Every renter in Ontario deserves a home that is safe, healthy, and in good repair. Whether you're moving into a new apartment or have lived in your rental for years, provincial law protects your right to a habitable living space. This guide breaks down what 'habitable' means, what your landlord must do, and how you can take action when things go wrong.

What Does 'Safe and Habitable' Mean?

'Habitability' refers to your right to live in a rental property that meets basic health and safety standards. Under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, landlords must keep your home in a state of good repair and comply with all health, safety, housing, and maintenance standards, regardless of whether you knew about a problem when you moved in.^[1]

Essential Conditions for Habitability

• Working plumbing, heating, and electricity
• Plumbing fixtures in working order (toilets, showers, sinks)
• No significant pest infestations
• No major mould or dampness issues
• Secure entry doors and functioning windows
• Compliance with local building, fire, and property standards

If your rental is lacking any of these due to neglect or unresolved repairs, it may be considered 'uninhabitable'.

Landlord Responsibilities for Health and Safety

Your landlord must keep your unit and common areas in good repair and safe for living at all times. This applies even if your lease says something different. The rules are enforced by local municipal property standards officers as well as Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).^[2]
Learn more about Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Common Health and Safety Problems

Some frequent issues tenants report include:

• No heat in winter or unreliable hot water
• Leaking roofs, broken windows, or unsafe balconies
• Pest infestations (bedbugs, cockroaches, mice, etc.)
• Blocked fire exits or lack of working smoke alarms
• Mould, dampness, or poor air quality

If you notice any of these, see our guide on Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for tips and detailed steps on what to do.

Taking Action: Steps When Your Home Isn’t Safe or Habitable

If your rental needs urgent repair or isn’t up to standard, here’s what you can do:

• Notify your landlord in writing (text, email, or letter) describing the problem and asking for a timely fix.
• Take clear photos or videos to document the issue and keep copies of your communications.
• If your landlord does not respond or refuses to make repairs, you can contact your local property standards office. They can conduct an inspection and may issue an order to the landlord.
• If the issue still isn’t fixed, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) to seek repairs, rent reductions, or compensation.

Key LTB Forms

• T6: Tenant Application about Maintenance
  When to Use: If your landlord fails to repair vital services (like heat or plumbing) or does not follow health and safety laws—even after you've asked them to fix it.
  Where to find: Official T6 Form (Tenant Application about Maintenance)
  Example: You report no heat to your landlord in writing, but nothing happens for days. You may file a T6 to the LTB. This can lead to orders requiring repairs or even rent abatement.
• T2: Application about Tenant Rights
  When to Use: If your landlord harasses you, interferes with your use of the unit, changes the locks, or enters illegally.
  Where to find: Official T2 Form (Application about Tenant Rights)
  Example: The landlord repeatedly enters your apartment without notice or cause.

How to Prepare for Your Case

• Gather evidence: Photos, communication records, inspector letters, medical notes (if applicable)
• Complete the required form (T6 or T2) and file it online, by mail, or in person to the LTB
• Attend your LTB hearing and present your documentation

If unsure, see our Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for more about both parties’ legal duties.

Routine Repairs vs. Emergencies

Not every issue is an emergency. Routine repairs (like a broken cupboard door or minor appliance repairs) should be reported in writing, but urgent problems (such as no heat in winter or a burst pipe) require immediate attention. If your health or safety is at risk, contact your landlord and your local municipality right away.

Preparing for a New Tenancy

Before moving in, consider joining or requesting an initial inspection with your landlord. See our Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants for what to check and how to protect yourself from future disputes. For all new renters—or if you’re searching for a new home—Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to find safe apartments and houses across Canada.

FAQ: Safe and Habitable Homes in Ontario

1. What should I do if my landlord refuses to fix unsafe conditions?
   Start by requesting repairs in writing. If your landlord doesn’t act, contact your local property standards office and consider filing a T6 form with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
2. Can I stop paying rent if my place is uninhabitable?
   No—do not withhold rent without a legal order. If your home is unsafe, apply to the LTB for rent abatement or repairs.
3. Is my landlord responsible for pest control?
   Yes, Ontario law requires landlords to deal with vermin and pest infestations promptly.
4. Who enforces housing standards in Ontario?
   Your local municipality enforces property standards, while the Landlord and Tenant Board handles disputes between tenants and landlords.
5. What forms help tenants resolve maintenance issues?
   T6 (for maintenance/repairs) and T2 (for rights violations). File them with the LTB for official action.

Key Takeaways

• You have the right to expect a safe and habitable rental unit at all times.
• Landlords must comply with Ontario’s health, safety, and maintenance laws.
• Document issues, communicate in writing, and use official forms if necessary.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Tribunal handling Ontario rental disputes, applications, and forms
• Ontario Standard Lease Guide – Provincial guide for leases and tenant protections
• Contact your city’s property standards or by-law enforcement office for urgent health and safety risks
• Tenant legal clinics and community legal aid: Search for options in your region for free advice
• Browse Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to find safe homes across Canada

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, Section 20: Landlord responsibility to repair and maintain rental units
2. Landlord and Tenant Board: Ontario’s Tribunal for residential tenancy matters

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