As a tenant in Ontario, asking your landlord to fix problems can feel stressful, but clear steps and good records make the process easier and protect your renter rights. This guide explains what landlords must do under provincial rules, how to make a written repair request, what to do for emergencies, and when to involve the Landlord and Tenant Board or municipal enforcement. It also covers collecting evidence, reasonable timelines, and examples of official forms you may need. Use these practical steps to communicate clearly, avoid misunderstandings, and preserve options if the issue becomes a dispute.
What landlords must do in Ontario
Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 landlords must maintain a rental unit in a good state of repair and fit for habitation, including heating, plumbing, and compliance with health and safety standards.[1] If an essential service fails or a health hazard arises, the landlord is usually required to act promptly.
How to request repairs: a step-by-step approach
Follow a clear process to increase the chance repairs are completed quickly and to keep a record you can use later if needed.
- Write a clear request that states the problem, its location, and when it started.
- Include photos or videos showing the issue and any dates visible in images.
- Give a reasonable deadline for non-emergency repairs (for example, 7–14 days) and explain any urgency.
- Send the request by a method that creates a record (email, text, or registered mail) and keep copies.
What to include in your written request
- A short description of the problem, the exact location, and when it began.
- Clear photos or short video clips and any measurements or temperature readings if relevant.
- The date you sent the request and the deadline you are asking for a response.
- Your preferred contact method and availability for access or inspections.
Urgent and emergency repairs
Emergencies include lack of heat in winter, major water leaks, gas smells, or serious electrical hazards. For urgent issues call your landlord immediately and follow up in writing. If the landlord does not act quickly, you may have options such as hiring a qualified contractor and deducting the cost in limited circumstances, or applying to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order. See guidance on handling emergencies in rental units for examples and timelines.Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
Documentation and evidence
Good records are often decisive. Keep copies of every message, dated photos, receipts for repairs you paid for, and notes of phone calls with dates and names. If a repair creates damage to your belongings, photograph the damage and keep receipts for replacements or repairs.
When to involve a third party or the tribunal
If a landlord refuses or unreasonably delays essential repairs after a clear written request, you can escalate. In Ontario the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) hears many disputes about repairs and maintenance; information about applying and timelines is available from the Board.[2] To start a formal application you will often use an official form listed on the LTB forms page.[3]
Official forms and how tenants use them
Below are commonly referenced documents and how you might use them:
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 — the law that sets out landlord and tenant obligations. Use it to check legal duties such as repairs and habitability.[1]
- Landlord and Tenant Board forms page — a central place to find the correct application form and filing instructions; use it when you are ready to file a dispute.[3]
- Application about Tenant Rights (example form name) — use this type of tenant application to ask the Board to order repairs or other remedies when informal requests fail.
Related reading
For details on routine responsibilities see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities. For broader context on what landlords and tenants must do, review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
FAQ
- How long should I give my landlord to make a repair?
- Give a reasonable time depending on urgency: a week or two for non-urgent items and immediate attention for emergencies; always follow up in writing and keep copies.
- Can I withhold rent if repairs aren’t done?
- No, withholding rent can put you at risk; use written requests, municipal enforcement, or the Landlord and Tenant Board instead.
- What if my landlord enters without notice to make repairs?
- Landlords generally must give notice before entry except in emergencies; document the event and raise the issue with your landlord or the Board if it recurs.
How-To
- Identify the problem and determine if it is an emergency that needs immediate action.
- Write a concise request describing the issue, include photos, and state when you first noticed it.
- Send the request by a recordable method (email or registered mail) and save copies of all messages.
- Give a reasonable deadline, then follow up if the landlord does not respond or act.
- If unresolved, gather evidence and apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board using the appropriate form.
Key Takeaways
- Always make repair requests in writing and keep dated records of communication and photos.
- Know your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act and use official complaint or tribunal routes when necessary.
- Document emergencies quickly and seek immediate help if a hazard threatens health or safety.
Help and Support / Resources
- Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) — file applications and find forms
- [1] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 - Government of Ontario
- [3] LTB forms and filing instructions
