If your rental home in Ontario has a leaking or damaged roof, you need clear steps that protect your health, your belongings and your tenancy. This guide explains tenant rights and practical actions to report roof problems, document damage, request repairs, and use official channels under Ontario law. It is written for renters who are not legal experts and focuses on when to contact your landlord, what to record, how to submit a written repair request, and when to apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for help. Keep records, act promptly, and use the official forms and resources linked below to support your case.
Who is responsible for roof repairs?
Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 landlords must keep a rental unit in a state of good repair that meets health, safety and housing standards. Tenants must report problems and avoid causing damage. If a roof leak creates unsafe conditions such as mould, water damage or loss of heat, the landlord is generally required to fix it.
How to document the problem
Good evidence is critical if repairs are delayed. Create a clear record with dates, photos, and copies of written communications to your landlord.
- Take timestamped photos and video of leaks, stains, and damaged belongings.
- Keep a written log of when leaks started, weather conditions, and any temporary fixes you applied.
- Save receipts for emergency repairs or replacement items you paid for.
How to report and request repairs
Always report roof issues to your landlord in writing so there is a dated record. Include photos, a short description, and a reasonable request for repair. State if the problem affects habitability (for example, mould or no heat).
- Send a written repair request by email or registered mail and keep a copy.
- If the landlord does not respond, send a follow-up with a clear deadline for action.
- Keep all replies and keep a timeline of communications.
When repairs are urgent or unsafe
If a roof leak creates immediate hazards — such as electrical risk, major flooding, or severe mould — treat it as an emergency. Notify the landlord immediately and, if needed, call emergency services for urgent safety risks.
Using official forms and the Landlord and Tenant Board
If your landlord fails to repair the roof after a reasonable written request, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order to fix the problem or for compensation. The board handles residential tenancy disputes in Ontario and provides the required application forms and instructions.[1] The governing law is the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, which sets out repair and maintenance obligations and tenant remedies.[2]
Key official forms (how tenants use them)
- Application to the Landlord and Tenant Board (see the LTB forms page for the correct application type): use this to ask the Board to order repairs or compensation. Example: you submit the application after giving the landlord a written repair request and waiting a reasonable time.
- Supporting evidence attachments: include photos, a repair log, receipts, and copies of written requests with the application so the Board can assess your case quickly.
If you need guidance choosing the right LTB application, the forms page lists each application name and how it is used; follow the form instructions and include clear evidence when you file.[1]
Options for temporary fixes or compensation
Tenants should avoid making major permanent repairs without landlord consent. For minor emergency actions that protect health (like buckets for leaks), keep receipts and notify the landlord. If the landlord refuses to repair and the Board grants an order, it may also award compensation for damaged belongings or for out-of-pocket emergency costs.
- Keep receipts for temporary repairs or replacement items and include them with any Board application.
- Document the condition of damaged items to support compensation claims.
What to expect at a Board hearing
Hearings are an opportunity to present your evidence and explain the impact of the roof problem. The Board can order repairs, compensation, or other remedies. Prepare a clear timeline, photo evidence, receipts, and copies of written requests to the landlord.
Related tenant resources
For guidance on routine and emergency repairs, you may also find these pages helpful:
- Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities
- Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
If you need temporary alternate housing while repairs are completed, find listings at Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
FAQ
- How long should I wait for a landlord to fix a leaking roof?
- Wait a reasonable time after you provide a written request; what is reasonable depends on severity — urgent hazards require immediate action, while non-urgent repairs should be done within a short, reasonable period.
- Can I withhold rent if the roof is leaking?
- Withholding rent is risky and generally not recommended; instead, document the problem, notify the landlord in writing, and consider applying to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order or compensation.
- What evidence helps my case at the Board?
- Timestamped photos and video, a written repair log, copies of written notices to the landlord, and receipts for any emergency costs are all helpful evidence.
How-To
- Document the roof problem with dated photos, video, and a short written log.
- Send a written repair request to your landlord with photos attached and keep a copy.
- If the landlord does not fix it within a reasonable time, file the appropriate application with the Landlord and Tenant Board and attach your evidence.
- Prepare for the hearing by organizing evidence, receipts, and a clear timeline to present to the Board.
Help and Support / Resources
- Landlord and Tenant Board – forms, applications and guidance
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and renter rights information
