Renovations can stir up dust, debris and pests, and as a tenant in Ontario you have rights to a safe, habitable home. This guide explains what renters should do when building work in or near a rental causes or reveals pest problems, how to communicate with your landlord, when to request professional pest control, and how to document issues for a possible application to the Landlord and Tenant Board. It covers tenant responsibilities during short-term access for treatments, what standard timelines and notices are reasonable, and steps to take if repairs or pest control are delayed. Practical examples and links to official Ontario resources and forms are included to help tenants take informed, calm action.
What to do when pests appear during renovation
When renovation work disturbs walls, floors or common areas, pests such as rodents, cockroaches or displaced insects can appear. Start by notifying your landlord in writing with clear photos, dates and a description of the problem. If the landlord does not arrange professional pest control or repairs in a reasonable time, you may apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order requiring action.[1]
- Contact your landlord in writing and request inspection and pest control, keeping a copy of the message and any replies.
- Allow reasonable access for inspections and treatments when provided proper notice, and ask for a schedule for work and treatments.
- Follow safety instructions for chemical treatments and temporarily vacate a treated room only if advised by the professional.
- Keep records of expenses, receipts and all communications in case you need to show evidence later.
- If problems continue, file the appropriate application with the Landlord and Tenant Board using official forms and evidence.
Who is responsible and what timelines apply
Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 landlords must maintain units in a good state of repair and fit for habitation, which normally includes arranging pest control caused by building conditions or renovations.[2] Tenants must take reasonable care and follow safety instructions, but they are not generally required to pay for professional treatments caused by building defects or contractor work. If the landlord promises a time for action, politely confirm it in writing and ask for a specific date.
Official forms and when to use them
If direct requests to your landlord fail, the Landlord and Tenant Board offers application forms to resolve disputes. Commonly used filings include an application about tenant rights or repairs; search the LTB forms page to find the exact application that fits your situation and follow the filing instructions.[3]
- Application about Tenant Rights (example name: Form T2) — use this when pest infestations or repair refusals affect habitability; e.g., after two written requests and no action, file to request a repair order from the Board.
- Other LTB forms and instructions — use the specific application listed for repairs or reductions; attach dated photos, receipts and your timeline as evidence.
Communicating effectively with your landlord
Use clear, polite messages and keep records. State the problem, provide photos, suggest reasonable dates for inspection, and ask for confirmation of scheduled pest control. Refer to health and safety concerns when relevant and provide reasonable access for contractors. If you need temporary housing during treatment, discuss cost coverage up front.
For extra information on tenant health obligations and safety when issues arise, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting and for pest-specific tenant rights see Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.
Finding short-term housing or alternatives
If you and your landlord agree that temporary relocation is safest during treatment, get the agreement in writing about who pays and for what period. If you need to search for temporary or replacement rentals, consider using dedicated listing tools to compare options quickly. Houseme - your rental solution in Canada can help you view alternative listings and map locations if you must relocate while treatments occur.
FAQ
- Who must pay for pest control caused by a renovation?
- Generally the landlord must arrange and pay for pest control that results from building defects or contractor work. Tenants should document the issue and ask the landlord to act; if unpaid costs are claimed, keep receipts and a record of the landlords response.
- Can I hire my own pest treatment and deduct the cost from rent?
- Only do this after getting clear written permission or a Board order allowing it; unilateral deductions can lead to disputes. Use receipts and records if you intend to seek reimbursement through the Landlord and Tenant Board.
- What if the landlord refuses to respond?
- If written requests fail, you can file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board asking for orders for repairs or pest control and possible compensation, attaching dated photos and all communication as evidence.[1]
How-To
- Document the infestation with dated photos, notes and a log of events.
- Notify your landlord in writing, describe the problem, attach photos and request inspection and treatment.
- Allow access for inspections and professional treatments after receiving proper notice.
- If the landlord does not act, file the correct application with the Landlord and Tenant Board and include your evidence.
- Consider temporary relocation only with a written agreement about dates and who pays for short-term housing.
- Keep all receipts, communications and the timeline after the matter is resolved for your records.
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario)
- Read the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- Repairs and what tenants can do (Ontario)
