Ontario Tenant Maintenance & Repairs: Top FAQ Answered

Experiencing maintenance or repair issues in your Ontario rental? As a tenant, it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities when it comes to keeping your home safe and livable. This guide answers the most frequently asked questions about maintenance and repairs in Ontario rentals, referencing the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and current provincial rules.

Who Is Responsible for Repairs and Maintenance?

In Ontario, landlords are legally required to keep rental units in a good state of repair and comply with health, safety, housing, and maintenance standards – no matter what your lease says. You can’t agree to take over these duties, even if you’re willing.

• Landlords must fix plumbing, heating, lighting, appliances supplied with the unit, and structural problems.
• Tenants are responsible for keeping the rental reasonably clean and covering damage they or their guests cause (other than what’s considered normal wear and tear).

For a detailed look at these legal obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Are Health and Safety Repair Issues?

Repairs involving water leaks, electrical hazards, broken locks, or issues related to mould are urgent because they affect your health and safety. Ontario law prioritizes these issues, and tenants should notify landlords in writing immediately.

For more about these problems, read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

How Do I Request Repairs from My Landlord?

Always make your request in writing (email, letter, or text) and describe:

• What’s broken or unsafe
• The date and location of the issue
• Any steps you’ve already taken

If the landlord does not respond or repair the issue within a reasonable timeframe (immediately in emergencies, or within days/weeks for other issues), you can start a formal complaint with Ontario’s residential tenancy tribunal (see below).

Official Forms: Tenant Application About Maintenance (Ontario - Form T6)

• Form Name and Number: Tenant Application About Maintenance (Form T6)
• When Used: If your landlord ignores repair requests or fails to maintain the property, submit Form T6 to Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
• How To: Attach copies of your written requests and any evidence (photos, inspection reports). The Board may order repairs, compensation, or rent reductions if your complaint is confirmed.
• Download Form T6 from the Landlord and Tenant Board

Ontario’s housing disputes and applications are resolved by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

How Quickly Must Landlords Make Repairs?

Ontario law says urgent or unsafe issues must be addressed right away. For regular repairs, timelines depend on the problem, but landlords must act within a reasonable period.

• Emergencies (no heat in winter, major leaks, no water, threats to safety): Immediate action required
• Routine issues (dripping faucets, minor appliance repair): Days to a couple of weeks, depending on severity

If you’re unsure whether an issue is urgent, contact your local municipality or the LTB for advice.

Can I Make Repairs Myself and Deduct from Rent?

Generally, this is not permitted unless you’ve received written permission from your landlord. If you pay for repairs without approval, you may not be reimbursed. Instead, always use the official process to request repairs, and only proceed with self-help remedies after getting a Board order or written landlord permission.

Pest Control and Other Common Issues

Pest infestations (bedbugs, cockroaches, mice) are considered maintenance issues under the Act. Report them immediately and follow up in writing – landlords are legally required to address the problem. For more detail, check Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

Where Can I Learn More?

For further details on repair rights, obligations, and complaint procedures, review the official Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 or visit the Tenant Rights in Ontario resource page.

If you’re moving or looking for a new rental, Browse apartments for rent in Canada for options across Ontario and beyond.

1. Can my landlord be fined for not making repairs? Yes, if the Landlord and Tenant Board finds your landlord has failed to meet their obligations after a complaint, they may be ordered to make repairs, reduce your rent, or pay you compensation.
2. Should I keep paying rent if repairs aren't done? Yes. Always pay your rent on time, even if repairs aren’t made. Not paying rent could risk eviction.
3. Who handles emergency repairs when my landlord is unavailable? If there’s a true emergency (like a flood or no heat in winter) and your landlord cannot be reached, contact emergency services or your city’s rental standards office first, then notify your landlord as soon as possible.
4. Is there a specific process or form for complaints about maintenance in Ontario? Yes, use Form T6 (Tenant Application About Maintenance) through the Landlord and Tenant Board.
5. Are mold and pests covered under repair laws? Yes, both are covered. Report them quickly to ensure your unit is safe and healthy.

1. How do I apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board about repairs? Fill out Form T6, attach your written repair requests and evidence, and submit it to the Board online, by mail, or in person. You can find instructions on the official LTB website.
2. How should I document a repair issue? Take dated photos, write a detailed description, and keep copies of any communication with your landlord. This documentation is essential if you file a complaint.
3. How long should I wait before filing a complaint? For urgent repairs, act within a day or two. For routine issues, give your landlord a reasonable period (usually up to 14 days). If nothing changes, file Form T6.

• Landlords are legally responsible for most repairs and maintenance in Ontario rentals.
• Use written requests, official forms, and documentation to protect your rights.
• Never withhold rent, even if there are ongoing issues – use the Landlord and Tenant Board process.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Applications, forms, guides and contact
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (official legislation)
• Community Legal Education Ontario – Repairs and Maintenance in Rental Housing
• Tenant Rights in Ontario

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Official legislation
2. Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board: Official website
3. LTB Form T6 – Tenant Application About Maintenance: Download and instructions

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