unit's condition and complete a thorough walkthrough (photos help).
• Throughout your tenancy: Fix minor issues you cause and promptly report bigger ones.
• Before moving out: Learn what’s expected for cleaning and repairs in your move-out checklist.

For more information on your broader rights, see Tenant Rights in Ontario. If you are searching for your next apartment, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme quickly and easily.

FAQs: Ontario Maintenance & Repairs

1. What repairs must Ontario landlords make?
   Landlords must maintain rental units in good repair, following health and property standards, regardless of your lease or rent amount.
2. Can I withhold rent if repairs aren’t done?
   No. You should never withhold rent—this could put you at risk of eviction. Instead, report repair issues in writing and consider legal steps if needed.
3. How do I apply for maintenance orders in Ontario?
   Complete Form T6 (Tenant Application about Maintenance) with the Landlord and Tenant Board if the landlord won't fix safety, repair, or standards concerns.
4. Do tenants have repair responsibilities?
   Tenants must keep the unit clean and report any damages or issues. You are responsible for damage you or your guests cause.
5. Who do I contact for urgent, unsafe conditions?
   For serious health or safety violations, contact your local municipality’s property standards office or file directly to the Landlord and Tenant Board.

How To: Navigating Repairs and Maintenance as an Ontario Tenant

1. How can I report a repair to my landlord?
   Write a clear, dated letter or email describing the issue and keep a copy for your records. Follow up if you don't get a prompt response.
2. How do I file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board?
   Fill out Form T6: Tenant Application about Maintenance. Submit it online, by mail, or in person. Attach evidence (photos, correspondence) and pay the filing fee. Visit the Landlord and Tenant Board website for details.
3. What steps should I take if my issue is an emergency?
   If there’s no heat, major leak, or unsafe conditions, call your landlord right away, then follow up in writing. Report urgent health or safety problems to your local property standards office if the landlord does not respond quickly.
4. Can I organize my own repairs and deduct from rent?
   This is not recommended without legal advice. The law rarely allows tenants to deduct repair costs from rent, and doing so improperly can risk eviction.

Key Takeaways

• Tenants have legal rights to safe, well-maintained homes under Ontario law.
• Document all maintenance issues and communications in writing.
• Use official forms and government channels for unresolved repairs, never withhold rent.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Applications, forms, and hearing information
• Ontario Government Tenant Rights Portal
• Local legal clinics and tenant support centres can offer guidance and advocacy—search for your city or region's rental housing services.

1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
2. Landlord and Tenant Board – Ontario
3. Ontario Government: Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Tenant