Living in Ontario and facing a leaky faucet or a broken lock can lead many tenants to consider doing repairs themselves. This guide explains when renters can reasonably carry out DIY repairs, how to document costs, and the practical steps to ask your landlord for reimbursement under Ontario rules. It covers communication tips, required evidence, examples of common repairs tenants may handle, and what to do if a landlord refuses to pay. The language is simple and aimed at tenants who are not legal experts, with links to official forms and the Landlord and Tenant Board[1] for clear next steps. Follow these steps to protect your rights and avoid misunderstandings.
Can tenants do DIY repairs in Ontario?
Tenants may choose to do small, non-structural repairs themselves, but whether you can expect reimbursement depends on the situation and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006[2]. Generally, landlords are responsible for maintaining a rental unit in a good state of repair and fit for habitation. If a repair affects habitability (heat, hot water, major plumbing), the landlord must act.
- Minor, non-structural repairs like replacing a lightbulb or tightening a loose cabinet hinge.
- Safety or habitability fixes that stop further damage if the landlord cannot act quickly, such as a small leak that would otherwise flood a floor.
- Repairs that require professional licences, structural work, or building permits should not be done by tenants.
How to ask for reimbursement
Follow clear steps to increase the chance you will be reimbursed for a DIY repair.
- Give written notice to your landlord describing the problem and the repair you intend to do, and keep a copy.
- Document the problem with photos or video and note dates and communications.
- Keep all receipts, invoices, and a short description of the work you did.
- Ask the landlord to confirm reimbursement in writing before you pay, or agree a reasonable amount in writing after the repair.
- If the landlord refuses, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for compensation or an order to repair.
For routine maintenance distinctions and who should pay for what, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities. For urgent situations that may justify a tenant acting immediately, refer to Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.
What if the landlord refuses to reimburse?
If your landlord refuses, gather your documentation and try these options in order: ask again in writing, offer to mediate, and if needed file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board (use the applications and forms page to find the right form)[3]. Examples of what you might request from the Board include an order for reimbursement of costs and, in some cases, compensation for reduction in services or enjoyment.
Practical examples
- If you paid $120 to replace a broken bathroom faucet to stop water damage, provide receipt, photos, and your written request for repayment.
- If the issue was a blocked toilet and you hired a licensed plumber, include the plumber's invoice and any communication showing the landlord could not be reached.
FAQ
- Can I do a minor repair and ask the landlord to reimburse me?
- Yes, for minor non-structural repairs you can do the work, but you should notify the landlord in writing first and keep receipts and photos to support a reimbursement claim.
- What counts as an emergency repair?
- An emergency repair is something that threatens health or safety or will cause serious damage if not fixed right away, such as a gas leak, major water leak, or loss of heat in winter.
- What forms do I need if I apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board?
- Use the Board's applications and forms page to select the correct application for compensation or an order to repair; the page lists form names and instructions for tenants.
How-To
- Document the problem with clear photos or video and note dates.
- Send written notice to your landlord explaining the issue and your planned action if they do not respond.
- Collect receipts, invoices, and any estimates for the repair work.
- Request reimbursement in writing and agree a reasonable timeline for payment.
- Wait a reasonable period (for example, 14 days) for the landlord to respond before escalating.
- If needed, file the appropriate application with the Landlord and Tenant Board and bring your documents to the hearing.
Help and Support / Resources
- Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario)
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (e-Laws)
- Ontario: Repairs and maintenance information for tenants
