Power outages can be stressful for renters. This guide explains what Ontario tenants should know about landlord responsibilities, essential repairs, safety during outages, and when to ask the Landlord and Tenant Board for help. You’ll learn practical steps to protect your home and health, how to document problems, and which official forms and agencies to contact if a landlord does not respond. The language is plain and aimed at tenants and renters who need clear advice about emergency maintenance, temporary remedies, and filing a complaint under provincial tenancy rules. Follow the step-by-step actions below to stay safe, preserve your rights, and get repairs or compensation where appropriate.
What landlords must provide during an outage
Under Ontario rules, landlords are responsible for maintaining a rental unit in a state of repair and safety required by law and the tenancy agreement [1]. If the outage affects heat, hot water, or other essential services, the landlord must take reasonable steps to address the problem and arrange repairs or alternatives; if they do not, tenants may seek remedies from the Landlord and Tenant Board [2].
- Landlords must maintain essential services and repair electrical faults that are their responsibility.
- Tenants should provide written notice describing the outage, how it affects habitability, and request repairs or temporary measures.
- If the outage creates a health or safety risk, the landlord should act quickly to remove the risk or offer temporary accommodation.
Immediate steps if the power goes out
Start by confirming whether the outage is building-wide or community-wide and follow safety steps. For more on urgent repairs see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities and for general safety guidance refer to Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
- Call your local electricity provider to report the outage and get an estimated restoration time.
- Give written notice to your landlord with the date, time, and effects on your unit.
- Document the outage: take photos, save texts/emails, keep a log of calls and any expenses (e.g., spoiled food).
- Prioritize safety: avoid candles, use battery lighting, and ensure carbon monoxide alarms are working.
When to ask the Landlord and Tenant Board for help
If a landlord fails to respond within a reasonable time, or the unit remains unsafe or unusable, tenants can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order requiring repairs, compensation, or other remedies [2]. The Board accepts tenant applications and provides forms and guidance online [3]. A practical example: if a landlord does not arrange repairs after two days and the outage causes health or significant financial loss, a tenant can file an application seeking compensation or rent abatement.
If you need temporary housing during a prolonged outage, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to compare short-term options quickly.
FAQ
- Who is responsible for restoring power?
- Utilities are responsible for restoring grid power; landlords are responsible for repairing issues inside the rental unit that are their responsibility under the tenancy agreement or the Residential Tenancies Act [1].
- Can I withhold rent during a power outage?
- Withholding rent is generally not recommended. Instead, document the problem, provide written notice to your landlord, and if unresolved, apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for remedies such as rent abatement or compensation [2].
- How do I file a complaint or application?
- Start by using the Board's application forms and guidance. Complete the tenant application describing the outage, attach evidence, and follow the filing instructions on the Landlord and Tenant Board website [3].
How-To
- Ensure immediate safety: move away from hazards and use battery lighting rather than candles.
- Call your electricity provider to confirm the outage and note the reference number and estimated restoration time.
- Notify your landlord in writing with the outage details, effects on habitability, and a request for repairs or temporary measures.
- Document everything: photos, receipts for expenses, and a log of contacts and responses.
- If the landlord does not act, file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board with your evidence and a clear remedy request.
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) — official tribunal for residential tenancy issues
- Get help on Renting in Ontario — official provincial guidance for tenants
