Tenants in Ontario have clear expectations about how quickly landlords should respond to repair requests. Whether it’s a hot-water outage, a broken heater in winter, or a slow leak, knowing the difference between emergency and routine repairs helps you protect your health, safety and quiet enjoyment of your home. This article explains typical timeframes, how to make a written request, what to document, and when to contact the Landlord and Tenant Board for help[1]. It also shows practical examples of next steps if repairs aren’t made, and links to official forms and resources so you can act with confidence today.
Why response times matter
Timely repairs protect your safety and prevent further damage. Landlords are responsible for maintaining a rental in a state of repair that complies with health, safety and housing standards under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006[2]. When problems are urgent—no heat in winter, major water leaks, gas smells—fast action can prevent hazards and higher repair costs.
Emergency versus routine repairs
Classifying a problem helps set expectations for response time.
- Emergency repairs: issues that threaten health or safety (no heat during winter, major flooding, gas leaks) — landlords should respond immediately or within hours.
- Urgent repairs: serious but not life-threatening (hot water loss, significant plumbing leaks) — expect a faster response, typically within 24–72 hours depending on severity.
- Routine repairs: non-urgent maintenance (small appliances, cosmetic issues) — reasonable timelines vary but should be completed within a few weeks or by mutually agreed dates.
What the Residential Tenancies Act says
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 requires landlords to maintain units in a good state of repair and fit for habitation. If a landlord fails to fix problems, tenants can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order to repair or compensation[2]. The Board provides specific routes to resolve repair disputes and enforces legal remedies.
How to request repairs (step-by-step)
Follow a clear process so you can show what you asked for and when.
- Contact your landlord or property manager first, describe the problem, and ask when they will fix it.
- Send a written request by email or paper and keep a copy; include the date, description, and any photos or videos.
- If the issue is urgent, mark the message as an emergency and ask for immediate access to repairs.
When repairs aren’t made: next steps
If the landlord does not act within a reasonable time, tenants can escalate their request.
- Ask for a clear timeline in writing and set a reasonable deadline for the repair.
- For safety risks, call emergency services or a licensed tradesperson if required, then notify the landlord and keep receipts.
- Apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board if the landlord refuses or ignores requests; see the official forms and instructions below[3].
Practical examples
Example 1: No heat in winter — call the landlord immediately, document the temperature and any communications, and if no timely fix is offered, apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order and possible rent abatement.
Example 2: Slow leak causing damp — notify your landlord in writing with photos, ask for repair within a week, and follow up with a Board application if mold or structural damage continues.
Related reading
For more on urgent situations see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities. For responsibilities on routine maintenance, review Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.
If you decide to look for a new home because repairs aren’t possible or timely, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to browse options quickly.
FAQ
- How quickly must my landlord fix an emergency?
- Emergency issues that threaten safety or habitability should be addressed immediately; landlords are expected to arrange urgent repairs within hours when possible and without undue delay.
- What if my landlord says they will repair but doesn’t?
- Keep written proof of requests and follow escalation steps: set a written deadline, then apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order and possible compensation.
- Can I hire someone to fix a problem and deduct the cost from rent?
- Do not withhold rent or make unauthorized deductions without legal advice or a Board order; contact the Landlord and Tenant Board for guidance before taking action.
How-To
- Report the issue to your landlord immediately and request a written timeline for repair.
- Document the problem with dated photos, videos and written notes of communications.
- If the landlord does not respond, submit an application to the Landlord and Tenant Board using the official forms.
- Attend any scheduled hearing and present your documentation; follow the Board order if issued.
Key Takeaways
- Distinguish emergency from routine repairs to set proper expectations for response time.
- Always send written requests and keep clear documentation of the problem and communications.
- The Landlord and Tenant Board can order repairs or compensation if a landlord fails to act.
Help and Support / Resources
- Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) - dispute resolution and forms
- [2] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- Renting in Ontario - Government of Ontario tenant information
